Ferlyn and Karen Hofer, Fairview Farms, Canistota, S.D., are the 2011 Pork Environmental Stewards of the Year.

The award from the South Dakota Pork Producers Council goes to a pork producer to recognize his or her dedication to the industry through outstanding environmental stewardship practices and community relations. The award is based on 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.

Ferlyn started their hog enterprise in 1978 when he purchased a farm on the same section as his parents' farm. He started farm with 75 sows, a few sheep and 160 acres of sorghum, beans, oats and alfalfa. Ferlyn continued expanding his operation in 1991 when he purchased his parents farm. Now he has hog barns on two site. Ferlyn and his wife, Karen, have 350 sows and sell more than 6,000 market hogs annually.

At its recent annual convention, SDPPC also presented awards to:

Clarence Rossow, Florence, S.D. -- Dedicated and Distinguished Service Award for his years of service and dedication to the pork industry. Rossow has served on most of the committees at the state level and continues to remain active on two committees. He is currently serving on the Budget Committee and Annual Meeting & Trade Show Committee. He has served as a SDPPC executive board member for more than 6 years.

Turner County Pork Producers, Turner County, S.D. – County Activity Award for the group's promotion activities throughout the state in 2011.

Doug Cunningham, KMIT radio -- 2011 Media Award for his coverage of the South Dakota pork industry news and events.

BraVo's!, Brookings, S.D. -- Restaurant of the Year Award. In 2011, BraVo's!, served approximately 7,400 pounds of pork. Cuts ranged from sliced and carved pork loin, boneless and bone-in pork chops and pork prime rib

Leah Rommereim, Alcester, S.D.; and Evan Koep, Lakefield, Minn.– Scholarships Awards. Rommereim is the daughter of Steve and Char Rommereim. She currently attends South Dakota State University and is majoring in agricultural education, communication and leadership specialization. Koep is the son of Larry and Cindy Koep. He also attends SDSU and is majoring in microbiology and biotechnology. Each received $500 from SDPPC

Source: SDPPC