Who is the most environmentally conscious pork producer you know?
National Hog Farmer and the National Pork Board would appreciate your help in identifying a new class of Environmental Stewards of the Pork Industry. We are looking for pork producers who consistently and successfully manage their pork production systems in harmony with our valuable natural resources.
Now in its eighth year, the Environmental Stewards program is open to pork production systems of all types and sizes. Since 1995, nominations have come from family operations as well as pork production management teams working within a larger pork production system. Nominations should be focused on a single production site, outlining the owner's and/or manager's diligence in protecting our environmental resources.
Nominations for the 2002 Environmental Stewards are due no later than March 30. A national selection committee comprised of pork producers and experts from various disciplines, including natural resources, environmental management and pork industry groups, will review all nominations.
The committee focuses on seven primary areas:
General production and background.
Manure management systems including water quality, odor control and land application practices.
Financial management including manure management practices that enhance operation profitability.
Farm aesthetics, neighbor and community relations.
Efforts to promote and manage wildlife habitat.
Innovative ideas applied to the operation's environmental management plan.
A written statement addressing: “What Environmental Stewardship Means to Me.”
This information and additional questions are detailed on an easy-to-use nomination form available by contacting the sponsors: National Pork Board at (800) 456-7675 or through their Web site: www.PorkEnvironment.org (click on “Pro-grams” to access nomination form). You may also call National Hog Farmer at (800) 722-5334 or visit the Environmental Stewards link at www.nationalhogfarmer.com.
Pork producers, swine unit managers and other pork industry professionals may submit nominations.
Each of four winners will receive a special plaque, an expense-paid trip to the awards program and a $1,000 cash honorarium.
Send nominations to: Carrie Tengman, National Pork Board, P.O. Box 9114, Des Moines, IA 50306 or fax to (515) 223-2646 or e-mail: carrie.tengman@porkboard.org.