Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Advancing Sustainable Pork Production

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Leveraging Models To Measure Performance, Economics & Sustainability

By Laurence Nantel, Swine Nutrition Advisor, Trouw Nutrition Canada

As the world’s population grows, there is an increasing need to produce more food. The pork industry is conscious of the environmental impact that results from feeding global consumers. Moreover, consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainable agricultural practices. As such, food production is more and more challenged by environmental concerns.

Societal pressure and producer concern for more sustainable agricultural production has forced the pork industry to develop new sustainable strategies, with a particular focus on reducing carbon emissions. To reduce the carbon footprint of a farm, we must first analyze the carbon life cycle of the business; by assessing this, we can establish a benchmark to evaluate carbon intensity. Thanks to the development of new technical tools, assessing the carbon life cycle of a farm is now feasible.

For years, Watson, an integrated swine model tool, has been used to help producers make decisions about their operations, such as diet formulations, the use of feed additives or antibiotics, and transportation. More recently, sustainability has been incorporated into the software, which enables a calculation of the carbon budget of a farm. Carbon budget is measured as kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent; this is a universal unit of measurement, which permits comparisons across various emission sources (e.g., methane, nitrous oxide).

many piglets standing together
    Jodie Aldred photo

The sustainability feature within Watson can predict the quantity of environmental pollutants associated with all parts of the pork chain, incorporating everything from crop production to transportation, and all the steps in between, such as feed milling, feed intake, and manure management. The reports produced by Watson illustrate and break down the impact of each segment of the swine operation; this can identify areas of focus for reducing the carbon impact of the farm. This tool can also compare scenarios to assess the impact of other changes to an operation, such as varying the genetics, health status, and management practices.

To fully assess carbon intensity, the business must be thoroughly examined to account for the impact of management practices, feeding programs, and animal performance. Of all factors, feed has the largest contribution to the carbon footprint of a farm. For example, the transportation distance of each feed ingredient from field to mill, and then mill to farm, can have a large impact on the carbon footprint. As such, farms that produce their own feed crops can decrease their carbon footprint by reducing feed transportation. The second-largest impact on carbon intensity is related to the management of manure. The process through which pigs digest feed (enteric fermentation) forms methane, which is released via manure.

Although other industries may have a larger comparative impact on emissions, it is still important to reduce carbon emissions in agriculture. Again, many strategies can be implemented to reduce emissions. With respect to manure management, manure pits can be covered, whereas responsible energy use can also be implemented.

chart showing relationship between feed efficiency and ecological footprint
    Trouw Nutrition Canada photo

Improving animal performance may also reduce the environmental impact of pork production. In other words, improving feed efficiency can increase profitability, while also decreasing the environmental impact of the farm; Watson can quantify this impact. For example, in a simulation, we were able to calculate that improving feed conversion by five per cent reduces the carbon intensity of a farm by three per cent (above). Altogether, improving animal performance can be a win-win for both the farm and the planet.

Both economic and ecological sustainability can simultaneously be improved by assessing the carbon intensity of a farm; by assessing this, we can improve the overall performance of a farm. Moreover, the Watson tool can also rank the position of pork producers relative to other types of livestock production worldwide.

Overall, a product with a smaller carbon footprint is more appealing for the consumer and the swine market. The future of pork production involves measuring the ecological impacts of the operation to improve both animal performance and public trust. BP

Current Issue

October 2025

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

B.C. building new plant and animal health centre

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The B.C. government is building a new plant and animal health centre in Abbotsford. The new facility will be located at 34252 King Rd. next to the University of Fraser Valley’s Abbotsford campus. “This new centre will help producers prevent and respond to disease threats, protect our... Read this article online

New MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Case IH continues to expand its innovative harvest equipment lineup with the launch of the MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header, a new series designed to provide farmers with smoother, cleaner, and more efficient harvesting. Available in multiple widths — 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and even 61... Read this article online

Ag in the House: Oct. 6 – 10

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The Liberal government held its position on supply management when the Bloc Quebecois pressed MPs on the topic during question period last week. On Oct. 7, Yves Perron, the Bloc’s agriculture critic, reminded the House about Bill C-202 and how it protects supply management. He asked... Read this article online

Horror movies filmed in rural Ontario

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

As picturesque as rural Ontario and its farm settings can be, the landscape can also create the perfect backdrop to send chills down a spine. With that at top of mind and in celebration of all things spooky and horror in October, here are some horror movies filmed around rural... Read this article online

Winter Rules For Spreading Manure in Alberta

Monday, October 13, 2025

As winter approaches, Alberta farmers are reminded to review the rules for spreading manure on frozen or snow-covered ground. Under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), farms with nine months or more of manure storage are not permitted to spread manure during the winter unless... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top