The National Pork Board recognized Steve and Sharon Oetting, Concordia, in the latest class of Environmental Steward Award winners at the National Pork Industry Forum in Dallas, Texas, on March 6. These winners exemplify excellence in environmental care and conservation in pork production.

"The National Pork Industry Forum provides a great opportunity for these producers to be recognized by their peers," said Steve Weaver, National Pork Board president. "It is important to recognize the positive environmental impact pork producers can have."

Other producers honored were: Enterprise Nurseries of Madrid, Neb., represented by John Csukker and Jill Goedeken; O'Neel Farms of Friend, Neb., represented by Terry and Diane O'Neel and family; and Veldkamp Farms of Jasper, Minn., represented by Jim and JoAnn Veldkamp.

The award winners received a plaque in recognition for their strong environmental ethics. Their stories were featured in National Hog Farmer magazine, which co-sponsors the awards program, in the Pork Checkoff Report and in an educational video produced and distributed by the National Pork Board.

"The environmental stewards are the greatest spokespeople for the pork industry and the environment," Weaver says. "I would encourage all producers to find out how to participate in the environmental stewards program. The program will allow them to become involved and to make a difference."

Nominations for 2009 Pork Industry Environmental Steward Award winners are due by March 31. More information, as well as applications, can be found online at www.pork.org, or by calling (800) 456-PORK.