This award was presented at the Indiana Statehouse by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler.
Now in its 14th year, the AgriVision Award is presented to businesses or organizations within the Hoosier agricultural community that are advancing the industry, whether that is by developing a new technology, working to address a worldwide issue or creating a better community.
Garwood Orchards is an agritourism destination in LaPorte where there is fun to be had for the whole family, along with nutritious locally grown fruits and vegetables, according to a news release from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
“These two agricultural operations take technology and community involvement to the Next Level,” said Crouch. “It was an honor to recognize the families and their agricultural businesses at the Statehouse today.”
MPS Egg Farms, one of the largest shell egg producers in the United States, is a sixth-generation family farm business based in North Manchester.
The family business, run by Bob, Dan and Sam Krouse, has 630 employees who care for 11 million hens, which produce more than 9 million eggs daily at six farms in Indiana, Illinois and Texas. Each farm is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and is certified by numerous third-party organizations for quality assurance, animal health and product safety standards, the release states.
MPS Egg Farms produces both conventional and cage-free eggs that are delivered to grocery stores and food distributors nationwide. MPS Egg Farms is a national poultry industry leader in the conversion to cage-free egg production, in response to client and consumer demand.
Sustainability and advancing the egg industry are top of mind for owners, Bob, Sam and Dan. Each serve on a number of industry boards such as the United Egg Producers, American Egg Board and Indiana State Poultry Association.
The Krouse family serves as leaders in their trade organizations and the agricultural community by focusing on what is best for the employees, their consumers, their flock and the environment, according to the release.
As part of their commitment to enhancing the environment, they have installed over 3,000 solar panels at their North Manchester egg production facility.
“MPS Egg Farms is pleased and humbled to be recognized with this prestigious award,” said Sam Krouse, vice president of business development for MPS Egg Farms. “We are proud to be part of Indiana’s storied agricultural heritage and look forward to continuing to work with our industry partners to further our state’s reputation as a global leader in agriculture and food production.”
“Garwood Orchards and MPS Egg Farms are pillars in the agriculture industry,” said Kettler. “The passion they have not only for their own businesses, but their respective communities is exceptional. It was an honor to recognize them and their contributions today at the Statehouse.”
