The National Pork Board has named Keith Schoettmer recipient of its first-ever America’s Pig Farmer of the Year. The pig farmer from Tipton, Indiana, was recognized for his excellence in raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and connecting with today’s consumers about how pork is produced.

“We are pleased to have Keith represent America’s pig farmers, and we look forward to the dialog he will create as he travels around the country,” said Derrick Sleezer, National Pork Board president and pig farmer from Cherokee, Iowa. “It’s important that we connect with today’s consumers about how we raise their food in an ethical and transparent way. Keith’s interest in sharing his farm’s story – and putting a face on today’s pig farming – will help us reach this goal.”

Schoettmer and his wife Darla founded his family farm, Schoettmer Prime Pork, in 1987. They’ve grown the farm steadily over the years with their community’s values in mind and now raise about 22,000 pigs annually with the help of several full-time employees.

“I’m honored to receive this award from the National Pork Board,” said Schoettmer. “I couldn’t do what I do every day without the help of family and employees, so this award signifies a collective recognition of what we do every day on the farm to care for our pigs, our people and the planet.”

Schoettmer was selected after passing a third-party audit of on-farm practices and going through a series of written and oral interviews conducted by subject-matter experts. He has achieved excellence in all aspects of pig farming, including animal care, environmental stewardship, employee work environment and outstanding community service.

Schoettmer said, “I am proud of the hard work my fellow farmers put into producing safe, high-quality food. I look forward to sharing my personal farm story with consumers to help them understand the care that goes into today’s pork production.”