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Animal Agriculture By The Numbers

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According to soy checkoff analysis data from the 2012/13 marketing year, the most recent data available, domestic animal agriculture consumed 28.4 million tons of soybean meal (or the meal from nearly 1.2 billion bushels of U.S. soybeans) – by far the largest source of soybean meal demand.

In 2013, animal agriculture had the following positive national economic impacts:

  • 1,984,000 job impact throughout the economy
  • $16 billion impact on income taxes paid
  • $371 billion impact on total output in the economy
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CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.