The National Pork Board announced an expert judging panel that brings a new, multi-faceted approach to selecting the second annual America’s Pig Farmer of the Year.

Members of the five-member panel include Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane; Kari Underly, a third-generation butcher, author and principal of Range®, Inc., a meat marketing and education firm; Dr. Justin Ransom, senior director, supply chain management at McDonald’s USA; Dr. Jodi Sterle, an associate professor of animal science at Iowa State University; and Keith Schoettmer, the 2015 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year.

“We are very pleased to have such a diverse and accomplished group of experts to judge the finalists in this year’s America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award,” said National Pork Board President Jan Archer, a pig farmer from Goldsboro, North Carolina. “It was important to create a unique judging panel that was objective and brought a variety of perspectives to the table.”

Ganzert said, “As an animal lover and the leader of the country’s first national humane organization, I am honored to again serve as a judge for America’s Pig Farmer of the Year. American Humane celebrates all those, including our nation’s farmers, who care for animals and work hard to ensure they are treated humanely. Today, more than ever, it is important not only to point out where progress is needed, but to recognize when we get it right.”

McDonald’s, said, “I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this national award program. I am eager to learn more about how America’s best pig farmers are tackling issues such as long-term sustainability on their farms.”

The judges will evaluate and score a video produced at the finalists’ farms and then conduct in-person interviews with them. The public can view the farmers’ videos and vote for a favorite from Sept. 1 through 10 by going to www.americaspigfarmer.com. The final winner will be announced Oct. 11.