Yunnan Shennong Group, a leading force in China’s pig farming industry, is advancing its ESG strategy with a strong focus on sustainable pig production. The company has adopted “GROWTH” as its ESG framework, targeting areas such as green production, responsible governance, and employee welfare. In 2024, Shennong achieved notable improvements in feed efficiency and carbon reduction, reducing the feed conversion ratio and shortening the finishing period. Environmental investments exceeded CNY 64 million (USD 9 million), and the company aims to cut carbon intensity by 3–5% by 2025. These measures enhance resource efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of feed production.
Yunnan Shennong Group, a leading force in China’s pig farming industry, reiterated its dual commitment to growth and responsibility at its 2024 Sustainable Development Press Conference. While maintaining a leading position in China’s pig farming sector with competitive production metrics and costs, the company continues to deepen its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy.
GROWTH as a Guiding Framework
The Group has adopted the acronym GROWTH as the backbone of its ESG blueprint, representing six key strategic pillars:
- Green production and circularity
- Responsible operations and excellence in management
- Open innovation and co-creation with clients
- Well-being and holistic development of staff
- Trustworthy governance and risk management
- Harmonious society and shared prosperity
A company representative stated, “We are laying a solid ecological foundation through green production, driving efficiency with responsible operations, and enabling client-focused value through open innovation. Our commitment to staff well-being fosters an environment for growth, while sound governance ensures resilience and stability. Ultimately, we strive to contribute to a harmonious society through inclusive development.”
Feeding Efficiency and Carbon Reduction
At the core of Shennong’s environmental strategy lies a strong focus on feed efficiency. The company has advanced raw material processing technologies and continuously optimised feed formulations to improve feed conversion rates.
In 2024, feed consumption per finisher pig was reduced to 303 kg/head. The full-period feed conversion ratio (FCR), from 6 kg weaning to 125 kg market weight, averaged 2.55 – a 4.5% improvement from 2023. Average daily weight gain reached 800 grams, up 19.4% year-on-year, and the finishing period was shortened from 165 days to 147 days.These feed-related optimisations not only reduce feed consumption, but also significantly lower the environmental burden associated with feed production, including the use of natural resources and the carbon footprint of upstream supply chains.
In Q1 2025, the average total production cost stood at CNY 12.4/kg, with March figures dropping to CNY 12.0/kg. The FCR improved further to 2.45.
Modern pig farming facility of Shennong Group
Commitment to Green Practices
Shennong has also invested heavily in environmental infrastructure. By upgrading production processes, phasing out outdated capacity, and promoting crop-livestock circularity, the company raised its waste recycling utilisation rate to 81.6%. In 2024 alone, environmental investments exceeded CNY 64 million (USD 9 million).
The company has implemented real-time monitoring of energy and water use across its production sites and set a clear carbon intensity reduction target: by 2025, the Group aims to lower carbon emissions per unit of output by 3%–5% compared to 2024. Additionally, it seeks a 2% year-on-year decrease in energy and water consumption per product unit.
Shennong Group was honored with the “China-Ireland Pig Industry Sustainability Cooperation Award” by the Embassy of Ireland in China, recognizing its leadership in sustainable agriculture.
Looking ahead, the Group will continue to build on its ESG strategy to strengthen product competitiveness, promote resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts. Its long-term ambition is to evolve into a green, environmentally responsible, and sustainable agribusiness leader.
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