Company News

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 and +2.84 PTAT, making him the highest PTAT sire in the top 20 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 Genomax lineup has over 250 active Holstein sires including 60 over +2600 GTPI, 168 over +2500 GTPI and averages of +648 NM$, 2.79 SCS, +4.8 PL from 60 different sires!  

Topping this list:


0200HO10648 Endco Apprentice *RC (Kingboy x Supersire x Alchemy): #2 Kingboy available in the breed at +2724 GTPI, +840 NM$, ... 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).
 
Semex is also pleased to welcome four new members who will serve on its Board of Directors:


Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ)
Ben Brandsema (WestGen)
Jean-François Morin (CIAQ)
Jean-François Simard (CIAQ)


Semex consists of three Partner Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d'insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. For more information on Semex please visit www.semex.com
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It is with profound sadness that Semex announces the passing of a prominent supporter of Semex and Canadian agriculture.  Dr. Clare Rennie passed away peacefully on June 23, 2016 at 90 years of age. A long-time friend of Semex, Dr. Rennie was influential in developing relations between Semex and the Chinese dairy industry while advancing dairy technology in China. He served the agriculture industry in senior administration roles, including head of the Department of Animal Husbandry, acting dean of OAC in 1972, and later as an assistant deputy minister at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food for 17 years. Following his official retirement, Dr. Rennie began an exciting opportunity with Semex and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) as Project Director of the Canada-China Integrated Dairy Cattle Breeding Project to help China expand and improve their dairy industry. As a result of the 12-year project, animal health and production improved tremendously in China, and milk consumption grew. Dr. Rennie was honoured with the prestigious “Friend of China” Award in 2006 from the People’s Republic of China, which recognizes significant contributions by foreigners to economic and social progress in China. Among his many achievements, Dr.  Rennie was also inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1991.
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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 joined Semex in August 2011, as Vice President, Global Operations, to lead the newly formed Operations ... Read More...

Semex would like to congratulate Global Dairy Solutions Coordinator Steven Larmer on completing his PhD in Animal Science with a focus on dairy cattle breeding and genomics. As a valued addition to the Semex Genetic Solutions Team in October 2015, Dr. Larmer will be instrumental in the development of new genetic tools and as the technical lead of our exclusive Immunity+™ technology. He will also play an important role in our global genetic education program and will work closely with Semex's genetic strategy and research initiatives.

Steven is no stranger to the dairy industry from his involvement in his family farm, Vintage Land and Cattle Ltd in Ontario. Following his passion in his educational studies, Steven attended the University of Guelph completing his BSc in animal biology and his MSc in animal science. As his interest in research and genetics advanced, Steven pursued and completed his PhD on the next generation of genomic technology for dairy cattle selection.
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Like no other product on the market, Immunity+ with its 30% heritability, distinguishes Semex as the genetic company of choice for dairymen worldwide. “Our clients want the very best options to improve their herds’ health,” says Paul Krueger, Semex Immunity+ Global Brand Manager. “Without a doubt, Immunity+ is their best option. It’s 30% heritable and is the only full-body solution for herd health that begins at birth.” At the heart of this technology is more than 20 years of research and over 100 published papers in scientific journals on immunogenetics and the many associated health benefits. Immune response selection is highly effective, because it’s 30% heritable. Each generation bred to an Immunity+ sire is expected to reduce disease incidence by at least 4-8% and these offspring produce higher quality colostrum with more antibodies and have a greater response to commercial vaccines. In April 2016 Semex has: 56 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2400 GTPI 27 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2500 GTPI 6 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2600 GTPI Three new Jersey Immunity+ bulls: 0200JE01039 Sun Valley Jive                    0200JE01044 Faria Brothers Matic 0200JE01047 Faria Brothers Courtois  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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Sourcing the world’s best genetics worldwide for Semex’s leading Genomax™ program is netting impressive results. Dairymen everywhere appreciate sires that will offer profitable, long-lasting and reliable results. The April genetic evaluation solidified these efforts and ensures our clients have the very best genetic portfolio to choose from.   


December graduate 0200HO02792 Sandy-Valley Saloon, added over 400 daughters to his proof and rose to the #2 High Ranking Sire position. His figures rose to +2553 PTAM, +2.70 PTAT and +2618 GTPI, making him the highest PTAT sire in the top 10 and the highest PTAM bull in the top 40. This A2A2 sire is also the #1 sire in Italy and one of the most demanded A2A2 sires worldwide
Genomax star 0200HO06480 Val-Bisson Doorman graduated in Canada as the #2 LPI sire at +3106 and the #1 Conf sire at +19. This Immunity+™, Calving Ease™, ShowTime™ and A2A2 sire is also the #5 PTAT proven sire at +3.32
ShowTime sire 0200HO03829 JK Eder-I Control joined Doorman at the top of the Canadian Conf rankings as the #2 Conf sire at +18, and as the #19 LPI sire overall at +2915 with impressive +13 MS, +14 F&L, +108 HL and 2.63 SCS
The 200JE code graduated the #1 newly proven GLPI sire with the popular 0200JE00384 Guimo Joel. Joel is an Immunity+, Repromax, ShowTime and A2A2 sire that is also Canada's #1 Conf bull and ranks in the top 10 for Pro$!


Never stronger, our Genomax lineup has over 300 active Holstein sires including 182 over +2400 GTPI, 103 over +2500 GTPI as well as impressive averages of +581 NM$, +4.4 PL from 85 different sires and 65+ maternal grandsires!

Topping this list:


0200HO10586 De-Su Fedex: #1 Lottomax son at +2681 GTPI with 94 Fat, $858 NM$, +7.7 PL with leading $1118 DWP$. This Immunity+ and HealthSmart sire’s dam is VG-85 Mogul x VG-86 Domain x Sully Planet Montana EX-91 x nine more VG or EX dams.
0200HO10442 Sandy-Valley Afterburner: #1 ... Read More...

Working shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients worldwide, Semex is committed to finding synergistic relationships and offering genetic solutions based on our clients’ needs. Semex and Zoetis both believe in putting clients first, and this shared philosophy is at the heart of providing Zoetis’ Dairy Wellness Profit Index™ (DWP$™) to Semex clients. “Zoetis’ new Dairy Wellness Profit Index is another tool we’re pleased to offer Semex clients,” says Paul Krueger, Semex Immunity+ Global Brand Manager and Director, Sales and Business Development, United States. “We firmly believe in putting our clients’ needs first, and offering them the very best genetic solutions. Adding DWP$ to our lineup alongside NM$, GTPI and other profit indexes offers our clients additional information in their decision making process. This, along with having the world’s only immune genetics available with nearly 150 Immunity+™ sires, ensures Semex has the most complete and superior genetic portfolio available worldwide.” DWP$ was developed from Zoetis’ CLARIFIDE® Plus results and is a multi-trait selection index that includes production, fertility, type, longevity, wellness traits and polled results, allowing producers to use corrective matings to improve herd health. Exclusive to Semex, Immunity+ is based on 20 years of research, over 100 published papers and is 30% heritable. And, it’s the sole, full-body solution to herd health for both viral and bacterial diseases. “Our clients are looking for and deserve the best options to improve herd health,” says Krueger. “At 30% heritability, using Immunity+ is one of the easiest decisions you can make to improve the health of your entire herd, starting at birth and continuing generation after generation. Putting our clients first and providing the best information possible is what makes Semex different. And, although disease traits often have lower heritability, we simply believe more information is ... Read More...

Three years after the launch of Immunity+ sires, dairymen worldwide are reaping the benefits of Semex’s exclusive technology.

Developed by Dr. Bonnie Mallard and her colleagues at the University of Guelph, the research surrounding the HIR (High Immune Response) technology that Immunity+ is based on spans decades, includes over 100 published papers and is 30% heritable.

“No other product or solution available has this, or is 30% heritable with immediate effects… This starts at birth, there’s no wait,” says Paul Krueger, Semex Immunity+ Global Brand Manager. “We hear every day how dairymen are benefitting from this technology.”

“When Semex asked me to start tracking our calf care and treatments, those calves that didn’t get sick were always Immunity+ calves,” comments Nate Bennet, Herdsman at Schwab Dairy Farm, a 1,000-cow dairy in Delevan, NY. “During the winter, our heifer pens in the pack barn can be up to 50% overcrowded. In the last year, we’ve only treated three heifers for pneumonia, a huge decrease from years past.”

In December 2015 Semex has:


63 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2300 GTPI
48 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2400 GTPI
12 Genomax Immunity+ bulls over +2500 GTPI
Two new Jersey Immunity+ bulls:

0200JE00193 Buttercrest Standing
0200JE00180 Ertl Mantra




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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