New Bedfellows

The video discusses the impact of Hurricane Florence on agriculture, particularly the hog industry in North Carolina. It highlights the challenges of hog waste management during floods and the industry's response to past hurricanes. The discussion shifts to the new normal due to climate change, emphasizing the need for a less vulnerable system. The partnership between Smithfield and EDF for sustainability is explored, along with consumer preferences for plant-based meat. Finally, the impact of trade tariffs on the pork industry is addressed.

What was the primary environmental concern related to the hog industry during Hurricane Florence?

• Deforestation for hog farming

• Overtopping of hog waste lagoons

• Air pollution from hog farms

• Noise pollution from hog farms

What is meant by the 'new normal' in the context of climate change?

• Increased frequency of intense rainfall events

• A return to historical weather patterns

• A decrease in global temperatures

• Stability in agricultural production

What was a key focus of the partnership between Smithfield and EDF?

• Increasing hog production

• Expanding into new markets

• Developing new hog breeds

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

How did Smithfield aim to reduce its environmental impact?

• By covering hog lagoons

• By increasing the number of hogs

• By reducing the use of fertilizers

• By importing more grain

What is a major challenge for the meat industry in adapting to changing consumer preferences?

• Expanding into new geographic regions

• Reducing the nutritional value of meat

• Increasing the price of meat

• Developing plant-based alternatives

What is a common consumer concern about plant-based meat alternatives?

• High cost

• Lack of availability

• Complex ingredient labels

• Poor taste

What was a significant impact of the trade issues between the U.S. and China on the pork industry?

• Increased pork production in China

• Decreased pork consumption in China

• Increased pork prices in the U.S.

• High tariffs on U.S. pork exports

What is one potential benefit of converting hog waste into renewable gas?

• Reducing the number of hogs needed

• Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions

• Improving the taste of pork

• Increasing the cost of pork

What role does the federal government play in supporting agricultural transitions?

• Promoting deforestation

• Providing disaster relief

• Increasing tariffs

• Reducing agricultural subsidies

What is a key factor in attracting investment for sustainable agricultural practices?

• Government regulations

• High consumer demand

• Economic viability

• Technological advancements