Hogs


Aerial photo of a hog factory farm.

Aerial photo of a hog factory farm.

  • Fortunately, socially responsible farmers continue to raise hogs without the harmful impacts of industrial operations.  Learn more on our  Reclaiming Agriculture: Hogs page.

Featured

The Price We Pay for Corporate Hogs

A report about the impact of the industrialization of hog farming which emphasizes the historical political-economic context. Also provides ideas for alternatives and action strategies. (Marlene Halverson, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 2000.)

Testimony of Richard Dove, Waterkeeper Alliance, to the Senate Committee on Government Affairs

This March 13, 2002 testimony provides an outstanding overview of the problems with hog farming; sources are well cited.

General Resources

Production Statistics for Hogs in the US

US hog production statistics from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Select “Livestock” in Step 1, select “Hogs and Pigs” in Step 2, and click “search.”

Adverse Health Effects of Hog Production – A Literature Review

A compilation of facts about the harmful impacts of hog factories on human health. (Joseph Rudek, Environmental Defense Fund, 2008)

Dispelling the Hog Factory Myths

Brief article summarizing research on the relative efficiency of small and large farms. Smaller farms are often more profitable, efficient, and produce more jobs. (In Motion magazine, March 25, 1996)

The Effects of Industrial Swine Production: A Speaker’s Packet

This speaker’s packet was written by two master’s candidates at the Yale University School of Public Health, and authors of two previous publications on the odor problems of industrial hog farms. Includes a color brochure, 140 slides, and a narrative to go with the slides. An informative presentation for civic, public policy or agriculture groups; includes facts about pork production, and sections on adverse environmental outcomes, public health effects on neighbors, occupational health effects, effects on community dynamics, and solutions. For more information and availability of the packet, contact the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture at 918.647.9123 or mailbox@kerrcenter.com.

Farmed Animal Net

An electronic newsletter and website with information about farm animal related publications, action alerts, important contacts, links, meetings and conferences.

Porknet at U. Illinois

Provides the swine industry of Illinois with news and information about topics such as nutrition, genetics, and waste management to facilitate decision-making and to create closer ties between the Illinois Pork Industry and the University of Illinois.

Pork Powerhouses 2008

A list of the largest pork producers in the US and Canada.

Stop the Hogs

A comprehensive site that explores many of the issues associated with corporate agriculture. The site is focused on the Saskatchewan area (and Sask Pork in particular) but is a good resource for anyone fighting hog farms.

Swine Breeds

Alphabetical, illustrated encyclopedia of dozens of breeds of swine. Learn about the many breeds commonly raised throughout the US before factory farms. (Oklahoma State University)

Swine Information Links

A series of links with information about swine production and management. (University of Nebraska, Lincoln)

Swine Research at NC State

Maintained by the Extension Swine Husbandry Staff in the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina State University.

U.S. Pork

An industry website created by the American pork producers.

Groups

Families Against Rural Messes (F.A.R.M.)

This Illinois advocacy group focuses on protecting communities from hog factories.

Farmcrisis.org

Focuses on the issue of corporate concentration in agriculture.

Reports:

Addressing Externalities From Swine Production to Reduce Public Health and Environmental Impacts

A report by David Osterberg, MS, and David Wallinga, MD, about the health and environmental impacts of industrial swine production, and the current federal, state, and local strategies being used to address them. (American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 94, No. 10, October 2004)

Consumer Preferences, Premiums, and the Market for Natural and Organic Pork: Locating a Niche for Small-Scale Producers

A report by W. Parker Wheatley, a PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota Swine Center, Alternative Swine Production Systems Program. (February 2001)

Environmental Injustice in North Carolina’s Hog Industry

Abstract of a report by Steve Wing, Dana Cole and Gary Grant about the disproportionate impacts of intensive hog production on poor and nonwhite communities. The study states, “The excess of hog operations is greatest in areas with both high poverty and high percentage of nonwhites.” (Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 108, No. 3, March 2000)

Isolation of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria from the Air Plume Downwind of a Swine Confined or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation

This study evaluated the levels of antibiotic and multidrug-resistant bacteria in bioaerosols upwind and downwind of a swine confined animal feeding operation. (Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 114, Number 7, July 2006)

Large Scale, Corporate Hog Operations: Why rural residents are concerned and what they should do

Written by University of Missouri agricultural economist, John Ikerd, this document provides a concise overview of the problems created by industrial hog operations. Read other papers by John Ikerd here.

Organic Pork Production: A Two-Litter Pasture Farrow-to-Finish Budget

Report on the economic feasibility of raising organic pork. (Iowa State University, 1999)

The Price We Pay for Corporate Hogs

A comprehensive report on the impact of the industrialization of hog farming. Also provides ideas for alternatives and action strategies. (Marlene Halverson, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 2000)

Profitable Pork: Alternative Strategies for Pork Producers

Examples of alternative methods of raising pork profitably. (Sustainable Agriculture Network, October 2001)

USDA’s Index of Swine Information

An alphabetical list of topics covered in the three national swine studies conducted by the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System (1990, 1995, 2000). (October 2002)

The US Swine Industry – Where to from Here?

Report by Professor Glen Grimes and Professor Ron Plain, Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri. (State of Utah Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, 1995)

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