CAMP HILL, Pa. — The National Pork Board has selected Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Vice President Chris Hoffman as America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM for 2019-2020. Hoffman, who raises pigs on his farm in McAlisterville, Juniata County, netted the highest combined score in third-party judging and online voting.
The award recognizes U.S. pig farmers, who exemplify industry leadership, a demonstrated commitment to raising pigs following the We CareSM ethical principles and leadership in connecting consumers with the farmers who raise the pork they consume.
Hoffman was named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year after an on-farm audit of animal health, safety and management practices, a series of personal interviews and an online vote. Hoffman said he’s excited to lead discussions with consumers and food retailers to help promote pig farming and demonstrate the commitment farmers have to always do the right thing for their animals, the environment and the families who consume their products.
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“While I’ll begin the year by discussing our business with consumers and food retailers, my ultimate goal is to appear on regional and national television and radio programs to talk about how we raise pigs in this country. I want to meet with our nation’s leaders, including the president, and show them that we are an integral part of our food supply and the nation’s workforce,” Chris Hoffman said. “Farmers do a great job at raising pigs the right way, and now it’s my turn to help show the rest of the country how passionate we are about what we do and whom we do it for.”
Hoffman faced challenges unique to being a first-generation pig farmer, but with a progressive yet realistic philosophy, he has been able to gradually grow and evolve his Lazy Hog Farm to integrate the next generation and secure a bright future.
“Chris is both a strong advocate for our industry as well as the embodiment of a responsible, progressive producer,” said Jonesboro, Arkansas, pig farmer and National Pork Board President David Newman. “He will do a great job in leading pig farmers as we all work to demonstrate to our consumers that we aspire to ethically raise the safest, most wholesome protein supply in the world.”
Learn more about Hoffman and the America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award at americaspigfarmer.com or learn more about the National Pork Board and the pork checkoff program at https://www.pork.org or contact Cindy Cunningham at ccunningham@pork.org or 515-223-2600.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania.
–Mark O’Neil, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau