Company News

Semex, an industry leader in global genetic solutions, announced today that Paul Larmer will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer as part of Semex's succession plan, effective December 31, 2023, continuing in an advisory role through May 31, 2024. Semex's Board of Directors has appointed Matt McCready, current Chief Commercial Officer, to succeed Larmer as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2024.

"As difficult as it is to say goodbye to a career that I have loved, to a company that we have grown into a global leader, and especially to my Semex family, I know this is the right decision at the right time," says Larmer. "I am excited about what is next, spending more time with my family, and what the future holds for Semex and its people. I know that the best days for Semex are ahead!"

"For nearly 40 years and in every role, Paul has been a passionate advocate for the global genetics industry," said Semex Board of Directors President Phil MacLean. "As Semex's CEO for the past 17 years, Paul demonstrated his powerful ability to bring people together, build consensus, and accelerate change, while never losing sight of our people and clients. Since becoming our CEO Paul has significantly grown our global footprint, driven record revenues year after year, and provided substantial returns to our partner owners. While leading this growth, Paul has set the stage and capacity for Semex’s next phase of growth and profitability. On behalf of the Board and our partner owners, we are grateful to Paul and his family."

MacLean continued, "Knowing Paul’s intentions, our Board of Directors has been engaged in ongoing succession planning and today's announcement enables a smooth transition of the CEO role. Matt is an exceptional leader, and the Board and I believe he is the right person to guide Semex through its next chapter. Since joining Semex, Matt's strategic focus, ... Read More...

The North American industry has identified a new Holstein genetic defect, Calf Recumbency, where an otherwise healthy calf cannot stand and survive, either at birth or within its first few weeks of life. Though the origin animal has yet to be confirmed, the oldest known suspected carrier is the bull SOUTHWIND. The disorder has primarily been transmitted through the sires ROBUST and SUPERSIRE. An industry position paper has been released by the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and the Holstein Association USA. Click here to read.     Semex worked diligently with industry researchers to help identify this genetic defect. Semex recognized the urgency of this matter and for corrective measures to be put in place quickly to reduce and eventually eliminate this mutation. In so doing, Semex has worked aggressively with our lab partner Neogen to test all our sires as listed below. This list will be updated as new bulls are tested or released to market.     This development demonstrates the industry’s ability to not only discover debilitating disorders but also activate world-leading genetic researchers that use a comprehensive genomic database to untangle a complex disorder and quickly develop a diagnostic tool that proficiently addresses the problem.     Genetic recessives such as BL, BY, CVM and HCD have been identified in the past. In all cases, the industry responded quickly by identifying carriers and providing breeders with the tools that effectively minimize these disorders in the population. Calf Recumbency will be no different.     The industry is working on coding/labeling and plans to develop a haplotype test that effectively identifies recumbency without needing the mutation test. Semex is currently making changes to its OptiMate™ mating program, enabling its clients to proficiently breed around recumbency and reduce its potential impact.     Semex’s genomic testing ... Read More...

Semex and Holstein Canada are pleased to announce their collaborative support of the 2023 Young Breeders School (YBS).

Held since 1999, YBS is an annual educational event designed to help train young people aged 13-25 regarding the Holstein breed. The three-day training includes courses on animal preparation, nutrition, judging, showmanship, marketing, genetic selection and leadership. Participants stay with families from the host region, fostering cultural understanding and life-long friendships. The event culminates with a multi-day competition in which participants put their learnings into practice, with awards given to top individuals for showmanship, conformation and country.  

This year’s event will be held in Battice, Belgium August 30-September 3.

Congratulations to the individuals who will be representing Canada at the 2023 YBS:


Grace Hughes, Atlantic Canada
Felix Lemire, Quebec
Kolton Crack, Quebec
Emma Finch, Ontario
Sarah Dean, Ontario
Ethan Nienhuis, Western Canada


These individuals were selected through their provinces' requirements based on individual merit, achievements and experience. If you are interested in applying for YBS in 2024, please contact your provincial Holstein branch.
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Showbox Sires LLC will be available exclusively from Select Sires and Semex

ENOSBURG, Vermont and RUDOLPH, Wisconsin, April 28, 2023 – Showbox Sires LLC, a new genetic venture backed by trusted industry leaders, will be collaborating with Select Sires and Semex to bring a high-type, show-focused sire development program to dairy breeders. The team at Showbox Sires includes Tim and Sharyn Abbott and Mike and Julie Duckett. Both couples have had tremendous success in the industry and have combined their experiences and sheer passion for genetics to launch this new venture. Showbox Sires will leverage the industry’s many tools, including genomic evaluations as well as pedigrees that are proven winners on the tanbark. At this time, Showbox Sires will offer elite Holstein and Red & White genetics with tentative plans to release the first sire in late 2023.

“Whether you want to improve your herd, compete at the county fair or exhibit a winner at national shows, Showbox Sires is built from families that have done just that! Our vision is to acquire and develop bulls to meet the needs of any passionate dairy breeder,” said Tim Abbott, Showbox Sires LLC. “The team at Showbox Sires is thrilled to work with two companies that have set the pace for high-type cattle through industry-leading genetics over the past several decades: Select Sires and Semex. We believe our thought process and goals are closely aligned, and we look forward to working with their teams to bring our product to this sector of the global market.”

Cooperative collaboration

All bulls from Showbox Sires will be branded with a single, unique NAAB identifier. While Select Sires and Semex are the program’s exclusive marketing and distribution channels, no individual sire will be marketed by both companies. Select Sires and Semex will house the sires assigned to their lineup and carry out collection, ... Read More...

Guelph, Ontario, Canada – As social and political criticism increasingly focuses on agriculture, Semex is introducing a genetic solution that can reduce methane emissions 20-30% by 2050.

“Just like we did with Immunity+®, we've been working with industry scientists to find a genetic solution to reduce methane emissions,” says Dr Michael Lohuis, Semex Vice President Research & Innovation. “For over five years Canada's milk recording organizations, now under Lactanet, collected over 13 million milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy records. Over seven hundred thousand first lactation MIR records were analyzed by Lactanet geneticists in order to predict methane emissions for milk-recorded cows across Canada. The results showed that you can substantially reduce methane emissions with genetic selection.”

In April, Lactanet will publish Methane Efficiency breeding values producers can use to significantly reduce methane emissions in their herds. For genomic bulls, it is 70% reliable and genetic selection alone is estimated to reduce emissions 20-30% by 2050.

Semex’s global Elevate® users will automatically receive a methane index on all genomic tested females. Additionally, an index will be available on Semex Holstein sires beginning in April. This gives dairies a clear-cut genetic solution and a faster conversion to a lower methane herd.

"Methane is a global enemy," says Drew Sloan, Semex Vice President Corporate Development. "In fact, most developing nations are adopting laws targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This new trait is a game changer. The time is now to genomically test your herd with Elevate, giving you the power to assess, monitor and reduce methane in your herd!"
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Ten years ago Semex released the best brand for health selection in dairy cattle genetics and now, we’re releasing the next generation of Immunity+ with August genetic evaluations!   “We’ve taken Immunity and brought it to a whole new level, with a full proof and a unique approach, that makes it hands down the most effective means to make gains in animal health,” says Jay Shannon, Vice President Semex Solutions and Marketing.   Over the past 10 years dairymen worldwide have seen the real advantages of using Immunity+ sires. It is highly heritable, has a huge economic impact, provides for higher quality colostrum and daughters are shown to have 29% less disease.   Now, all Semex sires will receive an index for Immunity and Calf Immunity, making it even easier to make health selection. The ‘next generation’ of Immunity+ optimally combines Immune Response (Antibody Mediated Immune Response, Cell Mediated Immune Response and Nitric Oxide), as well as a composite of publicly available disease traits sourced from CDCB, Lactanet and Zoetis. This ensures resulting animals can both mount a strong overall immune response, but also be able to recognize the specific pathogens that cause the costliest diseases on dairies.   The index has a mean of 100, and a standard deviation of 5, with proofs generally ranging from 85-115. Immunity+ bulls will be designated as being superior transmitters of high immune response if they have an Immunity Index >= 105 and a Calf Immunity Index >= 100. Additionally, dairymen taking advantage of Semex’s Elevate® genomic testing program will receive two indexes on all tested females, Immunity Index and Calf Immunity Index. These replace the former H(high)-A(average)-L(low) letter codes that were published on tested females.   For additional information on Immunity+ and Semex please visit www.semex.com
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Boviteq is extremely excited to announce the opening of several new licensee locations worldwide. Strategically selected, these new IVF partners combine local intelligence with Boviteq knowledge to deliver clients globally with the industry’s leading IVF services.

Now, clients in Switzerland at Swissgenetics, in France at Evolution, in Western Canada at Bow Valley Genetics, in Italy at Embryovet and in the UK via Paragon Vet Ltd have access to Boviteq’s world-leading technology and services.

“With the global growth in IVF services and the extreme demand we’ve seen for Boviteq worldwide Swissgenetics, Evolution, Bow Valley Genetics, EmbryoVet and Paragon were all logical choices,” says Dany-Pierre Rondeau, Semex Vice President, Embryo Division. “Each brings their own excellent service and client relationships, along with a quality first philosophy that meshes with our own. As producers turn to embryos and IVF for the fastest genetic gain, Boviteq is a real game changer. Our goal is to expand in key markets, bringing worldwide access to Boviteq’s IVF technology.”

"Over the past several months our staff in Saint-Hyacinthe has been working hard to train and accredit staff at each location on our standard operating procedures, techniques and attention to detail,” says Rondeau. “We have no doubt that the quality and service we’re known for is now available in Switzerland, France, Western Canada, Italy and the UK.”

A division of Semex, Boviteq offers the world’s leading reproductive and genetic solutions to its global clients via its world-class laboratories, ground-breaking research and exceptional service.


For additional information on Swissgenetics please visit: https://swissgenetics.com
For additional information on Evolution please visit: ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce its 2022-2023 Board of Directors with one new member, Jean Bissonnette, joining the Board, replacing outgoing director Mariette Gagnon, representing Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec (CIAQ).   Phil MacLean will continue to serve as President of the Board (EastGen), assisted by Vice President Jean-François Morin (CIAQ) and Executive Member Curtis McNeil (EastGen). Other members of the Board of Directors include: Normand Barriault (CIAQ); Richard Lagacé (CIAQ); Gerrit Wensink (EastGen); Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ); Tom Pasco (EastGen); and James Ross (WestGen); Tony Van Garderen (WestGen).     Semex is comprised of three Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. As a leading global genetics 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, our guiding compass.     Photo Caption: Top from L to R: Phil MacLean, Jean-François Morin, Curtis McNeil; Middle from L to R: Normand Barriault, Jean Bissonnette, Tony Van Garderen; Bottom from L to R: Richard Lagacé, Gerrit Wensink, Tom Pasco, James Ross.  
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Semex and Boviteq, are excited to announce a partnership started in the Fall of 2021 with world-renown breeders Ferme Jacobs of Cap-Santé, Quebec.   Ferme Jacobs is shifting much of their milk production herd to a state-of-the-art robotic facility for 300+ cows. Being focused on genetic improvement, Semex and Boviteq are pleased to team up with them, utilizing Semex solutions such as Elevate® genomic testing and IVF services from Boviteq. Together, we’re developing a genetic strategy that maximizes genetic gain, producing elite male and female calves, as well as overall herd genetic improvement to meet their future growth strategies.   “We are so pleased to be working more closely with Ferme Jacobs,” said Brad Sayles, Semex Chief Operating Officer. “They’re working hard to invest in their breeding program to not only develop their famous show herd, but also to develop productive, healthy cows that work well in modern management environments. They’re extremely passionate breeders, and excellent ambassadors for the dairy industry, so assisting them in their genetic strategy to reach these goals is certainly an opportunity we’re excited about. Thierry Laberge, Product Development Specialist as well as Semex’s entire genetic team and Pier-Olivier Lehoux, Ciaq Consulting Representative who will work with them to establish objectives, utilizing Semex sires to produce bulls for Semex and elite females for themselves.”   “Additionally, they will be utilizing Boviteq’s world-leading embryo production platform and IVF technologies to maximize embryo production and reproductive performance,” says Sayles.
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Semex and Nedap have strengthened and expanded their successful partnership. The Semex ai24® program with Nedap technology is now available in more countries, enabling dairy farmers to significantly improve their herd performance and profitability.

Semex ai24, which monitors the reproduction, health and location of cows, has been offered with Nedap technology in a growing amount of key dairy regions since 2008. The successful results that dairy farmers experience from Semex ai24 technology within the program and the related high level of customer satisfaction has led to this expansion.

"Striving for efficiency and precision management for its clients, Semex is excited to offer Nedap technology to even more markets through its Semex ai24 program. Nedap has already been a trusted partner in many countries around the globe for more than 10 years, with an excellent track record when it comes to improving dairy herd management and performance. Semex clients can take advantage of all the benefits this reliable and innovative technology offers," says Drew Sloan, Semex Sr. Vice President, Sales & Business Development.

Bas Driessen, Sales Manager at Nedap adds, "Nedap is proud of the many years of collaboration with Semex. The value that Semex adds for dairy farmers through the ai24 program with Nedap technology is a crowning achievement. Their improved results and enthusiasm are the main proof of our successful partnership. We are therefore thrilled to expand the collaboration partnership with Semex." 

Semex is comprised of three Partner Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. As a leading global genetics 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, our guiding ... Read More...