Company News

As the fastest growing AI company in the world, Semex and genetic powerhouse, River Valley Farm, are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership and the stud code series… 0200JE10000. Semex is now home to the River Valley Farm Bull Program and it’s star-studded lineup of over 25 young sires including Craze, VIP, Rockstar, Change-Up, Checkmate and Racer all available from Semex in the Fall of 2016.

Semex has been River Valley Farm’s exclusive IVF embryo producer through Semex’s Boviteq, making this new partnership a natural progression.

“Semex’s Boviteq has been our exclusive IVF embryo provider since 2013,” says David Jordan, River Valley Farm General Manager. “We’ve seen first-hand their commitment to technology, innovation and customer service. From Boviteq to Immunity+™ to research dollars invested to their rapid market growth, Semex was an easy choice for us when we began re-evaluating our Bull Program.”

This new partnership expands the Semex Jersey lineup to the fastest growing in the industry, and gives nearly immediate access to some of the Jersey breed’s most in-demand young sires. River Valley Farm’s maternal lines include 160 of the breed’s top JPI™ females following the August genetic evaluation as well as: three US National Show Champions; three World Dairy Expo Grand Champions; a World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion; a Canadian National Champion; and many All-Americans and All-Canadians.

“Collaborating with industry-leading River Valley Farms and the entire Sauder Family is something we can not be more excited about,” says Brad Sayles, Vice President Product Development & Genetic Solutions. “At Semex we believe in cultivating long-lasting partnerships, and we see this relationship really benefiting our clients globally. Available very soon will be sires that rank at the top of Jersey listings, including seven bulls over 190 ... Read More...

Recently, Semex sire 0200HO05592 Crackholm Fever reached the pivotal Millionaire Sire mark at Semex, joining 12 other elite Semex sires that have each produced over one million doses of semen.

Semex is an industry leader in delivering the �best selling� sires of their time, which is the truest testament to breeder satisfaction and approval. As Semex's thirteenth Millionaire Sire, Fever is joining an elite fraternity of Semex icons including: Mainstream Manifold; R-E-W Buckeye; Ladino Park Talent *RC; Hanoverhill Inspiration; Madawaska Aerostar; Startmore Rudolph; Comestar Lee, Leader, Outside and Lheros; Stouder Morty; and Oliveholme Aeroline.

Debuting as the #2 Conformation sire in August 2010 Fever quickly became a stand-out in a sea of Goldwyn sons, and was dubbed the �Longevity King,� as his proof only seemed to grow stronger as he added daughters from proof round to proof round. In August 2013, he was named the #1 second crop conformation sire, and with his great health traits and exceptional fertility he quickly became an international sensation, garnering his own searchable hashtag on social media� the #feverfanclub.

"Fever is an exceptional individual,� says Brad Sayles Vice President Product Development & Genetic Solutions. �In August 2010 we graduated numerous Goldwyn sons. Fever stood out to our international client base as highly desirable, not just because of his great conformation, but because he has great health traits and is extremely fertile. His popularity has not waned, and only seems to grow globally. We�re extremely proud of the success dairymen are having with his daughters worldwide and we look forward to hearing more about them for years to come.�

For more information on Semex or of its suite of solutions visit www.semex.com
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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.

 

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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 ... Read More...

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...

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: 44 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2400 GTPI 23 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2500 GTPI ��6 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2600 GTPI 10 Genomax Jersey 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�
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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, +2.84 PTAT and +2669 GTPI, making him the highest PTAT sire in the top 20 and 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 US Genomax lineup has nearly 150 active Holstein sires including 21 over +2600 GTPI, 67 over +2500 GTPI and averages of +623 NM$, 2.80 SCS, +4.6 PL and +2.18 PTAT from 49 different sires!  

Topping this list:


0200HO10648 Endco Apprentice *RC 99-I% (Kingboy x Supersire x Alchemy): #2 Kingboy ... Read More...

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).
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Semex is also pleased to welcome four new members who will serve on its Board of Directors:


Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ)
Ben Brandsema (WestGen)
Jean-Fran�ois Morin (CIAQ)
Jean-Fran�ois Simard (CIAQ)


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