Hog Farms: Economic Opportunity and Environmental Threats

North Carolina, the nation’s third-largest hog producer, generates over $10 billion annually but faces major environmental and public health challenges from industrial waste lagoons. Concentrated hog operations contribute to air and water pollution, odor complaints, and heightened risks during hurricanes, with disproportionate impacts on nearby rural communities. This paper traces the evolution of the state’s hog industry and highlights the economic pressures on farmers under contract farming systems. It proposes converting hog waste into fertilizer pellets as a sustainable solution, supported by tax credits, performance-based incentives, odor controls, and regional pellet hubs. By turning waste into a resource, these policies would reduce pollution, protect communities, and position North Carolina as a leader in sustainable hog farming.