Explore how the nation’s swine industry values innovation, safety, and environment.

In AgAmerica’s latest article, we examined the swine industry and the commitment to safety, technology, and other innovations, and the environment found on any modern swine farm. Read excerpts from the article, and find a link to the entire piece, below.

The Commitment of the Swine Industry

As the producers of the country’s most widely eaten meat, the swine industry understands that consumers want to know more about where their food comes from. In turn, America’s pork farmers want consumers to know the industry is dedicated to producing a safe, humanely raised, high-quality product.

“Pork producers recognize that today’s consumers are asking more questions about where their food comes from and how it’s raised,” says Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the National Pork Board. “That’s why we welcome every chance we get to talk to people about modern pork production.”

An Eye on Constant Improvement

To keep improving hog operations, modern pig farming includes the latest technological advancements in areas of reproduction, disease control, and electronic identification. These management improvements not only benefit the hogs, but the environment as well by reducing the carbon footprint.

“Modern pork production facilities of all sizes provide animals with an environment designed especially for them to keep them safe, healthy, and comfortable,” Cunningham says. “This means they don’t get chilled in harsh winter weather or swelter during hot summers.”

C. Robert Dove, associate professor at the University of Georgia and state swine specialist, says that advanced technology improves animal wellness and delivers benefits to consumers. For example, Dove mentions that deep uterine artificial insemination is one of the biggest technological advancements in the hog industry, which has shown to improve litter size. It’s a win-win situation.

The Economic Impact of Innovation

North Carolina is one of the prominent swine production states, and ranks 4th in the nation for swine production. Other top states include, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Indiana. The industry contributes about $9 billion to North Carolina’s economy annually and employs more than 46,000 people. Nationwide, more than 60,000 pork producers market over 115 million hogs annually, and the industry supports approximately 550,000 jobs.

Of those 60,000 hog producers, most of them were more likely to consider farming their primary occupation than other types of farmers, often doing so on multi-generational farms.

To help with the costs of taking over a family swine operation, AgAmerica Lending offers custom swine farm loans. With correspondent lenders like Cameron Flowers, who operates in the Carolinas and Virginia, farmers have a face to put with their loan, and committed customer service whenever they may need it.

Read the article in its entirety here.

Swine Industry Infographic: