The National Pork Board accepting applications for Pig Farmer of the Year
By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The National Pig Board is in pursuit of America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM for 2018.
The title is awarded to an American pork producer who demonstrates distinction in raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles. He or she is also an advocate for the industry, according to a National Pork Board release on Monday.
“America’s Pig Farmer of the Year, the award recipient, does a lot of activity in communicating and carrying the message about what our pork producers do on their farms each and every day,” Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board’s spokesperson, said to Farms.com yesterday.
They share these messages “especially with audiences who may not have the opportunity to visit a hog farm or may have never met a pig farmer in person. They really become the face and the voice of the industry.”
After a panel of third-party judges chooses a winner, the recipient will be announced in October during national pork month, according to the release.
The nominee must be a U.S. pork producer of at least 30 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2018. Anyone can nominate or apply for the award, and the public can help with the selection process. Video clips of the finalists will be posted here and people can submit their votes through the Pork Checkoff’s social media platforms.
“I encourage those who enjoy sharing their pig farming story to apply today. The past winners have travelled throughout the country, meeting with consumers, sharing what it means to be a pig farmer and how they personally produce healthy, wholesome food,” Terry O’Neel, National Pork Board president, said in the release.
The nomination form can be found here and the application form for producers interested in being considered for the award is here. The contest’s official rules are posted here.
Applications are due March 11.
Photo Credit: RGtimeline