More People Eating More Pork More Often

What does it take to get more people eating pork? And what happens if the industry can improve pig health while growing demand at the same time? In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by Hannah Walkes, President of Pipestone Services, and David Newman, CEO of the National Pork Board, for a candid conversation about the future of the pork industry.

Drawing from his experience as a pork producer, meat scientist, marketer, and industry leader, Newman shares why demand has become one of the biggest opportunities facing pork producers today. From his vision of getting “more people eating more pork more often” to the challenge of connecting with younger consumers, he explains why understanding the customer may be just as important as understanding production.

The discussion dives into what drives pork purchases today, including flavor, convenience, nutrition, and changing consumer preferences. Newman explains why he believes pork is uniquely positioned to win with future generations and highlights opportunities to build stronger demand both at home and around the world.

Of course, demand is only one side of the equation. Wayne, Walkes, and Newman also tackle some of the industry’s toughest health challenges, including PRRS, biosecurity, and foreign animal disease preparedness. The conversation explores whether the biggest barriers to progress are scientific or behavioral, what long-term disease elimination could look like, and why better pig health and stronger consumer demand must go hand in hand.

Along the way, Newman offers his perspective on producer profitability, the value of the pork checkoff, and the responsibility the industry shares in creating a sustainable future for the next generation of pig farmers.

Whether you’re thinking about market trends, swine health, consumer behavior, or the future of your operation, this episode offers a fresh perspective on where the industry is headed and what it will take to get there.

In this episode:

• Why “more people eating more pork more often” matters
• Consumer trends shaping the future of pork demand
• Reaching Millennial and Gen Z consumers
• Pork’s role in nutrition and healthy diets
• PRRS, biosecurity, and disease elimination
• Foreign animal disease preparedness
• Producer profitability and the pork checkoff
• Building a stronger future for pork producers