Applications are available for the America's Pig Farmer of the Year award program sponsored by the National Pork Board.

Related: 'We Care' initiative demonstrates pork producer accountability

The new award, which replaces the 20-year run of the Environmental Stewardship award, highlights pig farmers who excel at raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and wants to share how he or she does that with the public.

America's Pig Farmer award applications will be accepted online until May 17.

National Pork Board's new 'America's Pig Famer' award highlights ethical animal care via the 'We Care' principles

The award is part of the National Pork Board's strategic plan to build consumer trust through on-farm transparency and accountability, said Brad Greenway, National Pork Board vice president. The ideal candidate will have a focus on environmental sustainability, as well as animal welfare, production efficiency, the adoption of best practices and a commitment to continuous improvement, he said.

Related: Pork checkoff designs award to build consumer trust

Third-party judges, including Iowa farmer Chris Soules of "The Bachelor" and "Dancing with the Stars" fame will help determine the final award recipient, with the winner announced during National Pork Month in October.

The public will also have an opportunity to vote on the winning pig farmer through the Pork Checkoff's social media outlets. In September, short video clips of the finalists will be displayed at americaspigfarmer.com, where people can vote for their favorite farmer.

Source: National Pork Board