Jan. 24, 2013
Contact:
Tyler Bettin, Producer Education Director
(800) 372-7675,
For Immediate Release!
IPPA honors Emmetsburg hog farmer as Master Pork Producer
(CLIVE, Iowa) — A long-time Palo Alto County hog farmer has been named a Master Pork Producer for 2012 by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Bill Bramley received the brass Master Pork Producer belt buckle, emblematic of the award, at the 41st annual Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines last night. Ceremonies included a brief multi-media presentation of his hog operation.
Bramley entered the hog business with a traditional farrow-to-finish operation 35 years ago. He added a finishing site in 1994 and converted to custom feeding. A second finishing barn was built in 1996. In 2010-11, both sites were renovated to wean-to-finish production standards. Animal care is a high priority and that commitment has contributed to excellent production numbers.
Both sites are equipped with above ground Slurrystore storage to improve manure containment and nutrient quality. Bill also has an active jet-pump business in Northern Iowa for cleaning manure discharge pipes.
Bramley is PQA Plus®-certified and the sites are both assessed.
Off the farm, Bill is very active and uses his passion for sports to help promote pork. He became a color commentator for Emmetsburg football and wrestling on KEMB Radio in 2000 and was the public address voice of Emmetsburg football for many years.
He organized a competitive BBQ team, Beach Bums BBQ, which competes successfully throughout the Midwest cooking “delicious” pork ribs and shoulders.
Bill and Deb Weir have four post high school children. Bill and family are avid Iowa Hawkeye football fans, attending each home game and travelling to recent bowl appearances. From a regular site on campus, they grill pork before each game. In concert with his passion for Iowa football and grilling, Bill and the Beach Bums BBQ team cook for the team, coaches and families at the beginning of spring practice. The team also has grilled in support of IPPA promotional events at Hawkeye games in Iowa City.
Nominated by their neighbors and peers, Master Pork Producers are recognized for their innovation, attention to quality, efficiency and production records within their farm enterprise. They are considered industry leaders who are committed to producing the highest quality pork products. Their operations are environmentally sound, they care about the livestock, are good neighbors and active in their community.
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