Pig farmers use Lean and green tactics to improve production

For many years, companies across the globe thought sustainability was the antithesis of profitability, and there was no possible way for a company to succeed while also being eco-friendly. However, a variety of industries have found that couldn't be further from the truth. In particular, the pork production sector has noted very little change in profitability despite significantly reducing its carbon footprint through continuous improvement.

Data from a new Checkoff study suggests water use has been reduced 41 percent, land use by 78 percent and overall carbon footprint by 35 percent. Meanwhile, the average female pig produces 9.97 piglets per litter, up by 0.02 from the same time in 1978, when the industry had a much larger carbon footprint. Everything from feed production to crop-nutrient usage has been streamlined to achieve more with less.

“This is exciting stuff for those who have an interest in how we care for our pigs today,” Conley Nelson, president of the National Pork Board and a farmer from Algona, Iowa, told The Pig Site. “This research shows the progress we've made over the last 50 years, but it is our commitment to continuous improvement during the next 50 years that will be critical to feed a growing population.”

Looking to the future

Nelson expects the industry to continue to become more sustainable. For example, he notes that more farmers are participating in initiatives such as Pork Quality Assurance Plus, which now represents 74.9 percent of the U.S. pig inventory. PQA Plus ensures pork producers are being socially responsible, raising high-quality livestock in a manner that is safe for both pigs and the environment.

Chris Novak, CEO of the National Pork Board and a key individual behind PQA Plus, notes that certification is growing more challenging as well, which speaks volumes about the commitment of pork producers to green and Lean production.

“It's not about the type of production facility, but about the care farmers give their animals,” Novak said. “The vast majority of pork farmers today understand and embrace our industry's ethical principles – but we know we are not perfect. A stronger PQA Plus program and the new Certified Swine Manager program are just two key elements in building on our legacy of continuous improvement.”

The PQA program has a number of certified advisors that will objectively assess the well-being of farm animals and other conditions at livestock sites.