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After working for an electrical company, Lyle Smith decided to buy a farm and started milking 70 cows in Winona County, Minnesota in 1973. He slowly started building up the herd, and when his son Dean joined him on the farm in 1995 after graduating from college they were milking 150 cows.

They gradually expanded the herd to 300 in 2002, and in 2007 they bought in with a neighbor that was milking 150 cows at the time, building a brand new state-of-the-art cross ventilated barn and expanding the herd to 1,000 cows. Just a few short years later they bought out their neighbour, and today the partnership consists of Dean, his brothers Greg and Randy, who also grain farm and supply the feed for the dairy. D&D Dairy LLP is a Holstein herd being milked on two locations, with the two-year-olds on the original home farm and second lactation and older cows in the new cross ventilation barn.

Smith’s philosophy of breeding for profitable cows and selecting for health in genetics is what led him to conversations with his Semex team about Immunity+™ in December of 2012.

“I know there are cows in my barn that I never see and I don’t know who they are because they never have a problem and they are paying their way,” said Smith. Before using Immunity+ sires he was selecting for Productive Life, Daughter Pregnancy Rate, Somatic Cell Count, Protein, Fat and Net Merit. Looking at each figure individually, while trying to find bulls to meet his criteria overall.

“Immunity+ bulls show a great balance of everything I was selecting for before, but now I have the science behind it to prove the health traits more accurately,” Dean says. “I am also more comfortable with the 25% heritability of Immunity+ than just Productive Life and other health traits alone. This will speed up the rate at which disease resistance is built up in my herd. Proven science is more attractive to me than a calculation.”

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The one constant in the beef world is change. The other, is that our market is a global market. In order to meet these changes and feed a growing world, nontraditional beef markets must grow and develop their own beef industry. And, in order for them to provide themselves with a consistent, high quality red meat product, we’re spending time with them. We’re listening to what they’re saying, learning from them and working hard to provide them with the resources they need to be successful. This change has dictated change in our Semex Beef program, and in just 10 years our program has come a long way. In 2003 we were sourcing genetics for just six breeds from only two countries. Fast forward 10 years, and we’re sourcing genetics from 14 countries, produced on five continents for 25 breeds! Our goal, however, remains the same… Provide the highest quality beef genetics to meet our clients’ needs worldwide. Russian Albeef Project In 2013, we began a pilot project in Russia’s Lipetsk Region known as the AlBeef Project. This project utilizes the Beef Solutions program from farm to fork. With approximately 20,000 cows, Semex is truly hands-on each and every day, managing all the necessary parts of this growing operation. This includes the cow-calf operation, feedlot, slaughter plant and on to the restaurants and super markets! Within this pilot project we will implement pasture management, nutrition management, facility design, herd health, traceability, breeding, genetics and staff training among other components vital to the operation. As Semex continues to grow our products and services, it is our goal to become a partner for our clients to ensure their success. Click here to read more. 
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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 31st, 2013 SEMEX ANNOUNCES IMMUNITY+™ MEETINGS DATES Since its launch in December 2012, dairymen worldwide have been drawn to Semex’s patented Immunity+™ sires. These sires have a naturally high immune response and by using these sires, herds can improve their overall health and longevity, breed a herd with both less disease and a greater response to vaccines with higher quality colostrum. Through a series of producer meetings, industry-leading experts in genetics and immunity, including Semex New Zealand’s Market Development Manager, David Mayo, and Semex’s Global Dairy Solutions Manager, Jay Shannon from Canada, New Zealand dairymen can find out more about applying this technology to their own herds. “Every dairyman wants to get everything in one complete package,” says Jay Shannon, Semex Global Dairy Solutions Manager. “In the genetics and reproduction business, this is a tall order to fill, but Semex’s Immunity+ lineup is about as close as it gets to truly doing that. We continually analyze the herd data of Immunity+ sires’ daughters to confirm the impact that one generation of Immunity+ bulls can have on a dairy and, by using Immunity+ in your breeding program, each successive generation can accumulate further disease resistance.” “And with a 25% heritability, dairymen are excited about where this technology can take them and their herds!” Reserve these dates, and join us at the Semex New Zealand Immunity+ Meetings coming to your area:  • February 17, 2014: Southland, 11:00 am at the James Cumming Wing in Gore • February 18, 2014: Canterbury, 11:00 am at Hotel Ashburton in Ashburton • February 19, 2014: Wairarapa & Manawatu, 11:00 am at Rongotea Tavern on Thames Street in Rongotea • February 20, 2014: Taranaki, 11am at TET Multi Sports Centre at 62 Portia Street in ... Read More...

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Semex New Zealand Dairy & Beef Sales positions: Semex New Zealand is a dynamic organization that is committed to developing and delivering innovative genetic solutions. We are seeking professional and highly motivated individuals for Sales positions, due to the increase sales activities and growing our team. Opportunities are available for both full-time and part-time employment. These positions require individuals with extensive dairy or beef industry knowledge, along with strong interpersonal skills. Key Areas of Responsibility: •Account management and customer service •Area sales targets for semen, embryos and farm products •Client prospecting and territory management •Promotion of Semex products and services •Planning and participation in breeder workshop/information events. Candidates must have a high level of competency in each of the following areas: •Demonstrated sales skills and an ability to produce sales results •Proven ability to develop relationships and partner with clients •Knowledge of the Artificial Breeding business and bovine genetics •Effective time management and solid computer skills •Highly motivated team player who is also able to work independently with little supervision Semex is a leader in the field of bovine genetics, offers a progressive and challenging work environment and a competitive compensation package. We are committed to professional development and provide ongoing training opportunities that build on our strengths and develop our talent. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume via fax, post or email by 31st January, 2014 to the attention of: Semex NZ Limited Attn: David Mayo PO Box 248 Morrinsville, NZ 3340 Fax: 07 889 1574 Email: davidmayo@semex.com.au    
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Semex is excited to announce the new 2014 Semex Beef Management Handbook is now available online! The handbook features over 200 of the industry top sires from over 16 breeds and showcases each sire with large photos, full pedigree, EPD information and much more. Click here to check it out!  
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Launched just one year ago, Semex’s patented Immunity+™ sires have a naturally high immune response. By using these sires, herds can improve their overall health and longevity, breeding a herd that has less disease, a greater response to vaccines and higher quality colostrum. “Every dairyman wants to get everything in one complete package,” says Jay Shannon, Semex Global Dairy Solutions Manager. “In the genetics and reproduction business, this is a tall order to fill, but Semex’s Immunity+ lineup is about as close as it gets to truly doing that.” “Every analysis we’ve performed since Immunity+’s introduction offers additional validation. And, we continually analyze the herd data of Immunity+ sires’ daughters to confirm the impact that one generation of Immunity+ bulls can have on a dairy,” says Shannon. “And, by using Immunity+ in your breeding program, each successive generation can accumulate further disease resistance.” Joining the proven Immunity+ lineup following the December 2013 genetic evaluation are: 0200HO03700    GLEN-TOCTIN LANGLEY  (PLANET x SHOTTLE) 0200HO06162    SCHILLVIEW GUNGHOE  (PLANET x SHOTTLE) The following Genomax™ bulls are also designated Immunity+: 0200HO03877 COYNE-FARMS JABIR  (FACEBOOK x FREDDIE) 0200HO03881 HAMMER-CREEK KOZAK  (FACEBOOK x MR SAM) 0200HO02871 MR LOOKOUT P EMBARGO  (FACEBOOK x SHOTTLE) 0200HO02869 MR CHARTROISE ELDORADO  (LAVAMAN x PLANET)    0200HO02953 DRIFTY-HOLLOW ACTION  (NUMERO UNO x BOLTON) 0200HO03913 CROTEAU LESPERRON UNIX  (NUMERO UNO x DOMAIN) 0200HO03912 CROTEAU LESPERRON URBAIN  (NUMERO UNO x DOMAIN) 0200HO06530 EDG SKATEBOARD  (NUMERO UNO x RUSSELL) 0200HO03879 FLAT-TOP-VUE SPENCER  (SHAMROCK x ALEXANDER) 0200HO03920 MACPES ... Read More...

The December 2013 genetic evaluation confirmed Semex’s commitment to offering our clients the best product to deliver profitable results. Dairymen working with Semex are covered whether they’re looking for outcross bloodlines, high fertility, newly released daughter proven sires or high reliability sires. This is Genetics for Life! For those dairymen looking for leading genomic young sires, Semex’s Genomax™ lineup is where you want to be, as five of the top 20, 10 of the top 40 and 13 of the top 50 GTPI genomic young sires born over a year ago, with semen ready for use call stud code 200 home. Repromax™: As the world’s only international fertility evaluation, Repromax sires offer you higher conception and non-return rates, which means more pregnancies on your farm. Joining this group of fertility leaders following the December evaluations are:    0200HO03695    CHARTROISE SATISFACTION *RC  (MR BURNS *RC x GOLDWYN)  0200HO03700    GLEN-TOCTIN LANGLEY  (PLANET x SHOTTLE) 0200HO03699    HOWARDVIEWWG LIGHTNING  (GOLDWYN x TOYSTORY) 0200HO03701    LADYS-MANOR ANDERS  (HOWIE x GOLDWYN) 0200HO02547    PARADISE-D GLONNI  (ARMSTEAD x GOLDWYN) 0200HO06162    SCHILLVIEW GUNGHOE  (PLANET x SHOTTLE) 0200HO03722    UFM-DUBS SHAC  (ACTIVE x SHOTTLE)      0200HO03711    VELTHUIS SOPHOMORE  (PLANET x LOU) 0200JE00469     ESTRAN RANDOM  (LEGACY X BLACKSTONE) 0200AY00697     PALMYRA BINGO  (POKER x JERRY) HealthSmart™: Semex’s HealthSmart sires produce profitable daughters that are healthier, more fertile and last longer. This means lower costs and more profit in the ledgers. Semex’s HealthSmart sires including ... Read More...

With each genetic evaluation Holstein Canada recognizes sires that reach elite standards in production, conformation and also genetic indexes through their Superior Production (SP) and Superior Type (ST) programs. The following Semex sires have been recognized in December 2013 as Superior Production sires having combined genetic indexes for Fat and Protein in the top 5% of the Canadian sire population. Sires must have a reliability of at least 91%. CLAYNOOK TRIPLEPLAY                  (LAURIN x TITANIC) ME-DO-CREST EXPLICITE               (PAGEWIRE x O MAN) MS POSIBILITY PRODUCER             (BAXTER x TITANIC) RALMA-RH CORNET-ET                    (BAXTER x GOLDWYN) The following Semex sires have been recognized as Superior Type in December 2013. Sires winning this award are within the top 5% of the sire population for their conformation proof (Conformation, Mammary System, Feet & Legs, Dairy Strength, Rump) and with a reliability of at least 87%. REGAN-ALH PRIDE                            (SOCRATES x DURHAM) SANDY-VALLEY ALLSTAR                 (SOCRATES x SHOTTLE)
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The December 2013 LPI & TPI proofs are now online on Semex's website at www.semex.com!       Each proof round gives us the opportunity to share our Genetics for Life commitment to our customers globally. The December genetic evaluation showed that we’re committed to delivering the traits and breeding options to dairymen demand worldwide. Holstein Highlights: Semex’s #1 Holstein LPI sire: 0200HO00528 Sildahl Jett Air gains 108 points and jumps to the #4 LPI position 0200HO09901 Clayton-Crest Ace (Shottle x Goldwyn x Durham Atlee) graduates as our #1 new release PTAT sire New release 0200HO02600 O-Bee Krusader (Planet x Shottle) graduates as a high type, balanced sire Jersey Highlights: #6 LPI Jersey LPI: 0200JE00463 Gillard Pancho (Legacy x Centurion) Semex’s #1 New Release Jersey LPI: 0200JE00469 Estran Random  (Legacy x Blackstone) Semex’s #1 new release USA: 0200JE00485 All Lynns Vaughn  (Impuls x Paramount) Genomax Semex’s #2 new release USA: 0200JE00477 Lucky Hill Joker (Blackstone x Legion) Ayrshire Highlights: Semex’s #1 New Release & #3 LPI Ayrshire sire 0200AY00702 Lessard Jumper (Normandin x Trident) Semex’s # 1 LPI Ayrshire sire 0200AY00687 D’Albanel Marlow moves up 77 LPI points 0200AY00329 Jelyca Oblique moves up 63 LPI points as he adds second crop daughters To view video footage of many of Semex’s sires visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/semexalliance Additional information on these bulls including complete LPI and TPI data is available at www.semex.com 
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