Company News

STRATFORD, ONTARIO � 155 participants arrived at the Stratford Fairgrounds July 8, 2016, for a two-day event incorporating education, skill development, teamwork and an opportunity for friendly competition. The EastGen Challenge was the second youth show of four organized by EastGen across their service area.
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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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The Guelph & District Human Resource Professional Association (GDHRPA) recognized EastGen as 2016 Employer of Distinction in the under 200 employee category at a formal ceremony held at the Delta Hotel, Guelph, on June 16, 2016.
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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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EastGen is pleased to announce that Craig LeRoy has joined its team of the
best-trained, most knowledgeable staff in dairy genetics. Craig has accepted the role as Dairy Solutions Specialist (East) serving customers in eastern Ontario.

Reporting to Mark Carson, Manager, Reproductive Solutions, Craig will be an on-farm consultant to EastGen customers, partnering with them to improve the profitability of their herds by finding reproductive and genetic based solutions. Craig will play an important role supporting the EastGen team by presenting the value of EastGen programs and services across his service area.

Craig is no stranger to the dairy industry from his involvement in his family farm, Yorellea Farms in St. Eugene, ON. Following his passion in his educational studies, Craig attended the University of Guelph obtaining his BSc in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science and has recently completed his Masters of Science in Population Medicine under Dr. Stephen LeBlanc at the Ontario Veterinary College with a focus on validating accuracy of activity monitors. He brings significant knowledge to his new role gained through his formal studies, research, and practical farm and industry experience.

�We are thrilled to have Craig on-board,� says Carson. �He brings valuable knowledge to the team and will be able to combine his industry experience, research and practical application to benefit our customers and the entire EastGen team. Craig will help us build on the exciting momentum of our 360� Genetic Solutions services that offer our customers unmatched genetic innovations, leading-edge technology and advanced reproductive solutions.�

For additional information about EastGen please visit www.eastgen.ca


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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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