Outlook, Sask., trucker Marcel Vermette was recognized for going the extra mile in caring for the pigs he transports each week.
Vermette, of Windridge Trucking, is the first recipient of the award of distinction for hog transportation handling, created by Sask Pork and the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan.
Adele Buettner, FACS executive director, said the award was created to commend drivers who handle livestock humanely.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about how food animals are treated, and losses from inadequate care and handling can be costly to the industry.
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She called Vermette a skilled animal handler and excellent communicator who makes regular deliveries of breeding stock across Western Canada and into the United States.
Vermette makes an extra effort to talk with customers and makes sure the effort he takes en route is effective and efficient, she said.
“He is just very conscious about animal care and that’s what the award is about.”
In order to be considered for the award, truckers have to do a good job of transporting live hogs and complete the Trucker Quality Assurance program.
FACS has introduced similar awards for the equine industry.
