Six livestock producers, including two from here in Jasper, were honored at an Indiana State Fair ceremony this week.
Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director, Bruce Kettler, awarded the producers for exceeding expectations in farm management. The areas of environmental stewardship, animal well-being, biosecurity, emergency planning, and community relations are just a few areas they exceeded expectations in.
To complete certifications, livestock producers had to meet some requirements. They had to work with their veterinarian to develop a biosecurity plan, meet with the local fire department and create an emergency plan, and participate in their industry’s quality assurance program. The producers were also required to demonstrate their commitment to conserving the environment, along with being neighborly to those in their community.
Almost 150 producers have earned this certification since the program’s launch in 2008.
The following Certified Livestock Producers were recognized at the Indiana State Fair ceremony:
- Brent Emerick of Columbia City
- David Lesko Family of Sunman
- Dave Mathers (Walton Farm LLC) of Campbellsburg
- Leon and Mark Schmitt (Oakdale Partners) of Jasper
- Mitchell and Jennifer Stauffer of Trafalgar
- Tom and Sarah Jones of Hartford City
