Pfizer Animal Health recently recognized two Illinois women with their Pork Caregivers Award.

Judy Hinck, of Belleville, is a farrowing manager for CD Bell. Becky Matli, of Raymond, is a midwife for Borgic Farms, Inc. Both women were recognized for consistently reaching for high standards and making positive contributions to pork production.

"This program recognizes individuals who exceed expectations in their jobs," says Benjamin Church, senior marketing communications manager, Pfizer Animal Health.

Becky Matli receives the Fostera PCV Honoring Pork Caregivers award from Gloria Basse, Group Director, U.S. Pork Business Unit, Pfizer Animal Health.

The Fostera PCV Honoring Pork Caregivers award acknowledges the commitment of caregivers - including those working in the barn, service managers, production managers and others - to industry best practices. Pfizer Animal Health shares this commitment to best practices and continuous quality improvement, which guided the development of the Fostera PCV vaccine, the only single-dose vaccine that helps prevent PCV2 viremia.

Hinck has served in pork production for 26 years and currently oversees farrowing for a 2,600-head sow farm. Her passion for animals shows every day. She makes it a point to visit and pet every sow at least once a day. She is detail oriented and triple checks everything in the barn. From her weaning list to the treatments given, Hinck ensures everything is done correctly. All of her production practices are safe and efficient.

"My passion for the industry starts with a basic love of the animals," Hinck says. "I've always spent a lot of time hands-on working with livestock."

Judy Hinck receives the Fostera PCV Honoring Pork Caregivers award from Gloria Basse, Group Director, U.S. Pork Business Unit, Pfizer Animal Health.

Matli has served in pork production for 25 years and currently assists sows as they farrow on a 3,000-head sow farm. Her responsibilities include watching each sow during farrowing to determine whether it needs assistance and helping the baby pigs. As a result, Matli has lowered stillborn rates and pre-weaning mortality for the farm. She has been an integral part of the team that has moved this sow farm from 26 pigs per sow per year to 28.7 pigs per sow per year.

Matli says the key to success is being prepared for farrowing each day. "Have everything ready and in place - records, warming box, heat lamp and other supplies - so the piglet has the best chance for a healthy start," she notes.

Nearly 50 pork professionals from production systems across the country were nominated by their veterinarians, peers or managers over a two-month period. A panel of independent judges chose the five top caregivers from among the best. Each of the five winners and a guest received a trip to New York City April 18-21, 2012, where they were honored at the Fostera PCV High Standards luncheon.