Data is the currency of the climate-smart economy. It’s something that I say in nearly every conversation about conservation agriculture and its impact on the environment. 

But, while data’s importance may be undisputable, everything that comes after that raises more questions. Take, for instance, findings from our recent report, “Farmer Perspectives on Data” that we produced with The Sustainability Consortium. That report underscoresthat inconsistences in data reporting—between both row crop farmers and hog producers—are making it nearly impossible to track critical metrics through the pork value chain.  

Underlining these findings, I am struck, again, by two articles published by Farm Journal’s PORK detailinginitiatives that industry leaders, PIC (Pig Improvement Company) and National Pork Board, are undertaking to quantify pig genetics data using metrics from life-cycle assessments. From their perspectives, these assessments could potentially open doors to farmers and create alternative incomes streams through quantifying and monetizing carbon.

Research shows-time and time again-that farmers are not unwilling to capture data. In fact, many are collecting data every day in their operations. The big hurdle that needs to be addressed to propel adoption of both data collection and data sharing comes down to trust.

Farmers need to trust that they are collecting and sharing the right data with the right partners for the right reasons.   

Streamlining data collection is one critical step. It will go a long way with producers if they can connect the dots not only between the data they are collecting and agronomic success on their farms, but to additional revenue streams. “Farmer Perspectives on Data” found that half of both row crop and hog farmers said they would be willing to share data if it opened the door to new market opportunities.

But, in order to gain the full spectrum of benefit from farm-level data, we need to gain the full trust of farmers.

I encourage you to read the “Farmer Perspectives on Data” report. I also recommend learning more from the insights of PORK Editor Jennifer Shike, which are also included in this newsletter.   

As for Shike’s headline, "Data Makes the Difference" – I definitely agree. But, I think that, for farmers, while data may make a difference, trust is the catalyst needed to make the difference.

Yours in regenerative ag,
Amy Skoczlas Cole
President, Trust In Food™

When it comes to valuing innovation such as genetic improvement, one of the most important steps you can take is to complete a life cycle assessment (LCA), explains Chris Hostetler, director of animal science at the National Pork Board.

LCAs verify the environmental impact data is defensible, Hostetler says, so you don't have a situation where an innovation is accused of greenwashing. LCAs allow you to test and verify the entire system to determine if carbon equivalents were, in fact, generated. 

“It's very critical that an LCA be conducted for any innovation that would be coming into the market in terms of a carbon asset,” he adds. “I cannot tell you if I can fit a metric ton of carbon equivalents in my front pocket. Carbon is not visible. So, the data is where the reliability of those claims comes from. For me, being able to collect the data accurately, and in a defensible manner, is critical to ensuring that the carbon assets are what they say they are.”

That’s a gap that PIC has been working to address. PORK Editor Jennifer Shike examines the relationship between animal genetics and sustainability and what doors could be opened for producers as a result of data. 

Pork producers often think about meat as the only commodity they produce. But Chris Hostetler, director of animal science at the National Pork Board, argues they produce so much more and deserve to see benefits for their efforts.

In October 2022, PIC and the National Pork Board teamed up to develop a framework that will help demonstrate the valuable role genetics play in creating a more sustainable protein supply. This framework will help determine what needs to credibly be done and demonstrated in order for corporations to claim a genetic improvement as a greenhouse gas reduction.

PORK Editor Jennifer Shike brings insights into the critical role that data plays in expanding markets for pork producers.