Missouri pork producer Chris Chinn is opening her family’s farrow-to-finish hog operation to the world by inviting guests to take a visual tour through the power of YouTube.
“In today’s world, putting a face on farming is necessary,” says Chinn, a fifth-generation farmer who runs a 2,400-sow operation near Clarence, MO, with her husband, Kevin, his parents and his brother. “It’s important to use online tools like blogs and social networking sites to reach a wider audience and stand up for agriculture.”
The five-minute “Truth about Modern Pork Production” video depicts daily life inside the farrowing room and finishing barns. Chris narrates the video and describes the farm’s nutrient management plan, the barns’ computerized climate control systems and explains the importance of animal well being, from proper nutrition to veterinary care.
“We hope this helps people understand why we use modern technology on farms and the benefits it brings to our livestock,” says Chinn, whose husband shot the video with a camcorder. “Our motivation is to maintain our business and way of life so we can pass the farm on to our two children some day.”
The pork checkoff has recently released three new videos on YouTube to answer consumers’ questions about animal care, feeding, transport and more. The one-minute videos feature pork producers and industry experts fielding questions from consumers on animal care issues.
Videos on the checkoff’s YouTube channel includes “Pig Farmers Take Action” (which focuses on animal health and well-being); “Ride Along with a Pig” (transportation); and “Pigs Are Hungry, Too” (nutritional needs).