Peffer, Strouse Enter Pennsylvania Holstein Hall of Fame

Charlene M. Shupp
Espenshade
Special Sections Editor

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Holstein Association recognized the achievements of several breeders last week as part of its annual convention in Lehigh County. The convention was sponsored by the southeastern region county Holstein clubs.

Earning the Hall of Fame awards were Fred Strouse and F. Glenn Peffer. Creedin Cornman announced the two nominees.

Peffer was noted for his Holstein herd bearing the prefix, FGP. He started his farm near Boiling Springs with his wife Shirley in 1956. Together, they raised several Holsteins that broke county and state records. The first herd was sold in 1964. Then, they moved to a different farm and started again, breeding several Holsteins that won in the show ring and were marketed for their genetics with daughters sold nationally and internationally, and sons sold to AI.

Peffer is a former director for the Cumberland Holstein club, southeastern artificial breeders’ cooperative director, and 4-H leader. He was the 1959 Cumberland County Outstanding Young Farmer, recognized by the Carlisle Jaycees.

“I really appreciate this, said Peffer. “When you walk this pathway of life, you meet wonderful people.” He also thanked his wife for her support and dedication to his work with their farm.

Strouse said 4-H played an important part in his early life, helping him to begin his farming career. He has been quoted as saying “without 4-H, I would not have amounted to anything.”

Strouse started Tussey View Farms in the 1960s with a partner. Through multiple dispersals and start-ups, many cows with the farm prefix developed into strong competitors in the show ring and winning All-Pennsylvania awards.

Cornman said Strouse is known for his eye for good cows, telling a story of Strouse purchasing a new herd the same afternoon after dispersing a herd.

He has been active at all levels of the Holstein Association, chairing several state committees, helping with shows, and as a national convention delegate.

In his acceptance, Strouse gave a tearful thank-you for the award. He thanked his family for their support through his many enterprises. He also reflected on the many times he raced in “a couple of farm lanes to beat another guy” to purchase a cow.

Winning the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award were Duane and Ellen Andrews from Gillett, Bradford County. The herd was established by Duane while he was a technician for Select Sires and grown at his brother’s farm. In 2000, he moved to his own farm. He and Ellen married in 2002. The farm has 70 head with a rolling herd average of 22,088 pounds of milk and 25 cows scored Excellent. Because of the farm’s low cull rate, they have about 30 heifers to sell annually, using the funds to invest into farm improvements.

Winning the Pioneer Award posthumously was Wayne Reeder. Reeder operated a dairy in Adams County and was employed by Select Sire Power for 20 years, involved with direct farm sales. Cornman noted that Reeder “was a great supporter of youth” encouraging them with their work on dairy projects.

Charlene Shupp Espenshade can be reached at cshupp.eph@lnpnews.com, (717) 721-4426.