Company News

Semex Is Pleased To Announce The Appointment of Jon Schefers as the US General Manager, Effective September 22, 2025

A well-respected industry leader, Jon joins the Semex Team with extensive knowledge of our business and expertise in several key areas, including advanced reproductive technologies, genetics, and sales. Jon will lead and align all aspects of the US operation, supporting one of Semex and Boviteq’s largest, most important, and dynamic markets.  

“As our US business continues to grow, we’re continuing to invest in the market, providing support to both our clients and Semex and Boviteq Teams from coast to coast,” says John McDougall, Semex Vice President of Sales. “Adding Jon to our US Team further strengthens our structure, creating even more opportunities for growth in this critical market.”   

With roots on his family’s Minnesota dairy farm and holding a Master’s Degree in Dairy Science, Jon began his career as a Genetics Specialist at Alta Genetics. Later, as Peak Genetics Program Lead, Jon was responsible for the internal development of Holstein, Jersey, and Angus breeds, producing many breed-leading animals, and collaborated with Boviteq.

Most recently, Jon served as the Global Genetics Director at CRV. In this role, he was responsible for product development, R&D, and the embryo production departments in both the EU and US. During his time at CRV, Jon enhanced collaboration across global breeding programs and led the development and launch of methane breeding values in international markets. Additionally, Jon serves as a Director for the National Association of Animal Breeders, a position he was elected to by his industry peers. 

Importantly, Jon shares Semex’s belief that people are our greatest asset and looks forward to working with our US Team,” says McDougall. “He’s passionate about our industry, understands its challenges, and ... Read More...

Neogen Corporation and Semex announced today their partnership to deliver Semex’s Immunity Technology as part of Neogen’s Igenity® Select genomic test for dairy producers. This partnership adds value to the genomic test, resulting in healthier herds, reduced antibiotic use, increased profitability, and a stronger dairy industry. 

Immunity Technology has a well-established reputation for helping producers select genetics that will improve the health of their dairy herds. With this licensing agreement, Igenity Select users will join Semex Elevate clients in being able to utilize Immunity to drive important breeding and selection decisions for healthier Holstein cattle.

“The launch of the Immunity Technology as part of Igenity Select marks another milestone in the Igenity brand’s mission to bring valuable genomic data to the cattle industry,” says Tom Schultz, Neogen Head of Livestock, US/Canada. “Dairy producers have a strong commitment to the well-being of their animals, and we are excited to provide this important information to our customers to aid in the advancement of animal health.”

“By combining the highly heritable immune response technology with disease incidence data, the Immunity Technology has proven to outperform any other health index available globally,” says Jay Shannon, Vice President, Semex Solutions. “This partnership with Neogen expands the footprint of dairies taking advantage of Immunity to accelerate their progress in developing healthier and more resilient dairy animals.” 

For more information on the Immunity Index, please visit www.semex.com/immunity  
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Semex is pleased to announce that Ryan Lett will succeed David Mayo as General Manager of Semex New Zealand, coinciding with David’s retirement on June 30, 2025

A well-respected industry leader, David began his work at Semex as the Semex Australia Area Manager for NSW and Queensland in 1996. In 2002, following the acquisition of the New Zealand market, David was appointed Market Development Manager, assuming a dual role between the two countries. In 2015, he became General Manager of Semex New Zealand, a position he has held to this day. Additionally, he served as General Manager of Semex Australia following the retirement of former General Manager Jim Conroy in 2018, a role he held until 2022.  

David’s extensive leadership helped build the market for Semex in both New Zealand and Australia, as he assembled and managed strong, enthusiastic teams. Reflecting on his time at Semex, David says, “Semex is and always has been a tremendous company to work for. The team environment created by its leadership has always been a highlight for me, along with the great people I have worked beside on a day-to-day basis.”

Ryan Lett succeeds David as General Manager in New Zealand, bringing over 14 years of experience with Semex and the New Zealand team. He initially served as a Product Support and Area Manager, then transitioned to North Island Manager, and in 2021, he was named National Sales Manager. 

During his tenure, Ryan has worked closely with the New Zealand team and received mentorship from David Mayo and Jim Conroy, the former General Manager of Semex Australia. Ryan is excited to continue delivering Semex’s progressive solutions and genetics to this growing market.  

“David has contributed a tremendous amount to the development and current success of Semex New Zealand,” says John McDougall, ... Read More...

Boviteq is thrilled to announce opening a cutting-edge OPU (Oocyte Pick-Up) satellite facility and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) lab at Arizona Dairy Company in Gila Bend, Arizona. This marks a major milestone in expanding world-class reproductive technology in the US Southwest.

“The team at Arizona Dairy Company has been a driving force in advancing IVF in large-scale dairy production,” says Dr. Shantille Campbell, Boviteq’s Director of Embryo Business Development. “They’ve been bold, innovative partners who consistently push the limits of genetic improvement. It was a natural next step to open a lab tailored to their growing needs.”

Founded in 1973, Arizona Dairy Company is a multigenerational, family-run dairy milking 3,250 registered Holsteins three times a day. The operation is known nationwide for producing elite genetics, emphasizing long-term sustainability and cow longevity. Hadley Ross, OPU Program Manager, leads the new IVF facility and represents the sixth generation actively involved in continuing their legacy of excellence and innovation.  

With Arizona's only IVF lab of its kind, the dairy has become a leader in producing high-quality Holstein genetics and beef embryos from its top-performing cows.

“We began IVF work with our top 5–10% based on TPI, NM$, udder composite, and feet & legs—our best cows—and thought, ‘Let’s make more of her!’” says Justin Stewart, Co-Owner of Arizona Dairy Company. “For us, the perfect cow is efficient, low-input, and consistent. She breeds back year after year and delivers milk, fat, and protein easily.”

"Boviteq has elevated our embryo production and reliability to the highest level. They are easy to work with, thorough, and assist us at every step of the way to ensure the maximum number of embryos per donor possible,” says Justin.

Boviteq is thrilled to announce opening a ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce its 2025-2026 Board of Directors. Jean-François Morin (CIAQ) will serve as President, assisted by Curtis McNeil (EastGen) as Vice President, and Executive Member Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ).

Semex is comprised of three Partner Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. As a leading global genetic company, Semex is focused on providing our clients with the solutions, innovations, and technologies that positively impact their lives, as well as the lives of the animals on their operations and within our global community. This is Genetics for Life.

Photo Caption: 
Standing L – R: Steve Fraser (EastGen); Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ) Executive Member of the Board; Jim Ross (WestGen); Amanda Jeffs (EastGen); Josée Charron (CIAQ); Tony Van Garderen (WestGen); Tom Pasco (EastGen); and Michel Frigon (CIAQ)
Seated L - R: Jean-François Morin (CIAQ) President; and Curtis McNeil (EastGen) Vice-President 
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Boviteq is pleased to announce that Nosawa, a longstanding partner of Semex for over 40 years, will serve as our In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) partner, bringing the world’s best advanced reproductive solutions to Japanese cattlemen.

“Nosawa and Semex have had a long-standing tradition of delivering the very best genetics to Japan,” says Melissa Bowers, Semex Vice President, Embryo Division. “Our partnership has brought some of the world’s greatest genetics to Japan. With the addition of IVF, we’re solidifying our commitment to each other and the Japanese producer.”  

This addition will allow the Japanese dairy and beef producers to access Boviteq’s industry-leading products and services.  

“It was 1984 when Nosawa first started to import frozen semen as a pioneer in Japan,” says Kiichiro Nosawa, President of Nosawa & Co., Ltd. “It is our great honor to introduce Boviteq technology to Japan this year on the heels of celebrating our 40th anniversary of importing semen to Japan. It is widely known that imported frozen semen has significantly improved the quality of dairy cows in Japan. We are confident that Boviteq’s IVF technology is the future and will contribute to further genetic development here in Japan.”

IVF operations will be located at the Nosawa laboratory in Hokkaido, and training, information, and technology transfer will begin in February.

“This is an extremely exciting time for us and our partners, Nosawa,” says Bowers. “Japan has an extremely strong genetic base, and with the addition of IVF, their genetic improvement opportunity is limitless!”

 

 

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Boviteq is excited to announce the installation of the Boviteq Blue Box™ in Australia!

This addition will allow the Australian dairy and beef markets to access Boviteq’s industry-leading products and services.  

“Our team is very excited by the opportunity to launch Boviteq to Australian dairy and beef producers in 2025," says Semex Australia General Manager Tyson Shea. "Australia has seen rapid growth and demand for IVF services recently, and we look forward to working closely with customers to develop and implement their own IVF strategies. Boviteq is a global leader in IVF, and by combining it with other Semex solutions, we will bring a total solutions approach to our clients, establishing Semex and Boviteq as Australian market leaders."

The Boviteq Blue Box arrived at the Semex Australian Pty office in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, earlier in October. Since then, the Boviteq Team has been working on final installations, conducting rigorous quality control testing, and implementing Boviteq’s strict standards. 

“In 2025, Australian producers will have a new choice for IVF,” says Melissa Bowers, Semex Vice President, Embryo Division. “We have proven our ability to lead the industry in IVF production regardless of how you measure success. Our clients globally, through our wholly owned labs and licensees, see the Boviteq Difference, and we’re proud to say that we’re growing, bringing IVF to commercial, dairy, and beef clients worldwide.”

"We aim to create value and strengthen our relationships with existing Semex customers while attracting new business and growth opportunities through Boviteq," says Shea.

Dairymen can find out more at International Dairy Week on Wednesday, January 22, at 1:30 PM as Melissa Bowers presents a seminar titled “Boviteq: Advanced IVF Solutions - Let’s Go Further, Faster.”
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Semex is pleased to announce new leadership at Semex France, with Arnaud Botrel as its new Owner-Distributor, effective January 1, 2025.

With over 24 years of mutual success in the French dairy industry, Semex, and Semex France remain steadfast in delivering their customers the best products and services. Arnaud has been with Semex for over 20 years, beginning as an enthusiastic salesperson and working his way up to Product and Regional Manager for over five years.

“France is one of the premier dairy markets in Europe,” says Semex Vice President, Sales John McDougall. “We’re focused on deepening relationships with our clients worldwide. French dairymen should feel confident that Semex and Semex France are their best sources of industry-leading products, technologies, and services. Our team remains ready to provide producers with the industry's most advanced genetic reproductive solutions.”

"Arnaud has been an excellent Product & Regional Manager for our Semex France Team, and we're grateful for his dedication and leadership," says McDougall. “We believe Semex’s future in France remains very bright with Arnaud leading this team in the extremely important French market.”  

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Boviteq is thrilled to announce the strategic selection of a new licensee location in Spain. This new IVF partner will combine its local intelligence with Boviteq knowledge to deliver the industry’s leading IVF services to clients.

Now, clients in Spain and Portugal through Embriovet have access to Boviteq’s excellent products and services, promising a brighter future for the industry.

“With the growth in IVF services and the extreme demand for our product worldwide, we seek partners to work shoulder-to-shoulder with bovine producers.  Embriovet is a logical choice,” says Melissa Bowers, Semex Vice President, Embryo Division. “Embriovet and Dr. Daniel Bello share our values of excellent service and client relationships along with an embryo philosophy that meshes with our own, making them ideal partners.”

"We are very excited to be partners with Boviteq,” says Dr. Bello. “We have worked in the embryo world for 30 years and always seek excellence. With Boviteq, we take a qualitative leap by incorporating the most advanced technology and accessing the knowledge and experience accumulated by one of the most prestigious groups recognized worldwide. Our clients make significant efforts and investments in genetic improvement and deserve that we support them with the best tools at our disposal. Improving the production of high-quality in vitro embryos with proven freezing technology that facilitates direct transfer will rejuvenate the domestic and export markets, giving us a solid base from which to grow.”

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Semex is excited to announce that it is one of 13 semi-finalists from 86 applications in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge. Announced by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, this $12M Challenge encourages innovators to develop and deploy economically viable and scalable practices, processes, and technologies designed to reduce enteric methane emissions produced by cattle. As a semi-finalist, Semex receives a non-refundable grant of $153,846 and is eligible to win additional funding in the later stages of the competition. With help from Lactanet, Semex proposed developing a breeding protocol and strategy that incentivizes dairymen to use low-methane genetics and measures, records, and verifies methane reductions over time. Semex is grateful to its partners, Lactanet and Dairy Farmers of Canada, for their collaboration and partnership in this project. For more information on this Challenge, click here.
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