As the pig farming industry faces increasing scrutiny over its practices, understanding the perspectives of those working within the sector is crucial for supporting transitions toward more sustainable and socially acceptable farming systems. The present study examined the views of 31 pig farming stakeholders attending a pig welfare symposium in the U.S., revealing complex tensions between current practices and future aspirations.

The researchers conducted six focus group discussions with participants including farmers, veterinarians, academics, and other industry professionals. Through thematic analysis, they identified four main themes: technical changes on farms, farm and industry culture, the farm-public interface, and sustainability.

Despite being asked about their vision for pig farming 20 to 30 years into the future, participants spent most of their time discussing current challenges. These included disease management, euthanasia practices, employee training, and infrastructure improvements. As one veterinarian explained regarding disease concerns: “We [need to] keep these viruses from running rampant […] influenza and whatever’s next. You know, it’s not so much the ones that are here, it’s what’s next.”

When discussing facility design, participants acknowledged concerns about restricted animal movement while focusing on worker conditions. One academic participant noted: “You have the higher ceilings, a little bit [lighter], whether it’s skylights or more windows, to make it a better environment for barn workers.”

The relationship between farmers and the public emerged as a significant theme, revealing conflicting views within the industry. Some participants advocated for transparency, with one non-profit representative stating: “[We need] more transparency so that consumers can be better informed and make better choices. ‘Cause … all they have is the horrible undercover videos that they see on social media, or [the] sanitized picture that some industries are selling them.” However, others resisted public influence, as evidenced by one industry participant’s comment: “I would hope in the future that consumers don’t gain the power to dictate how producers raise their pigs.”

Regarding sustainability, participants focused primarily on economic and environmental aspects. Economic viability was seen as crucial, with one industry participant emphasizing: “One of the things I want to make sure … is that it has to be equitable for the producer long-term. They have to make a profit. That’s what they’re in the business for.” Environmental concerns focused on waste management, with one participant noting: “I think one aspect of this ideal farm is that waste management systems have to be significantly improved … [this will] improve the welfare of the workers, the animals, and the environment.”

Worker welfare and training emerged as important themes. One academic participant highlighted the connection between worker and animal welfare: “Worker well-being, mental health of the workers. I think that plays a lot into animal welfare. Make sure that [the workers] are well supported, hopefully better paid [and] better overall welfare at their jobs and like being there.”

Technology was viewed as a potential solution to various challenges, including disease detection, employee training, and medication tracking. However, participants recognized that technology adoption depends on a variety of factors, including cost, effort required, and perceived benefits.

Overall, the study revealed that industry stakeholders were more hesitant to discuss future changes than current challenges. This tendency to focus on present issues rather than long-term vision could limit the industry’s ability to proactively address emerging concerns and maintain public trust.

The researchers emphasize that future work should include broader stakeholder participation and consider regional and cultural differences in approaches to industry change. They also note that the study’s participants, who were attending a pig welfare symposium, may have been more aware of animal welfare issues than typical industry stakeholders.

For animal advocates, this research provides a unique glimpse into the way that pig farming stakeholders view their industry, offering insights into areas where there may be common ground and areas where finding agreement will be challenging. The study suggests several key considerations:

• There’s a need to bridge the gap between industry perspectives and public expectations, particularly regarding animal welfare and farming practices.
• More attention should be given to social sustainability alongside economic and environmental concerns.
• Support for industry transitions should address both immediate challenges and long-term sustainability goals.
• Two-way dialogue between farmers and the public may be more effective than one-way educational efforts in building trust.
• Worker welfare and training deserve greater attention as essential components of sustainable farming systems.