Todd Thurman: Global Pork Markets at an Inflection Point - Part 1 | Ep. 110

In Part 1 of this two-part episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul Windemuller sits down with international swine consultant Todd Thurman to unpack the global forces reshaping the pork industry. From China’s rapid transformation to consolidation, deconsolidation, and demographic decline, Todd explains why pork may be the clearest signal of where animal agriculture is heading next.Drawing on decades of experience across global pork systems, Todd challenges conventional narratives around growth, efficiency, and scale, and outlines why industry leaders must rethink long-held assumptions about demand, trade, and production systems in a rapidly changing world.MEET THE GUESTTodd Thurman is an international swine management consultant and the Founder & CEO of Swine Insights International. With over 25 years of global pork industry experience, Todd provides hard-hitting analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing animal agriculture.Having worked hands-on across 17 countries, Todd has partnered with some of the largest pork systems in the world, uncovering opportunities for improvement and helping organizations develop strategies to capture long-term value. In addition to his consulting work, Todd is a Strategic Foresight Practitioner and Demographic Analyst, whose research on geopolitical and demographic shifts in global food demand has served as a wake-up call for industry leadership.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.(00:00) Introduction & global context(04:30) Why pork is a leading indicator(09:00) China’s transformation and ASF(14:20) Consolidation and system fragility(19:10) Demographics and demand destruction(24:30) Efficiency ceilings in livestock(29:45) Transition to technology and foresight