The environmental stewards were selected by judges drawn from pork producers and environmental organisations. The judges reviewed the applications or nominations from pork producers representative of the pork industry’s commitment to minimising its footprint on the environment.

Their operations were evaluated on their manure management systems; water and soil conservation practices; odour-control strategies; farm aesthetics and neighbour relations; wildlife habitat promotion; innovative ideas used to protect the environment and an essay on the meaning of environmental stewardship.

“As always, an exceptional group of pork producers has applied or been nominated for this award,” said Lynn Harrison, a member of the environmental stewards selection subcommittee and National Pork Board president.

“Pork producers in general make the choice to farm responsibly and to protect the natural resources, air, soil and water. These producers in particular made the choice to share what they do with their neighbours, their communities and with us," he added.

This year’s honors were awarded to:

• Meadowlane Farms of Frankfort, Indiana
• Keppy Farms of Durant, Iowa
• M and J Farms of Hadley, Minnesota
• Seaboard Foods’ Wakefield Farms of Turpin, Oklahoma

Lynn Harrison, also a previous award winner, said that each operation dealt with a different environment, different inputs, different type of soil, different regulations.

"Each one employs sound environmental management practices to deal with its particular situation. We believe this commitment and responsibility merits our recognition and elevates our industry’s image,” he added.

Award recipients will receive the recognition of their peers at the National Pork Industry Forum in St. Louis, next year. The Pork Industry Environmental Steward Awards are co-sponsored by the Pork Checkoff and National Hog Farmer magazine.