Company News

SEMEX INVESTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CENATTE GROUP IN BRAZIL

Semex and The Cenatte Group in Brazil are pleased to announce the establishment of a joint venture that enhances the strengths of both companies. Located in Pedro Leopoldo, MG, Brazil, Cenatte is one of the world’s leading biotechnology and bovine reproduction companies, working to increase beef and dairy client productivity for nearly 30 years. Enjoying excellent client satisfaction levels, Cenatte provides embryo transfer services, in vitro fertilization and genetic solutions, all now available through Semex Brazil. As both companies are dedicated to providing their customers and partners with the most innovative genetic solutions and technologies available, Cenatte aligns well with Semex’s global strategies and beliefs, and is well supported for future growth. “We are excited about partnering with Cenatte and its people,” says Paul Larmer, Semex Chief Executive Officer. “We know that we’re living in a global marketplace and we’re looking beyond our borders in order to provide leading genetic solutions. Cenatte will be integrated with our North American in vitro fertilization technologies, further strengthening our product line while offering the most up-to-date technologies to our Brazilian customers. We’re looking forward to working with our colleagues at Cenatte as one of our global partners, developing long-lasting and profitable herds for our clients. We believe that this is Genetics for Life and a key part of our vision and mission.” For more information on Semex, Genetics for Life or any of Semex’s suite of genetic solutions please visit www.semex.com
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Schuiling & Veres Join Semex Global Business Development Team

Semex is pleased to announce that Harry Schuiling and Zoltan Veres will be joining its newly expanded Global Business Development Team as Sales Managers effective early 2014. 

"We truly believe that people are our most important asset," says Paul Larmer, Semex Chief Executive Officer. "And, we're very excited to have these two gentlemen be promoted within our global organization to these new positions. Both have an exceptional history with the Semex family and we're pleased that they will be joining our global management team to further our growth strategies worldwide."

Harry Schuiling has served as the Operational Manager at Semex-Holland B.V. since 1997. He has been instrumental in building and establishing this organization as a genetic leader in Holland, Belgium and Denmark, providing strategic marketing and sales programs. These programs have resulted in growth, successful partnerships and profitable joint ventures. Prior to joining Semex-Holland B.V. Harry worked for a competing genetic company as a senior manager and was a veteran classifier for the Dutch Herdbook, classifying more than 10,000 cows annually. 

Zoltan Veres has been the Managing Director of Génbank-Semex Hungary Ltd. since 2002. During his tenure, Génbank-Semex Hungary has grown to be the market leader, being named the #1 Cattle Breeding Company in Hungary on the 2014 Golden List. Recently, Zoltan oversaw this facility's expansion that will allow it to accommodate 200 bulls under the Semex Gold Standard™ for collection, processing and distribution throughout the world. 

Working across territories, both gentlemen will work alongside John McDougall and Gordon Miller, two of Semex's Directors International Sales & Business Development. Harry will focus on Asian and European markets, while Zoltan will work in Central and Eastern European markets.  
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Semex's Growing Global Selection Program Drives Expansion of Hungarian Facility

Semex firmly believes that the best genetics are where you find them. With this in mind, Semex geneticists have been actively sourcing genetics well beyond North America’s borders for years. This sourcing has netted impressive results and the Semex facility located in Mezőhegyes, Hungary has been expanded to meet increasing housing, collection, processing and distribution needs.

“A prime example of finding exceptional genetics outside of North America is certainly the world’s genomic superstar, 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno,” says Pierre Laliberte, Semex Senior Vice President, Genetics & Research. “Born in Italy, Numero Uno ranked as the world’s #1 genomic sire longer than any other to date. His sixth dam was the result of an embryo imported from the US and through the continuous use of
top sires, the world’s first genomic giant was born.”

The new facility increases housing and collection capacity from 140 to 200 bulls, while also ensuring all European bulls are cared for in facilities that are governed by Semex’s stringent Gold Standard™ requirements for housing, production and distribution.

“The expanded Hungary facility solidifies Semex’s position in the European market,” says Robert McRae, Semex Vice President, Global Operations. “Having these bulls housed in the European Union (EU), and following the EU market health regulations, provides us with a product eligible for global distribution and offer us an enviable biosecurity advantage.”

“We’re genotyping more than 1500 European Holstein young sires a year,” says Laliberte. “This new facility will allow us to house nearly 200 bulls in state-of-the-art facilities and meet the growing demand for our Genomax™ product line.”
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Semex's Newest Genetics for Life Video Now Available On Youtube

Semex's latest video titled, 'Genetic Solutions For Life' is now available on Semex's Youtube channel by clicking here.

This video is an amazing piece that showcases how Semex believes in Genetics for Life, and how we believe that our people, our partnerships and our research will create discoveries and will help feed the world's growing population. 
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Semex's Genetics for Life On Display At The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair


As one of the dairy industry’s ‘must attend’ events of November, the 91st edition of the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair did not disappoint for Semex.

Prominent at the show, the Semex display was full of activity, as guests from Canada and dozens of countries worldwide discovered Semex’s products and services designed to increase dairy profitability including:


Immunity+™: A 2013 Dairy Herd Management Innovation Award Winner, Royal visitors were extremely interested in Semex's patented Immunity+ sires that have a naturally high immune response and will improve the health of the next generation 
SemexWorks™: Hundreds of visitors stepped up to our interactive station and used this simple touch, step-by-step process that helps them define their own genetic strategy 
Semex Premier™ Daughters: One of the most popular displays each year at the entire Royal, Semex showcased the following sires that offer genetics with both profitability and longevity:

0200HO00546 DE-SU BOWMAN: HealthSmart™ & Calving Ease™
0200HO05929 GEN-I-BEQ BRAWLER (2): HealthSmart & Robot Ready™
0200HO03648 DOMICOLE CHELIOS: Repromax™, Calving Ease & Show Time™
0200HO05592 CRACKHOLM FEVER: HealthSmart, Calving Ease, Robot Ready & Show Time
0200HO02399 OCONNORS JAY
0200HO05575 GILLETTE JORDAN: HealthSmart & Calving Ease
0200HO02600 O-BEE KRUSADER: HealthSmart & Calving Ease
0200HO05630 COMESTAR LAVANGUARD: Calving Ease, Robot Ready & Show Time
0200HO05584 FLEURY MATHYS: HealthSmart & Calving Ease
0200HO05567 R-E-W SEAVER: Immunity+™, Repromax, HealthSmart & Show Time
0200HO02137 PINE-TREE SID: Repromax & Show Time





“Semex and Genetics for Life™ is about genetic solutions, our commitment to research & development, developing long-lasting, profitable herds and lifelong partnerships,” says Brad Sayles, Semex Vice President Global Marketing. “All of this was front and center at the Royal, and dairymen from around the world were very impressed with ... Read More...

Semex Dominates Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

On the heels of a remarkable World Dairy Expo and an impressive show season, Semex’s Show Time™ sires once again demonstrated their prowess in Toronto last week at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, with three breed champions competing for Supreme Champion accolades!

Impressively 200HO sires were on the top side of the pedigree in 58% of all animals shown by 24 different sires. Impressively, 93 of these placed in the top 10 of their classes, 52 were in the top five, 12 were class winners and seven captured champion titles! With a career like no other, Braedale Goldwyn continued his dominance of the National Canadian Holstein Show, capturing the Premier Sire Banner, siring 27% of the entire show as well as seven class winners. For the fourth consecutive year, a Goldwyn daughter was named Grand & Senior Champion Female as 1st place 4 Yr Old, Robrook Goldwyn Cameron, captured the blanket of roses and was named Best Udder of Show. 


Other Goldwyn winnings include:




Comestar Larion Goldwyn, 1st Fall Calf & Res. Jr Champion
Cobequid Goldwyn Bayonet, 1st Winter Yearling
Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza, 1st Jr 2 Yr Old
Cookview Goldwyn Monique, 2nd 4 Yr Old & Res Grand & Res Sr Champion
Ms Goldwyn Alana, 1st 5 Yr Old & Hon. Mention Grand & Sr Champion
Calbrett Goldwyn Layla, 1st Mature Cow
Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy, 1st Longtime Production Cow
27 Goldwyns placed in the top five of their classes
50 Goldwyns placed in the top 10 of their classes



The Royal also featured numerous Semex sires that impressed visitors from the heifer classes through the Longtime Production classes. 12 class winners demonstrated Semex’s complete offering from the show’s beginning to its end including:


Goldwyn (7) see above
0200HO03603 Gillette Stanleycup: 1st Winter Calf (Altona Lea Stanleycup Gretzky)
0200HO03501 Gillette Windbrook: 1st Junior Yearling (Rotaly Windbrook ... Read More...

Mr Jan Gowenius from Sweden Receives the International Friend of Dairy Breeding Award

The International Friend of Dairy Breeding award recognizes the outstanding contribution of an international personality in the promotion of dairy breeding in Québec. This year, Mr Jan Gowenius is being honoured as part of the 19th edition of the Québec International Holstein Show (EIHQ). An accomplished breeder, Mr Gowenius has become renowned internationally while maintaining good relations within the Canadian genetics industry.

The Swedish-born breeder has been visiting with his Canadian counterparts since 1983. Mr Gowenius who is the easiest visitor to pick out in a crowd because he always wears a red toque, has paid visits to Québec and to CIAQ every year since the beginning of the International Holstein Québec Show, which is his favourite event and the place where he has the most Canadian friends!

Jan Gowenius saw his first Canadian cattle while he was taking an AI course in England. Impressed by their quality, he came to Canada and imported 40 purebred Holstein calves to fulfill his goal and build a purebred Canadian herd in Sweden based on Canadian genetics. In 1983, when the first purebred calf was born, the Gardsby Holstein herd was created and given a new prefix. In order to increase the herd faster, Mr Gowenius and his wife Monika went to Canada in 1986 to take a course in embryo transplant. This course was the first of its kind and marked the beginning of the Semex ILMS school!

In 1987, the Goweniuses became Semex’s representatives in Sweden. Another key moment in the herd’s development was the beginning of embryo exportation which started in 1996. In 2000, Semex asked the Goweniuses to start selling embryos in Finland, and so they did. After 10 years, Semex Finland was established. The company now stands on its own thanks to the work of this pioneer who transmitted to the Finns his passion for Canadian genetics. In 2012, Semex Sweden celebrated its 25 years of existence within a most ... Read More...

Semex's Royal Walk of Fame Showcases Genetics For Life

        Each year, Semex invites dairymen from around the world to visit Semex while at the Royal. This year hundreds of Semex’s international guests are planning to converge in Toronto for the 91st edition of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. As November’s ‘must attend’ event in the dairy industry, Semex plans to introduce and feature key products and services designed to increase dairy profitability to guests from Canada, the US and dozens of countries worldwide including: Immunity+™: A 2013 Dairy Herd Management Innovation Award Winner, Semex's patented Immunity+ sires have a naturally high immune response and will improve the health of the next generation  SemexWorks™: Visitors can step up to our interactive station and use a simple touch, step-by-step process to define their own genetic strategy  Semex Premier™ Daughters: This year we're featuring daughters from our Premier Young Sire Sampling Program, including the following sires offering genetics with both profitability and longevity: 0200HO00546 DE-SU BOWMAN: HealthSmart™ & Calving Ease™ 0200HO05929 GEN-I-BEQ BRAWLER (2): HealthSmart & Robot Ready™ 0200HO03648 DOMICOLE CHELIOS: Repromax™, Calving Ease & Show Time™ 0200HO05592 CRACKHOLM FEVER: HealthSmart, Calving Ease, Robot Ready & Show Time 0200HO02399 OCONNORS JAY 0200HO05575 GILLETTE JORDAN: HealthSmart & Calving Ease 0200HO02600 O-BEE KRUSADER: HealthSmart & Calving Ease 0200HO05630 COMESTAR LAVANGUARD: Calving Ease, Robot Ready & Show Time 0200HO05584 FLEURY MATHYS: HealthSmart & Calving Ease 0200HO05567 R-E-W SEAVER: Immunity+™, Repromax, HealthSmart & Show Time 0200HO02137 PINE-TREE SID: Repromax & Show Time Semex is a proud sponsor of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and invites attendees to visit the Semex booth and the Walk of Fame display located adjacent to the entrance to the cattle barns. For more information on any of the ... Read More...

International Friend in Dairy Breeding Award: Mr. Jan Gowenius

The “International Friend in Dairy Breeding Award” acknowledges the significant contribution of a person from outside Québec to the promotion of Québec dairy breeding. Mr. Jan Gowenius from Sweden will be named the 2013 recipient within the 19th edition of EIHQ. A highly skilled man, Mr. Gowenius has left his mark on the international level while maintaining good relationships with the world of Canadian genetics.

Jan Gowenius saw his first Canadian cattle while he was following an AI course in England. Impressed by their quality, he went to Canada and imported 40 purebred Holstein calves. He had a goal: to build a herd of purebred animals out of Canadian genetics in Sweden. In 1983, when the first purebred calf was born, the new “Gårdsby Holstein” herd was established. In order to increase the herd more rapidly, Mr. Goewnium and his wife Monika went to Canada in 1986 to take an embryo transfer course. This was the first course and the beginning of the Semex ILMS School!

In 1987, they were chosen to be Semex representatives in Sweden for the Holstein breed. In 2000, Semex asked them to start selling in Finland, and so they did. After 10 years, “Semex Finland” was established as a new company. In 2012, they completed 25 years with Semex Sweden. 

Mr. Gowenius has been visiting Canada and Canadian breeders since 1983. He came to Québec and CIAQ each year since the beginning of the Québec International Holstein Show. This is his favorite place, the place where he has the most Canadian friends!

The organisers of the Québec International Holstein Show raise their hats to this highly skilled man for his work in cattle breeding!
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Semex's Genetics for Life Takes Center Stage At World Dairy Expo

Known as the ‘Center of the Dairy Universe,’ World Dairy Expo (WDE) 2013 will certainly go down in the record books as one of the very best ever at Semex. With thousands of people visiting with us in order to find out more about our products, programs and services, the Semex Tent and our booth in the exhibition hall were the places to be at WDE. Both locations showcased Semex’s key products and services including: Immunity+™ (a Top 10 Winner of the 2013 Dairy Herd Management Innovation Awards); Semex Works™ (an easy, interactive, flexible program that will keep dairies a step ahead); Semex ai24™ (the SCR-HR® tag was a Top 10 Winner of the 2013 Dairy Herd Management Innovation Awards); and daughters of our Premier™ program graduates. The Premier program is the fastest growing in the US and the display included daughters by: 0200HO09901   CLAYTON-CREST ACE: HealthSmart™ sire graduating in December 2013 0200HO05929     GEN-I-BEQ BRAWLER: HealthSmart™ sire 0200HO03648     DOMICOLE CHELIOS: Repromax, Calving Ease and Show Time sire 0200HO05592     CRACKHOLM FEVER: Repromax™, HealthSmart, Robot Ready™ and Show Time™ sire 0200HO00528     SILDAHL JETT AIR: HealthSmart and Calving Ease sire 0200HO05549     REGANCREST REGINALD: Repromax, Calving Ease™, Robot Ready and Show Time sire “Our guests and visitors were extremely impressed with the time they spent with us at World Dairy Expo,” says Paul Krueger, Semex Director, Sales & Business Development, USA. “Semex and Genetics for Life™ is about genetic solutions, our commitment to research & development, developing long-lasting, profitable herds and lifelong partnerships. Dairymen saw that Semex’s programs and services are their best option when it comes to building long-lasting, healthy and profitable herds. Our team was excited to share our story with these folks and looks forward to visiting with them more in the future.” For more information on any of Semex’s brands or the products, programs and services ... Read More...