Springer Mountain Farms President Gus Arrendale Rules Chicken Roost

ATLANTA (Oct. 24, 2013) – With eight billion chickens consumed annually in the U.S., it’s clear that Americans concerned with a healthy diet are turning to their favorite protein for nourishment. From farm to table, healthy eating starts with healthy animals.

Gus Arrendale, president of Springer Mountain Farms, has led the charge in healthy eating for more than 40 years. From raising chicks as a child to becoming company president, one thing has never changed – his passion for farming and the importance of raising a healthy chicken from the moment it hatches.  

“How you raise an animal directly affects the people who consume it,’” said President Gus Arrendale. "The fact that families are directly impacted by the treatment of our chickens is something that has always resonated and served as motivation to continuously push for better practices."

Arrendale was recently recognized for his efforts and awarded The American Humane Association’s prestigious National Humanitarian Medal. The award is presented each year to an individual whose actions reflect the essential values of compassion, caring and hope to children and animals. In addition, Springer Mountain Farms is the first poultry producer to be American Humane Certified™ for its dedication to animal welfare. 

"Gus is truly a humane visionary in the animal welfare community, deeply committed to the welfare of all farm animals,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association president and CEO. “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.”

Arrendale continues to lead the charge at Springer Mountain Farms to provide the purest chicken possible by raising them humanely and 100 percent all natural with no antibiotics, growth stimulants or hormones. The chickens are fed a pesticide-free, vegetarian diet with natural vitamins. The company health and welfare practices are recognized as being at the top of the industry, resulting in a healthier, completely natural chicken.                                                                                                           

To see Arrendale accept his award and learn more about the humane treatment of animals at Springer Mountain Farms, The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ will broadcast nationwide on the Hallmark Channel on Oct. 30 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. Central.

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