Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Positive HAR Science 2026

2026 research on positive human-animal relationships in pig farming has advanced understanding of how stockperson behaviour influences pig welfare across multiple welfare dimensions.

Key Facts

Pigs on farms with positive stockperson approach scores show lower fear responses to humans
Positive HAR correlates with better health outcomes across multiple indicators in pigs
Stockperson training programmes have demonstrated welfare improvements within 6 months
Automated HAR scoring using pig movement analysis relative to approaching humans is in development
Positive HAR effects persist across the production cycle once established in early life

Welfare Considerations

2026 HAR research has strengthened the evidence base for stockperson training as a welfare intervention with benefits extending across multiple welfare domains. Pigs raised with positive human interaction not only show less fear of humans but demonstrate better immune function, lower disease rates, and improved reproductive performance. This evidence justifies investment in stockperson welfare training as a high-impact welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support stockperson welfare training programmes within pig farming communities
Advocate for positive HAR training to be included in pig farming professional development
Choose pork from farms that invest in stockperson welfare training