What is Sustainability?

Sustainability for America’s pork producers is about doing what’s right for people, pigs and the planet by following the industry’s We Care^® Ethical Principles.

We Care gives the pork industry a solid foundation to build upon. The next step is to measure efforts in each of the ethical principles.

Pork producers are encouraged to request a Checkoff-funded Pork Cares Farm Impact Report to help measure and document continuous improvement efforts for the pork industry.

Request your Pork Cares Farm Impact Report

Learn About Pork Industry Sustainability Goals and Metrics

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Building Public Trust to Protect Freedom to Operate

Today’s savvy customers and consumers want to know more.

The people who buy, sell, and eat pork want to know that pig farmers share their values and are committed to sustainability. They also want to know more about modern pig farming practices.

Building trust will help protect pig farmers’ freedom to operate and contribute to the long-term economic viability of the pork industry.

Show Your Farm’s Positive Environmental Impact

We’re on a mission to build public trust in U.S. Pork.

Pork producers can help demonstrate the pork industry’s commitment to sustainability by reporting the stewardship actions already in practice with a Checkoff-funded Pork Cares Farm Impact Report.

How It Works

1. Request Report
Take 30 seconds to fill out the form below with all the requested information.

2. Receive Introductory Email
A National Pork Board staff member will email you within 5 business days to schedule a 15-minute intro call with our trusted partner, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC).

3. Submit Data Securely
Your assigned SEC agronomist will assist you in collecting the on-farm data needed to begin the report. Submit your on-farm data via a confidential, secure platform.

4. Get Final Report
Once all data is received, expect your report in around 30-60 days. The SEC team will thoroughly present your final report to you, giving you a complete understanding of your metrics.

5. Share Your Impact
The report is now yours to tell your on-farm sustainability story. Share your report with financial institutions, packers, community members and more.

Request Report

Tri-State Grant Supports Climate-Smart, On-Farm Practices

Farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri can apply to receive technical support and financial incentives for adopting climate-smart agriculture practices thanks to the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability grant.

The five-year, $35 million grant program is administered by the National Pork Board (NPB) and six collaborating organizations through USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities program.

Request Pork Cares Farm Impact Report

Complete this form to start your Pork Cares Farm Impact Report.

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Phone*
Company or Farm*
Address*
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Terms and Conditions*
By checking the box, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to Terms and Conditions of the We Care® Program Initiatives and are a duly authorized representative of your organization.
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Pork Cares Farm Impact Report FAQs

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What is included on the report?

The reports include a Sustainable Continuous Improvement Plan – offering recommendations for producers to improve sustainability on their operations, such as:

Manure data with application and agronomic rates
Water data on both quality and amount used
Community outreach including donations and service hours

View a Sample Pork Cares Farm Impact Report

How are producers using the reports?

These reports offer immediate value to pig farmers. Previous participants shared their reports with financial institutions, suppliers and community members. They have also used the reports to make on-farm improvements and improve their bottom line.

What’s the time commitment to participate?

On average, total participation takes 2-4 hours. Participants will have an initial interview and provide data from the previous growing seasons (depending on farm size, each of these steps lasts about an hour).

What type of format do my data records need to be in?

Any type of record-keeping system—regardless of whether it is digital or on-paper.

Who is my data shared with?

Your data is yours and will be kept confidential. The name of your operation and your data will not be shared.

The results of all on-farm reports will be made anonymous and pulled into an aggregate of state and national reports to help the pork industry learn and share the industry’s sustainability story.

Are there any limitations to the type, style and size of operation?

No, the Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports cover a variety of farm types, sizes, and styles of operations and are free for Pork Checkoff-paying producers.

Who is involved in creating the reports?

NPB is partnering with a third-party expert, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, to make data collection and aggregation quick and efficient.

Who is paying for this project?

The Pork Checkoff is paying for this project.

Pork Is on a Mission to be the Most Sustainable Meat

For decades, pork producers have been at the forefront of sustainability, and they remain committed to continuous improvement in every area of pork production. The next step is to document this progress.

The pork industry sustainability goals and metrics – developed by America’s pork producers – will continue advancing sustainable pig farming through measurable actions that align with the industry’s We Care^® Ethical Principles.

Read U.S. Pork Industry 2021 Sustainability Report

Animal Well-being

We are committed to the highest level of care and well-being for the pigs we raise.

Our People

We are committed to providing meaningful, dignified work for the people who dedicate their careers to raising the food we eat.

Environment

We are committed to safeguarding and nurturing natural resources for now and future generations.

Public Health

We are committed to producing the highest quality food possible while increasing the enjoyment of pork and the well-being of people around the world.

Food Safety

We are committed to producing the safest food in the world.

Our Community

We are committed to growing and supporting strong communities for today and tomorrow.

Strong Progress for Pork Producers

Pork producers have made significant improvement when it comes to sustainability. In the past six decades, pork producers have reduced the pork industry’s environmental footprint by using less.

↓ 75.9% less land

↓ 25.1 % less water

↓ 7% less energy

↓ 7.7% fewer carbon emissions