What Has the Modern Swine Industry Gained… and What Has It Quietly Lost? | Dr. Doug Newcom
What Has the Modern Swine Industry Gained… and What Has It Quietly Lost? | Dr. Doug Newcom
The modern swine industry has never been more productive. Weaning rates are higher, pigs grow faster, feed efficiency continues to improve, and genetic tools are more powerful than ever.
But progress comes with tradeoffs.
In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith sits down with Dr. Doug Newcom, Vice President of Genetics and Technology at the National Swine Registry, to explore how the pork industry has evolved over the past four decades—and what may have been left behind along the way.
The conversation moves from genetic selection and reproductive efficiency to pork quality, resilience, stockmanship, youth development, and the future of the industry. Doug shares perspectives from a career that spans seedstock production, genetic evaluation, international swine genetics, and leadership within the National Swine Registry.
Topics include:
• How the industry increased pigs born alive from 10 to 14–16 pigs per litter
• Why pork quality and eating experience still matter
• What great breeders recognized before the data proved it
• Efficiency versus resilience in modern production systems
• The decline of independent seedstock producers and the impact of industry consolidation
• Why youth livestock programs remain critical to agriculture's future
• Lessons from promoting U.S. swine genetics around the world, including China, Vietnam, South Africa, and beyond
• What gives Doug optimism about the future of the pork industry
If you've ever wondered whether agriculture can become more efficient without losing the qualities that made it successful in the first place, this conversation is worth your time.
If you’d rather not chase these conversations on social media, I’ll send them your way.