The National Pork Board and National Hog Farmer magazine recognized the latest class of Environmental Steward Award winners during the National Pork Industry Forum in Dallas, Texas, March 5-7. 

"The National Pork Industry Forum provides a great opportunity for these producers to be recognized by their peers," said National Pork Board President Steve Weaver, Elk Grove, CA. "These winners exemplify excellence in environmental care and conservation in pork production.” he continued. “It is important to recognize the positive environmental impact pork producers can have and honoring these producers at Pork Forum allows other producers to get excited about this program." 

Recipients included:

• Enterprise Nurseries of Madrid, NE, represented by John Csukker and Jill Goedeken;
• Oetting Farms of Concordia, MO – Steve and Sharon Oetting;
• O'Neel Farms of Friend, NE – Terry and Diane O'Neel and family; and
• Veldkamp Farms of Jasper, MN – Jim and JoAnn Veldkamp.

Environmental steward award winners receive a plaque in recognition of their conscientious environmental management practices, commitment to community and wildlife habitat and their strong environmental ethics. Their stories were featured in the Sept. 15, 2008 issue of National Hog Farmer and in an educational video produced and distributed by the National Pork Board. Pork Checkoff and National Hog Farmer co-sponsor the awards program.

"The environmental stewards are the greatest spokespeople for the pork industry and the environment," Weaver said.  "I would encourage all producers to participate in the environmental stewards program." 

The National Pork Board is receiving applications and nominations for 2009 Pork Industry Environmental Steward Award winners.  The deadline is March 31, 2009.  The next class of environmental stewards will be honored at the National Pork Industry Forum in 2010. More information and applications can be found online or by calling (800) 456-7675.