Four farms have been chosen to receive the Pork Checkoff's 2013 Pork Industry Environmental Stewards award. The farms join other pork operations across the country in their commitment to protecting natural resources while minimizing the environmental footprint. This year's awards will be presented to: 

• Russell Brothers LLC, Monticello, IA
• Bacon Hill Farm, Dodge, NE 
• Krikke Pork, Greenwich, OH
• Blue Mountain Farms, Milford, UT

"The forward-thinking 2013 Stewards focus on innovative solutions and ideas on their farms," said Lynn Harrison, chair of the Environmental Stewards selection subcommittee and former president of the National Pork Board. "From turning manure into fuel to operate farm vehicles, to generating enough power to light up to 3,000 homes, the 2013 Stewards are putting their own stamp on raising high-quality pork for customers. And like other farms, they are doing it while adhering to the industry's We Care ethical principles."

The award, now in its 19th year, recognizes producers who demonstrate a firm commitment to safeguarding the environment and their local communities. The winners were chosen earlier this year based on their manure management systems, water and soil conservation practices, odor-control strategies, farm aesthetics, neighbor relations, wildlife habitat promotion and innovative ideas used to protect the environment. The judges represented pork producers and environmental organizations.

Their peers will recognize the 2013 Environmental Stewards at the 2013 National Pork Industry Forum next March in Kansas City, MO.

Read more about the 2013 Environmental Stewards in the Sept. 15, 2013 issue of National Hog Farmer. 

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