DES MOINES – The National Pork Board is accepting applications for its 2016 America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM award through March 13 at americaspigfarmer.com. The award recognizes a U.S. pork producer who demonstrates excellence in raising pigs using the We CareSM ethical principles and in sharing his or her story with the public.
“It has been an honor to represent America’s Pig Farmers,” said Keith Schoettmer, a pig farmer from Indiana and the first America’s Pig Farmer of the Year. “I encourage people to nominate excellent pig farmers who want to represent their farm and our industry.”
Schoettmer has participated in several events since being named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year in October. This has included taking part in a media tour in New York City and speaking at a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., hosted by the American Humane Association.
Third-party judges again will help determine the final award recipient, with the winner announced during National Pork Month this October. The U.S. public also will play a role in the final outcome by viewing short video clips of the award finalists on their farms at americaspigfarmer.com and by voting for finalists through the Pork Checkoff’s social media outlets.