Application and nomination forms for 2013 Environmental Stewards of the Pork Industry awards are now available. Each year, National Hog Farmer magazine and Pork Checkoff co-sponsor this national recognition program to recognize pork producers’ ongoing commitment to protect and enhance the air, water and land in the proximity of their pork production farms.
Nominations are open to pork production operations of all types and sizes. Past award winners have represented family-owned and -operated farms, contract producers and management teams working within an integrated production system.
Now in its 19th year, this recognition program has fostered a greater public awareness and appreciation for pork producers’ commitment to manage their hog operations in harmony with nature and the greater community. Additionally, this program reinforces to the general news media and the nation’s policymakers that pork producers are committed to protecting the environment and our valuable natural resources.
Do you have a friend, neighbor, co-worker or business associate who is doing an exceptional job of managing a hog operation and the rich crop nutrients generated by that production system?
Is he/she tuned into soil and water conservation practices, utilizing management strategies to reduce odor and improve air quality?
Are they sensitive to the needs of wildlife in the area?
Do they present a positive image for pork production in their communities?
These are qualities we are looking for in nominees for the annual Environmental Stewards awards.
Pork producers can apply or be nominated by state pork producer groups, Extension agents, swine veterinarians or other industry-related professionals. A nomination must focus on a single production site, outlining the owner’s and/or manager’s diligence and expertise in applying their environmental management skills.
Application/nomination forms must be emailed or postmarked by March 31, 2013. A national committee composed of pork producers and various pork industry and natural-resource organizations will review all nominations and select the top recipients for national recognition.
Each farm selected for this award will be featured in a special report published in the Sept. 15, 2013 issue of National Hog Farmer. Winners will also be featured in a video produced by the Pork Checkoff and recognized during the Pork Industry Forum held in March the following year.
Additional information and an easy-to-use nomination form are available at http://www.pork.org/programs/, or call the National Pork Board toll free at (800) 456-7675. To review articles and video clips of past Environmental Steward award recipients, go to http://nationalhogfarmer.com/environment.
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