Eco-Efficient Pork: The Role of Genetics in Cutting Carbon Emissions

Jan 27, 2025

Reducing our global carbon emission is crucial for a number of reasons including climate change mitigation, sea level rise prevention, and air quality improvement. Addressing these concerns is a global responsibility to protect future generations. To do our part, we have now completed a report using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology to quantify the real impact of genetic improvement of Hypor pigs.

It is well known that animal protein production is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and in the past, efficiency of livestock systems was mainly driven by economic incentive. We are now committed to sustainable swine breeding that considers total impact including economics, ethics, and environmental impact. Choices we make in animal genetics today impact the future and are multiplied in the thousands or even millions of animals.

Where can genetics make an impact ?

Studies have demonstrated that genetic improvement leads to a visible reduction of the ecological footprint of the animal protein value chain. Feed is the main contributor to the ecological footprint of animal protein, and we sought out to answer the question: how do improved FCR rates contribute to lower CO2 emissions and reduced land usage by the commercial customers of our products?

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Video: Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

It’s shipping day again at Ewetopia Farms as we sell another Suffolk yearling ram! In today’s episode, we load one of our Suffolk rams onto the trailer as he heads off to his new farm to sire the next generation of lambs.

This particular customer has been buying our rams for over eight years, trusting Ewetopia genetics for their gentle temperaments, strong builds, and proven performance. Back home, we get busy looking after the flock that’s staying behind. With the weather turning wet and chilly, it’s time to put down fresh, clean bedding to keep everyone cozy and comfortable for the season ahead. Later, we welcome a wonderful new family who’s just starting out in sheep farming!

They’ve chosen some of our Suffolk ewe lambs to begin their flock — and we couldn’t be happier to help them take their first steps into raising sheep. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode when we help deliver and settle their new flock at their farm.