How the Pork Industry Can Attract Younger Generations

If you've interacted with the younger generations, you've likely observed that they communicate a bit differently. 

For many of us in the industry, that can be frustrating, or even intimidating.

We look at the younger generation and see people absorbed in technology and social media. It can seem like they have no interest in the way the industry operates.

But the truth is, we can learn a lot from young people in this industry. In order to do so, however, we need to show them what we have to offer. 

Technology

Essentially, the key to working with young producers and employees is to get on their level, systems-wise. 

Younger generations—both producers and consumers—are serious about data. It's what they live and breathe and consume, every hour of every day via smartphones and smart technology. 

If we resist the change that becomes available to us through technology, young producers will turn away. 

That's why we're proud of the technology we use and develop here at New Standard. Systems like Nedap and Microfan are the perfect thing to showcase for younger generations to better understand the industry. 

With a greater focus on transparency, openness about the technology used in our barns, and the rewarding nature of the career, producers should be able to attract young, tech-minded employees interested in the animal sciences. 

Transparency

Utilizing technology and fostering transparency go hand in hand. 

And society, driven by the growing capabilities of technology, cares more than ever about how their food is being produced. 

Think about it. People used to simply go to the grocery store, make their purchases, bring their food home and eat without a second thought. Now, as technology essentially shrinks our world, people have more ability than ever before to analyze where their food is coming from, and if it's being produced ethically, sustainably, and efficiently. 

If they don't like what they're discovering, they'll simply go somewhere else. The world is literally at their fingertips.

In fact, over the last ten years, the EU has passed legislation mandating "food traceability" so that consumers are able to identify the origin and authenticity of products. Even in the U.S., the farm-to-fork mentality has begun to take hold.

The technology we're developing for hog producers allows us to foster the transparency younger generations are asking for. 

Young Producers Are Out There

It's true. The problem we're facing today isn't a lack of young people interested in the industry. It's simply a lack of understanding between generations. 

In fact, the younger generations are active and eager to get involved in production. They're using social media to connect with one another and share their experiences of working on farms and production facilities. 

Take the hashtag, #realpigfarming, for instance. It has over 14.4k posts. 

Young producers care about storytelling and sharing experiences. It's what social media is all about. They don't simply want to put in their day's work, go home and forget about it. They're passionate about the work they do, and they want to share it, both with their fellow producers and their customers.

Understanding social media can be powerful for producers, young and old. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are where our consumers live. If producers would get online and share their stories with the help of younger generations, they could tap into a whole new way of reaching their customers. 

Curious how better data and technology could help your barn attract the next generation? Click below.