Visionary Farming Gus Arrendale of Springer Mountain Farms was recently awarded the National Humanitarian Medal by the American Humane Association for his visionary leadership in animal welfare. Representing the third generation of a family dedicated to poultry farming, Arrendale has spent most of his lifetime on the farm in Baldwin, Georgia, where he oversees the day-to-day operations as company president. “Receiving this award was not only an honor and privilege, it was confirmation that all of our efforts in changing the way animals are treated and handled have been recognized,” Arrendale said. “Springer Mountain Farms is proud to have been the first poultry producer to implement the American Humane Association’s program, and it is our desire that other farmers and producers will follow. ‘Great Care. Great Taste’ is not just our slogan but our way of life.” “Gus is a leader in environmental stewardship and a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “The agriculture industry is the No. 1 economic engine in Georgia, and businesses like Springer Mountain Farms represent the best of what our state’s industry has to offer.” Arrendale learned the family business from the ground up, from working in the processing facility to making supermarket deliveries during his teenage years. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Georgia, he returned to the company and helped to develop it into the operation it is today. Certified for humane growing practices since 2001, Springer Mountain Farms produces all natural chicken raised on a vegetarian diet without the use of antibiotics, steroids, growth stimulants or hormones. “Gus is truly a humane visionary in the animal welfare community, deeply committed to the welfare of all farm animals,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president/CEO of American Humane Association, which oversees the treatment of nearly 1 billion farm animals (representing 10 percent of all livestock raised for food production each year in the United States). “Through his leadership by example, he has been instrumental in helping the nation’s oldest and largest farm animal welfare program grow at this unprecedented rate.” Equally dedicated to his community, Arrendale serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Piedmont College, as he has for the past 10 years. In 2010 he was presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Boy Scouts of America.
photography by michael rueter
Poultry producer Gus Arrendale of Georgia’s Springer Mountain Farms recognized for his leadership in animal welfare
Gus Arrendale was presented with the National Humanitarian Medal by the American Humane Association at the 2013 Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles, honoring the nation’s bravest canine heroes and humane heroes. Arrendale led Georgia-based Springer Mountain Farms to become the first poultry producer to bear the American Humane Certified™ seal of approval in 2001. Since then, he has been key in educating his fellow producers about the benefits of third-party animal welfare audits and humane certification. The American Humane Association is the longest running child and animal welfare organization in the nation, reaching millions of people daily through research, education, training and services. Learn more at www. americanhumane.org and www.springermountainfarms.com. Southern Seasons Magazine
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