About Us

Center Prairie Genetics accepted the grand and reserve grand champion boar awards at the 2005 Southwest Type Conference, Belton, Texas. Pictured from left: Tom Olson, Steve Gerdes, and Sam Howell, National Swine Registry representative.

Our history in the purebred hog business began in 1973 with Tom’s purchase of a Poland China bred sow from his great uncle for a 4-H project. Tom’s parents, David and Margaret Ann, had raised crossbred hogs, farrow to finish, since they began farming in the early ‘60s.

Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s Tom and his sister, Julie, showed both Poland and crossbred hogs to numerous local, state and national honors.

Tom graduated from Black Hawk College-East Campus at Kewanee, Ill., and made the choice to return home to farm and raise cattle and hogs. In 1987, the decision was made to add purebred Durocs to the hog operation. The need to add additional muscle, growth and feed efficiency was recognized. In 1992, purebred Yorkshires were added for a maternal line. Building a functional sow herd has been a major focus for the operation. Since 1994, the sow herd has all been bred by A.I.—even for the boars housed on the farm.

In 2003, Steve Gerdes became a partner in the Olson’s hog operation—now known as Center Prairie Genetics (CPG). Steve grew up on a farm at Walnut, Ill., approximately 20 miles north of the Olson’s home farm. Steve raised cattle and hogs for 4-H and FFA projects before he was paralyzed in a football accident. Steve is now a lawyer in Houston, but his interest in the livestock industry has remained with him over the years and he was extremely excited about the opportunity to join CPG as a partner.

In the fall of 2004, the foundation genetics were purchased for CPG’s Hampshire herd. Look for exciting things to come from CPG as this purebred line is developed.

The CPG breeding philosophy emphasizes the maintenance of a superior female herd that is sound, productive and diversified in its genetic base. The sow herd is presently maintained at approximately 120 females, consisting predominately of purebred Durocs, Yorkshires and Hampshires, as well as a small number of select Polands. The crossbred portion of our sow herd, however, is significant and consists of females producing top-quality show pigs. With the disciplined expansion in the CPG Hampshire line, a major boost to the already successful CPG show pig program is underway.

The goal today at Center Prairie Genetics is to produce seedstock that will fit into both the commercial and show pig segments of the swine industry. Check the additional pages in this Web site for a list of the herd boar battery currently at CPG. Also check the CPG News section for a glimpse of CPG’s success in the show and sale rings.

“On behalf of Center Prairie Genetics, we welcome your interest in our seedstock. We always enjoy talking about what we are most passionate about... the swine industry.” — Tom Olson