Welfare Science

Pig Welfare Science Communication to Farmers

Effective communication of welfare science to farmers requires trusted messengers, practical framing, and attention to farmer identity and values.

Key Facts

Farmers often distrust welfare messages from NGOs but respond positively to peer farmer communicators
Practical, on-farm demonstration of welfare improvements is more persuasive than academic publication
Economic co-benefits framed alongside welfare arguments increase farmer receptiveness
Veterinary advisors are among the most trusted welfare communicators for farmers
Farmer network peer exchange programs have proven effective in spreading welfare-positive practices

Welfare Considerations

The welfare science that exists in academic literature only improves animal lives if it reaches and influences the people who care for animals. Investing in effective farmer communication - through the right channels, with the right messengers - is as important as conducting the research itself.

What You Can Do

Support organizations working on farmer-focused welfare communication
Engage with farmer perspectives when advocating for welfare improvement
Choose approaches that build relationships and trust rather than confrontation in welfare communication