Tyler Bettin, Producer Education Director

Jan. 24, 2013

Contact: Tyler Bettin, Producer Education Director (800) 372-7675, [email protected]

For Immediate Release!

Iowa Pork Producers Association names 10 Master Pork Producers for 2012 (CLIVE, Iowa) — The 2012 class of Master Pork Producers was introduced last night by the Iowa Pork Producers Association at the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines.

This new class features 10 hog farmers who were selected and recognized by their peers for excellence in pork production.

A slide show highlighting each new Master Pork Producer’s operation was shown and the coveted brass belt buckle, emblematic of the award, and a certificate of achievement was presented to each producer. Nominated by their peers and neighbors, all of the award winners are recognized for their expertise in their segments of the production cycle and understanding of current industry issues, quality assurance, animal identification and well-being and their production efficiency.

The 2012 Master Pork Producers are:

 Michael Abel, Mediapolis, Des Moines Co.  Bill Bramley, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto Co.  Tim Fellinger, Hopkinton, Jones Co.  Tim Hollinrake, Fayette, Fayette Co.  Edward Juhl, Hudson, Grundy Co.  Dean Klein, Panama, Shelby Co.  Brian Schneekloth, Little Rock, Lyon Co.  Dan Sheehan, Remsen, Plymouth Co.  Brad and Terri Van Gelder, Creston, Adams Co.  Craig and Karen Wulfekuhle, Earlville, Delaware Co.

The 2012 class represents more than 200 years of hog farming experience.

There is considerable diversity and specialization in pork production in Iowa today and it’s evident in the 2012 class of Master Pork Producers. The majority of hog farming is still done primarily by farm families and the production diversity helps maintain the strength of the Iowa pork industry and enables Iowa producers to compete successfully in the domestic and international commodity and specialty markets.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University co-sponsor the Master Pork Producer program, which began in 1942, to demonstrate the character and breadth of Iowa pork production.