The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association presented the “One Welfare” Recognition Award to Maple Lead Farms of Leesburg during its annual meeting on Friday, Feb. 6.

The award recognizes an Indiana resident or company promoting the advancement of animal welfare issues through outstanding service, research or education. The award can also be awarded to someone who significantly improves the welfare of Indiana’s agricultural animals.

Maple Leaf Farms, the nation’s number one duck production company, has instituted the Tident Stewardship to audit farms and other operations for health, handling, environmental management and biosecurity.

The other companies’ operations are overseen before receiving a score based on duck production and well-being. The audit team is made up of a mix up scientists, veterinarians, guest auditors and Maple Leaf Farms employees, while overseen by an advisory committee of outside experts.