Niman Ranch field agent turned full-time hog farmer honored for 23 years of dedication to animal care and producer mentorship
Niman Ranch, a specialty meat company partnering with a network of over 600 independent family farmers and ranchers, has named Phil Kramer as its 2026 Hog Farmer of the Year. Kramer was recognized during Niman Ranch’s 28th Annual Hog Farmer Appreciation Celebration for his decades of dedication to humanely raised pork, producer education and expanding his family’s farming legacy.
“My family’s 27-year partnership with Niman Ranch has allowed three generations of Kramers to understand the importance of the reward you can receive for a good work ethic,” shared Phil Kramer.
From Field Agent to Full-Time Farmer
Kramer’s journey with Niman Ranch began in 2003 when he joined as an early field agent under founder Paul Willis. Encouraged by his father, Martin, to persevere through the early challenges of traveling the Midwest and navigating administrative demands, Kramer quickly became a trusted, go-to technical advisor for production knowledge across the growing producer network.
Over the course of his 23-year career with Niman Ranch, Kramer supported hundreds of farmers in the network while simultaneously building his own family operation alongside his wife, Erin, a veterinarian and his father. Together, they raised three children, acquired a veterinary practice and established a thriving hog farm.
A Lasting Legacy of Care and Stewardship
Recently retiring from his role at Niman Ranch to pursue his true passion of full-time farming, Kramer remains a cornerstone of the network. The Kramer family currently markets 1,000 hogs to Niman Ranch annually with plans to continue expanding their operation using traditional, no antibiotics ever, natural practices.
“Phil Kramer embodies everything Niman Ranch stands for – deep agricultural knowledge, a commitment to raising animals with care and an unwavering dedication to supporting fellow independent farmers,” said Paul Willis, Niman Ranch founding hog farmer. “From guiding our producers in the field to building a resilient family farm, Phil’s impact on our network over the past 23 years is immeasurable, and we are proud to honor him as our Hog Farmer of the Year.”