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Advancing sustainability in U.S. pork industry

America’s pig farmers have long had a commitment to do what’s right for people, pigs, and the planet. With that in mind, the National Pork Board – alongside the National Pork Producers Council – has established new industry-wide sustainability goals and metrics to drive the industry forward. These commitments are rooted in the We Care® Ethical Principles established more than 15 years ago and represent the industry’s collective commitment to food safety, animal well-being, our people, public health, the environment, and local communities.

In September 2022, the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability grant submitted by National Pork Board (NPB) and six collaborating organizations was awarded $20 million through USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities program. The grant program is designed to increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products by advancing climate-smart agriculture practices in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri.

In this episode, we take a look at the efforts that are underway in the pig industry as it strives to be a leader in sustainability. Joining our own Ann Hess for that update is Ashley McDonald, assistant vice president of sustainability with the National Pork Board.

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Season 6, Episode 7: Takeaways from the Second International Conference on Pig Livability

Video: Season 6, Episode 7: Takeaways from the Second International Conference on Pig Livability

This year’s conference fostered open, engaging conversations around current research in the swine industry, bringing together hundreds of attendees from 31 states and six countries. Two leaders who helped organize the event joined today’s episode: Dr. Joel DeRouchey, professor and swine extension specialist in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University, and Dr. Edison Magalhaes, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Iowa State University. They share key takeaways from the conference, including the importance of integrating data when evaluating whole-herd livability, building a culture of care among employees and adopting new technologies. Above all, the discussion reinforces that this industry remains, at its core, a people business.