Company News

HURST NAMED US SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Semex is pleased to announce Michael Hurst has been appointed US Senior Sales Manager effective September 6, 2016. In this role Michael will lead our national sales team, being responsible for achieving sales and profitability targets through the development and growth of our US sales and distribution channels.

Hurst has over 20 years of business-to-business experience in the agricultural industry. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a master of science degree in animal breeding and management, Hurst worked for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) as an Assistant Manager of Jersey Marketing Service and Director of Appraisal. In this role Hurst managed seven area representatives, two office staff and five appraisers who evaluated 50,000 Jersey cows annually. During his tenure at AJCA, Hurst grew total sales, helped launch an internet auction service, streamlined data and workflows, and grew Jersey member program participation. Additionally, he coordinated and enhanced the All-American Jersey Show, assisting with the implementation of the Premier Performance Class, as well as the new show ring Exhibition Code, and was a field representative to the Mid-Atlantic states.

Hurst was also a Financial Service Officer for Farmer Credit Services of Mid-America in Springfield, Ohio. While at Farm Credit Services, Hurst’s full time producer portfolio consisted of operating, IT and mortgage loans. Hurst’s accomplishments include being named Rookie of the Year in 2006, as well as ranking in the top 10 year to date sales for the entire Farm Credit Services organization for 2009, and top 10 sales in 2008 after closing $31 million in new business.

In 2009 Hurst joined Semex as our North East Regional Manager. In this role he worked closely with our team, strategically growing Semex’s business while developing our people and business-to-business relationships at the farm gate.

Most recently Michael was Director of Sales at River ... Read More...

Semex Saddened By Loss of Gordon Souter

As General Manager of WestGen, Gordie Souter was integral in bringing together the four Canadian A.I. organizations (WestGen, CIAQ, Gencor and EBI now known as EastGen) to form The Semex Alliance in 1997.  At that time, the sire analyst group was brought under The Semex Alliance structure and Gordie provided leadership to the genetics team and was responsible for acquiring bulls in the Western Provinces until his retirement. Because he was a visionary leader, he was asked to work on special projects for The Semex Alliance including a review of housing, production and distribution nearly 20 years ago. Today, many of his recommendations have come into fruition. Known for his thriftiness, vision and passion for the A.I. business, Gordie provided leadership to Semex subsidiaries, liaised with the Board of Directors and traveled worldwide as a well-respected Semex ambassador. From Semex Partner-Owner WestGen: During his more than 40-year career in the genetics and AI field, Robert Gordon Souter – or as most people knew him, “Gordie” – made an impact on the Western Canadian industry that is simply unmatched. Born in Alberta and educated in British Columbia, Gordie joined what was then called the BCAI Centre (now WestGen) in 1961 as a technician, and worked his way up to becoming General Manager in 1977. His exceptional skills and vision in all aspects of genetic improvement enabled him to become a major innovator in the cattle breeding industry, and lead him to refine genetic evaluation methods, develop sire proving programs, introduce genetic mating programs, and improve cow identification and registration. Furthermore, no one has been responsible for the purchase of more millionaire sires than Gordie- Madawaska Aerostar, Oliveholme Aeroline, Stouder Morty and Mainstream Manifold are all credited to him.  In 2004, Gordie was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Barbara, were also presented with the Ralph J. Barichello Memorial ... Read More...

SEMEX ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Semex is excited to announce the enhancement of its Product Development Team. Comprised of the Genetic Development and Product Acquisition groups, this team’s focus is ensuring Semex remains an industry leader through its unique genetic strategies and acquisitions, as well as its own internal product development and promotion strategies.

Working alongside exclusive and preferred partners and breeders globally, this team will cultivate long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that will continue netting the world’s most sought after genetics.

“We’re extremely excited about this talented group of people,” says Brad Sayles, Semex Vice President Product Development & Client Solutions. “Each one brings excellent knowledge and the proven experience in today’s fast-paced genetics environment that will continue propelling both Semex’s and our partners’ genetic strategies forward. We look forward to their contributions to Semex and the genetics industry.”

Genetic Development Team:


Thierry Laberge: Thierry’s contributions to Semex’s genetics portfolio are significant and he will continue working closely with Canadian partner herds as he has since joining Semex in 1995
Mike West: Since 2007 Mike has been a part of the Semex Team. His dual role saw him providing excellent product support as well as sire acquisitions in the US, Canada and Europe
Carl Saucier: Carl has worked closely with Semex through partner-owner CIAQ since 1991, providing excellent product support as well as leading international tours
Jim Biggar: Like Carl, Jim has worked closely with Canadian herds through his role at Semex partner-owner EastGen since 1996, providing excellent product support and leading international tours
Carl Barclay: Carl has been with Semex partner-owner WestGen since 2007, most recently as a Reproductive Consultant, providing technical knowledge to sales persons and clients in ... Read More...

Semex Immunity+: Full-Body Solution For Herd Health

The only product offering 30% heritability to improve herd health, Semex’s Immunity+ continues to distinguish Semex as the worldwide genetic company of choice.

With over 20 years of research in immunogenetics and associated health benefits, immune response is highly effective and 30% heritable. Each generation bred to an Immunity+ sire is expected to reduce disease incidence by at least 5-10%. These offspring produce higher quality colostrum with more antibodies and have a greater response to commercial vaccines. 

“It’s our mission to offer our clients the very best solutions to improve herd health and profitability,” says Paul Krueger, Semex Immunity+ Global Brand Manager. “There’s no question that Immunity+ is their best option. It’s 30% heritable and is the only full-body solution for herd health that begins at birth.”

In its elite Genomax™ lineup, Semex now has:


72 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2400 GTPI
37 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2500 GTPI
10 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2600 GTPI
13 Genomax Jersey Immunity+ bulls
  6 Genomax Ayrshire Immunity+ bulls


This group is led by 0200HO10648 Endco Apprentice *RC (Kingboy x Supersire x Alchemy), who is the #2 Kingboy available in the breed at +2724 GTPI, +840 NM$, +125 CFP, +7.5 PL, 2.71 SCS, +2.1 DPR with solid +2.39 PTAT, +2.11 UDC. He’s also HealthSmart™, RobotReady™ and Red & White and his dam is a VG-85 Supersire x VG-85 Alchemy x EX-95-2E Altitude, the dam of the famous Apple!

For more information on Semex, Genetics for Life, Immunity+, Genomax sires or any of Semex’s brands visit: www.semex.com
... Read More...

Semex Sires Lead GTPI Rankings In August Summary

Semex’s Genomax program continues to be enviable worldwide, as 200HO is now home to the breed’s #1 and #5 GTPI sires in August 2016! These sires along with new releases and mainstays including Millionaire Sire, 0200HO00402 Mainstream Manifold who has ranked in the top 100 an impressive 22 consecutive times, spell success for Semex’s Genomax program. August highlights include:


December 2015 graduate, 0200HO02792 Sandy-Valley Saloon now ranks as Holstein USA's #1 High Ranking Sire at +2669 GTPI! This increase saw his figures rise to +2749 PTAM, +87 Pro, +96 Fat and +2.84 PTAT, making him the highest PTAT sire in the top 20 and the highest PTAM bull in the top 60. As an A2A2 sire, he's one of the most in-demand sires globally.
Ranking as the #5 GTPI sire, 0200HO03859 Sully Munition debuts with a full proof at an impressive +7.8 PL and +2557 GTPI. Also A2A2, Munition is a Repromax™, Calving Ease, Robot Ready™ and HealthSmart™ sire. Dairymen tell us they’re happy with their trouble-free Munitions.
The breed's leading *RC sire, 0200HO02828 Dymentholm S Sympatico *RC, increased to +2482 GTPI and +1854 PTAM with low 2.76 SCS, +4.7 PL, ranking as the #17 GTPI sire. Along with his high fertility Repromax status he’s also HealthSmart, Calving Ease, Robot Ready and Red & White, making him even more valuable.
Graduating in August are two Facebook sons, 0200HO02875 Teemar Alistair and 0200HO02870 Mr Lookout P Enforcer. Alistair is +2353 GTPI and Enforcer is +2348 GTPI. Alistair is a Calving Ease and Repromax™ sire. Enforcer is a Calving Ease and A2A2 sire.


Semex’s Genomax lineup has over 250 active Holstein sires including 60 over +2600 GTPI, 168 over +2500 GTPI and averages of +648 NM$, 2.79 SCS, +4.8 PL from 60 different sires!  

Topping this list:


0200HO10648 Endco Apprentice *RC (Kingboy x Supersire x Alchemy): #2 Kingboy available in the breed at +2724 GTPI, +840 NM$, ... Read More...

SEMEX ANNOUNCES GERRIT WENSINK PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Semex is pleased to announce that Gerrit Wensink (EastGen) has been appointed as President & Chairman of the Board for 2016-2017, succeeding Norm McNaughton (EastGen). Norm will continue as Executive Member of the Board. Also assisting Gerrit is Gary Bowers (CIAQ), who has been re-elected for a second term serving as Vice President. Other members of the Board of Directors include: Robert Wright (EastGen); Warren MacIntosh (EastGen); and Art Pruim (WestGen).
 
Semex is also pleased to welcome four new members who will serve on its Board of Directors:


Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ)
Ben Brandsema (WestGen)
Jean-François Morin (CIAQ)
Jean-François Simard (CIAQ)


Semex consists of three Partner Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. For more information on Semex please visit www.semex.com
... Read More...

The Passing of a Friend of Semex - Dr. J. Clare Rennie

It is with profound sadness that Semex announces the passing of a prominent supporter of Semex and Canadian agriculture.  Dr. Clare Rennie passed away peacefully on June 23, 2016 at 90 years of age. A long-time friend of Semex, Dr. Rennie was influential in developing relations between Semex and the Chinese dairy industry while advancing dairy technology in China. He served the agriculture industry in senior administration roles, including head of the Department of Animal Husbandry, acting dean of OAC in 1972, and later as an assistant deputy minister at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food for 17 years. Following his official retirement, Dr. Rennie began an exciting opportunity with Semex and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) as Project Director of the Canada-China Integrated Dairy Cattle Breeding Project to help China expand and improve their dairy industry. As a result of the 12-year project, animal health and production improved tremendously in China, and milk consumption grew. Dr. Rennie was honoured with the prestigious “Friend of China” Award in 2006 from the People’s Republic of China, which recognizes significant contributions by foreigners to economic and social progress in China. Among his many achievements, Dr.  Rennie was also inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1991.
... Read More...

DREW SLOAN JOINS SEMEX AS DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Semex believes that people are the cornerstone of its success and is pleased to announce the hiring of Drew Sloan as Director, International Sales & Business Development. Based in the UK and effective August 24, 2016, Drew will manage European and other key markets. 

Very familiar with all facets of the dairy industry, Drew began his work as a Sire Analyst for Genus. While at Genus he had an extremely successful career and was instrumental in the planning, execution and implementing the purchase of ABS Global. His roles included product development, semen production and finally in sales and marketing as Director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

In 2009, Drew joined the Scottish Government as Chief Agricultural Officer. In this prestigious position, he led a staff of 600, providing business and agriculture industry advice to the Cabinet Secretary. Most recently, Drew held the position of Chief Executive Officer for Silent Herdsman Ltd. Through his leadership skills he worked with their board to develop the company’s strategy, ultimately leading to the business’ sale in February 2016.

“Drew wished to join Semex,” says Gordon Miller, Semex’s Vice President, Sales & Business Development. “He saw us as the fastest growing, most innovative company in the industry and wanted to be a part of that! We’re excited to welcome him to our team and to work closely together as Semex expands its global footprint.”
... Read More...

VINCE BOSQUET RETIRES AS SEMEX CFO

Semex announces today that the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Vince Bosquet, will retire effective June 30, 2016, bringing to a close 25 remarkable years of service to Semex and our partners. Bosquet’s contribution to Semex began as General Manager of Eastern Breeders Inc (EBI) where he worked closely with the General Managers of Westgen, CIAQ and Gencor to form the Semex Alliance in 1997. Ten years later, he joined Semex as the Chief Financial Officer, leading the financial reporting team, the information technology department, and also serving as Vice President Corporate Affairs. “Vince was integrally involved in expanding our global footprint,” says Paul Larmer, Semex Chief Executive Officer. “He has always thought of Semex first, and has been a support to not only me personally, but also our Board of Directors. Vince’s greatest asset has always been his open, direct and bilingual communication. This, along with his great sense of humour, quickly and easily made him a key resource to the entire Semex organization.” During his tenure, Semex experienced unprecedented sales growth, with an expanded presence in both the global marketplace and emerging markets, changing the traditional business model. Key to his success, Vince had a deep understanding of the entire Semex organization, considering the supply chain, marketplace and the future in his analysis. “To grow, you have to invest,” reflects Bosquet. “The challenge was to invest wisely, thinking long-term, considering risks and opportunities. Second, you need the resources for the investment and really this is only a ‘cost’ if it’s not successful. I’ve always thought it was as important to decide what not to do, as what to do.” Semex appointed Robert McRae to the role of Chief Financial Officer, effective April 1, 2016, allowing for a complete and thorough transition of responsibilities. Robert joined Semex in August 2011, as Vice President, Global Operations, to lead the newly formed Operations ... Read More...

Semex's Steven Larmer Completes PhD In Animal Science

Semex would like to congratulate Global Dairy Solutions Coordinator Steven Larmer on completing his PhD in Animal Science with a focus on dairy cattle breeding and genomics. As a valued addition to the Semex Genetic Solutions Team in October 2015, Dr. Larmer will be instrumental in the development of new genetic tools and as the technical lead of our exclusive Immunity+™ technology. He will also play an important role in our global genetic education program and will work closely with Semex's genetic strategy and research initiatives.

Steven is no stranger to the dairy industry from his involvement in his family farm, Vintage Land and Cattle Ltd in Ontario. Following his passion in his educational studies, Steven attended the University of Guelph completing his BSc in animal biology and his MSc in animal science. As his interest in research and genetics advanced, Steven pursued and completed his PhD on the next generation of genomic technology for dairy cattle selection.
... Read More...