DES MOINES, Iowa — The National Pork Board is searching for the next Pig Farmers of Tomorrow, with applications now open through Nov. 12 at www.pigfarmersoftomorrow.com. The award recognizes, inspires and connects with the next generation of American pig farmers.
“It is important for the Pork Board to connect with future pork industry leaders,” said National Pork Board President Steve Rommereim, a pig farmer from Alcester, South Dakota. “We want to encourage young pig farmers to share their farm stories with the public to help put a face on farming.”
Up to three award recipients will be selected, with winners invited to speak at National Pork Board events, including the March 2019 National Pork Industry Forum in Orlando. The winners also will provide content for the pork industry’s social media program, #RealPigFarming.
Future farm leaders who intend to make pig farming their life’s work and who are committed to the U.S. pork industry and to raising pigs using the pork industry’s We CareSM ethical principles, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be actively involved in raising pigs in the United States on a full- or part-time basis and be between the ages of 18 and 29 as of Jan. 1, 2019. Students currently enrolled in a college program also are invited to apply.
If applicants haven’t completed a Common Swine Industry Audit, they must be willing to have one conducted and paid for by the Pork Board. Applicants must submit up to five photos that represent them as a Pig Farmer of Tomorrow. The Pork Board selection committee will name up to eight semi-finalists to be interviewed by a panel of judges, The judges will select the finalists, with the winners chosen based on a combination of all application materials.
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety and sustainability and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at pork.org.
— The National Pork Board
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