The quality of human-animal relationships on pig farms — determined by stockperson attitude and behavior — is one of the strongest predictors of pig welfare outcomes.
Stockmanship is a decisive but underappreciated welfare determinant on pig farms. No amount of good housing design compensates for poor human-animal relationships. Pigs that fear stockpeople are chronically stressed, harder to handle safely, and more prone to welfare problems. The good news is that attitudes and behaviors can be changed through targeted training, and the welfare improvements are measurable and durable. Retailer and certification audits that include stockperson assessment — not just physical environment checks — send the right incentive signal throughout the supply chain.