Epps Named 2012 Pork Environmental Stewards

Ray and Pam Epp Farms, Mission Hill, recently received the 2012 Pork Environmental Steward from the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. This award goes to a farmer to recognize his dedication to the industry through outstanding environmental stewardship practices and community relations. The applicants were evaluated on their manure management systems; water and soil conservation practices; odor-control strategies; farm aesthetics; wildlife habitat promotion; innovative ideas used to protect the environment and an essay about the meaning of environmental stewardship.  Epps' hog enterprise was started in 1979 when they built a 900 head wean-to-finish barn and remodeled a 1979 natural ventilation 300 bed barn into a curtain ventilation unit. They receive 1,200 isoweans at a time, and also farm 1,100 acres of alfalfa, corn and soybeans.

The SDPPC presented other awards at its recent annual Pork Congress.

Jim Anderson, Dell Rapids, received the Dedicated and Distinguished Service award for his years of service and dedication to the pork industry. Anderson has worked in the pork industry for just over 34 years and has been a huge supporter of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. Anderson has also been a long term sponsor of the SDPPC Annual Taste of Elegance.

Ken and Lynn Wintersteen, owners of the Menno Livestock Auction, were named the 2012 Friends of the Industry Award. They received the award for their outstanding support to the pork industry and their involvement in the community.

KWAT Radio Farm Director, Jody Heemstra received the 2012 Media Award for her coverage of the pork industry news and events in South Dakota.

Bros Brasserie Americano, Sioux Falls, S.D., received the Restaurant of the Year Award. Bros Brasserie Americano served approximately 5,000 pounds of pork in 2012. Customers can choose from many pork dishes containing pork cuts such as pork belly, shoulder, tenderloin and pork loin. Bros is known for making its own Canadian bacon.

Caitlyn Brandt and Adam Krause, both of Clear Lake, were the scholarship winners. They each received $500. Brandt is the daughter of Paul and Lisa Brandt. She currently attends South Dakota State University majoring in Agriculture Leadership and Agriculture Business. Krause is the son of Laron and Jolene Krause. He currently attends SDSU and is majoring in Ag Business.