Herd of the Year Sweden 2024 – Arbelunda Sörgård

Arbelunda Sörgård, in Köpingsvik, Öland, Central Sweden, and owned by Kerstin Persson and Göran Berg since 1992, has always been at the forefront of cattle breeding. Kerstin and Göran have a burning passion for breeding, and they embrace new advice and innovative techniques. This helps them keep a healthy, high-production herd of VikingRed and VikingHolstein cows averaging over 12,000 kg ECM, 4.4% fat, 3.9% protein, and low cell counts.

Göran is the fifth generation to run the farm after he took over the operation from his father when he was 19, while Kerstin is a seventh-generation dairy farmer who bought her uncle's farm at a young age. In 1992, the farms and herds merged; however, the old farms’ cow families still live on through the cows Docka, from Göran's farm, and Krona from Kerstin's.

During Växa Sverige’s round of district meetings in January 2025, Arbelunda was presented with the 2024 VikingGenetics Sweden Herd of the Year award. The award recognises the farm's long-term commitment to breeding innovation, distinguished quality standards, excellent management, and top-of-the-line genetics.

“The Herd of the Year award is for all of us on the farm. We have very dedicated employees who take on a lot of responsibility,” says Kerstin with a lot of pride. “Being a dairy farmer is hard but very rewarding work, and to receive this award after many years of work is especially gratifying, she adds.

Arbelunda has collaborated with VikingGenetics for over 20 years, greatly contributing to Nordic breeding and becoming an example of breeding excellence. Among the farm's most famous older bulls are:

• 2385 A Linné
• 2112 Arbelunda 
• 2302 Arbelunda

The farm has sold several bull calves to VikingGenetics, including VR Arbel (+17 NTM, VR Abin x VR Toffee) and VR Haken (+31 NTM, VR HavcarP x VR Triad), a new young bull with an interesting profile who just began production. Embryo work on the farm is also important, as Arbelunda has had six heifers with flushing contracts in the past three years.

“To succeed in breeding, you must be good at many other things too. We really focus on giving the calves the best start in life,” explains Kerstin. “Göran and I have to thank the cows for a lot,” she adds highlighting how if you look after your cows, they will look after your farm’s economy.

Arbelunda’s great passion for breeding and excellent management make them well-deserved recipients of the Herd of the Year award and a fine example of successful Swedish and Nordic milk production.