Semex is pleased to announce that Russell Gammon has been appointed to the role of Jersey Program Manager effective June 1, 2011.

Reporting to Pierre Laliberté, Semex Senior Vice-President, Genetics & Research, Russell will play a key role in continuing the global growth and development of Semex’s Jersey Program. In this position, Russell will be responsible for Jersey sire selection and will work closely with Semex’s marketing and sales teams, promoting and developing Semex’s Jersey Program.

Russell is extremely well known in the dairy cattle industry through his leadership and experience with Jersey Canada. Russell began his career at Jersey Canada as Assistant Editor of the Canadian Jersey Breeder, progressing to his current role of Executive Secretary in 1991. While at Jersey Canada, Russell was a strong proponent for the Canadian Jerseys, promoting the breed internationally and helping to stimulate business activity levels last achieved in the late 1960s. Additionally, he coordinated strategic planning and negotiated joint ventures to benefit Canadian Jersey breeders.

His dairy industry leadership roles are well documented and include: serving as President of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association; participating in the formation of Canada’s Multi-Breed Classification System; and, sitting as North American Vice President for the World Jersey Cattle Bureau. Russell’s dedication to the Jersey industry has been recognized multiple times, most recently in 2011 when Russell was presented the Distinguished Achievement Award by the World Jersey Cattle Bureau.

“Russell’s experience within the Jersey breed and his years of industry involvement will be a great asset to Semex,” says Laliberté. “We’re very fortunate to have a person with his practical knowledge, understanding, leadership and enthusiasm to manage our Jersey program and to join our genetics team.”