A study funded by the Swine Health Information Center Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program, in partnership with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and Pork Checkoff, assessed pig caretaker motivation and resources for practicing biosecurity in the wean-to-market phases of production. Led by Dr. Michael Chetta at Talent Metrics Consulting, the study revealed that greater emphasis on recognition, rewards, and resources positively influences caretakers’ biosecurity compliance. Additionally, new technologies and improved building designs were found to reduce caretaker demands while simplifying adherence to biosecurity protocols. Researchers observed that caretakers exhibit higher levels of trust when adequate resources, fair compensation, and recognition are provided. Conversely, concerns related to pay, disease threats, and equipment limitations were shown to negatively affect caretaker performance and overall work engagement.
Find the industry summary for Swine Health Information Center project #24-093 here.
Understanding what motivates farm caretakers is key to improving biosecurity. Earlier research provided support for the idea that caretakers generally want to follow biosecurity rules, but their motivation mostly came from within (personal values and beliefs) rather than from outside rewards or recognition. This previous work explored the motivations and barriers that determine whether caretakers consistently perform biosecurity control measures, and identified key drivers of motivation (Attitude strongest, Social Norms weakest), job resources which exert the greatest positive influence (Supervisor Support & Job Control) and least positive influence (Rewards), and the job demands determined to be most strongly acting as barriers which can prevent biosecurity compliance (Physical Workload & Demanding Contact with Animals).
Building on this previous work, the new study described herein conducted a more focused and in-depth analysis of those previously identified variables of interest. Goals and objectives of the in-depth analysis were to conclusively identify the job aspects most important to the role, as perceived by caretakers, and to communicate where pork producers’ targeted interventions would be most efficient and appropriate.
To conduct the analysis, a sample of 35 participants were recruited from four commercial pork producers based in the Midwest. Combined, these corporations have facilities in 11 states and three rank among the top 25 largest pork producers in the US. Data was collected between November 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025. Individuals who were actively employed caretakers in the wean-to-market phases of swine production were eligible to participate in the study. All 35 participants were invited to complete a survey questionnaire and an interview. Although only 28 individuals completed the survey, interview participation was higher (n = 35) and comprised the total sample size of 35.
The interviews were structured and contained five items to investigate:
1) the work caretakers do
2) their feelings on biosecurity (attitude)
3) their supervisor’s duties (supervisor support)
4) supervisor’s behaviors/actions (social norms)
5) biosecurity adherence
The survey questionnaire focused on aspects of the caretaker experience that were found in previous research as being the most influential on attitudes and behaviors related to biosecurity compliance, such as resources/support, feedback from supervisors, rewards, and the physical demands of the work. Surveys were available in both English and Spanish to accommodate participant language needs. The survey sample population included caretakers directly employed or contracted by one of the five participating pork producers (78.6%, 22/28) as well as owners (21.4%, 6/28).
Overall results of the quantitative analyses provide support for the idea that caretakers perceive biosecurity compliance as a high priority. Caretakers in the study often pointed out that simple mistakes, inattention, or lack of action by others were the most common reasons for breaking biosecurity protocols. Many also noted that there are very few rewards or recognition for doing things right, sometimes only punishments for getting things wrong. In other words, there is little external motivation to reinforce the importance of following biosecurity procedures.
Caretakers consistently confirmed that biosecurity is important and that compliance results in keeping the animals healthy. The sentiment most found while they spoke of biosecurity was trust (e.g., in supervisors, protocols, training, resources, facilities, and equipment). Job resources and support were identified as important to caretakers as they deal with the demands of their role. The physical nature of the work and continuous vigilance required to monitor animals for injury or illness may hinder their ability to consistently and correctly comply with biosecurity. The results strongly suggest that increasing caretaker resources as a potential intervention strategy could positively increase the consistent and correct execution of biosecurity protocols. Specifically, two areas identified as opportunities focused on 1) being rewarded for following biosecurity procedures, and 2) performance being rewarded properly.
With these outcomes, focus can more conclusively move away from training and motivation as areas of deficiency and focus on recognition, rewards, and resources to positively impact biosecurity compliance. The study reinforced that when these elements are lacking, performance and compliance can decline. Furthermore, technological upgrades and modernized facilities were viewed as crucial for reducing physical demands and simplifying biosecurity procedures.
With a focus on employee motivation and attitudes, this research will aid in the creation of interventions and processes to improve resources, recognition, and effective supervision that ultimately impact how caretakers do their jobs. By learning more about the challenges caretakers face and how biosecurity is impacted, the industry can better design systems that support workers, strengthen farm practices, and further protect animal health.
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement US Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment. Connect: @FoundationFAR
The Swine Health Information Center, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, protects and enhances the health of the US swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data, and targeted research investments. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Megan Niederwerder at [email protected] or Dr. Lisa Becton at [email protected].