Get to know Genex Reproductive Program Senior Technician, Ryan Rosenow

Genex is proud of its hard working employees. This month as we celebrate Dairy Month, we are going to feature just a few of our outstanding staff members.

Today we introduce you to Ryan Rosenow from Wisconsin. Ryan started working for Genex about two years ago and is a Reproductive Program Senior Technician.

How does it feel to be part of the dairy industry? 

Being part of the dairy industry is exciting and challenging because of the ups and downs the industry faces with fluctuating markets.  Working with farmers, on the other hand, has always been enjoyable.

What’s one thing you take pride in as a Genex team member?
As a Genex team member, I take pride in fulfilling each individual producer's goals and in attention to detail.  I've come to realize that if you give it an honest effort, the producer is more than satisfied and will be glad to have you back.

Favorite go-to sire right now? Why?
My go-to sire at the moment is 1HO10648 PUZZLE.  PUZZLE has steadily had solid numbers and is now daughter-proven. He is priced right and settles cows well.

Do you have a funny or memorable experience you would like to share from your time as a Genex employee?
A memorable experience that has stayed with me happened on one of my first days on the job.  I was providing relief in an area north of Shawano, Wisconsin, when I needed to stop for gas.  With an empty tank, I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home.  My wife had to run my wallet 40 miles to me.  She wasn't happy!

White, chocolate or strawberry milk?
My favorite milk is "whole" chocolate, not 1%.

Favorite ice cream flavor? 

My favorite ice cream is Cherry Nut.

Thank you Ryan for your dedication to your customers. Hopefully your wife hasn't had to make any more trips to bring you money!

Spend a moment getting to know Genex Reproductive Program Senior Technician, Megan Zeman!

Genex is proud of its hard working employees. This month as we celebrate Dairy Month, we are going to feature just a few of our outstanding staff members.

Today we introduce you to Megan Zeman from Wisconsin. 

How did you get involved with Genex, and what is your role?

I started working for Genex two days after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in spring of 2012. I was hired as a Tech Specialist. I am currently a Reproductive Program Senior Technician. I work in two area teams where I grew up in northeastern Wisconsin. I am the team leader, along with Chris Kinnard, for team 214108. I took on more responsibility after Chris Kinnard took on the role as Territory Sales Manager in the spring of 2014. I take care of the scheduling, provide sales support for Chris, and select bulls for our MAP customers along with the routine service our teams provide.

How does it feel to be part of the dairy industry?

I love being a part of the dairy industry. I grew up on a dairy farm, and always knew I wanted to continue in this industry. Being involved with Genex and on my family’s dairy farm as well as other organizations has allowed me to keep strong ties with the dairy industry in more than one facet. The dairy industry can seem so large, but in reality, it’s a close-knit group of wonderful people, and I can’t imagine my life without it.

What’s one thing you take pride in as a Genex team member?

I really take pride in the fact that our company is so progressive. From the different indexes developed to the great products we offer, Genex is always thinking ahead. I love being able to offer our customers bulls (& products) that will help fulfill the goals of their individual dairies.

Favorite go-to sire right now? Why?

I have been using a lot of 1HO10738 JITTERBUG lately because of his low calving ease and good fertility numbers.

Do you have a funny or memorable experience you would like to share from your time as a Genex employee?

There was a meeting in Shawano, Wisconsin, one evening for one of my teams. I had taken my personal/non-work car up to Shawano a little early so that I could talk to someone in the office. I had some time to kill before the meeting, so I thought I would go look around at Tractor Supply. When I went to leave the CRI parking lot, my car would not shift out of park. Long story short, my husband brought the truck and trailer up to load up the car, and we had to use some sleeve lube that Territory Sales Manager Jeff Fischer had in his truck to help make sliding the car up the planks and onto the trailer a little easier. The fact we were using sleeve lube was the funny part, the $700 I paid to have the problem with the car found and fixed was not!

White, chocolate or strawberry milk? 

Chocolate

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Cookies n Cream

Thank you Megan for everything you do for Genex and your customers. And I'm hoping Jeff didn't overcharge you for the sleeve lube!

Improving Genetics Impacts Fresh Cow Issues

By Kim Egan, DVM, National Account Senior Consultant, Genex 

There have been a lot of presentations, articles and discussion in the last few years about genetic improvement, genomic testing and breeding strategies based on genetic merit. Do you still have questions about the difference genetics can make in a herd or the difference it is making in your herd? Let's look at performance aspects at differing genetic levels both within individual herds and across several large herds.

In single herds, comparison by genetic values can show differences even when cows are eating the same ration and experiencing the same milking routine, temperatures, ventilation, crowding, etc.

Here is an example from an individual herd analyzed in 2013. In this 1,700-cow herd, 28.87% of cows with a Lifetime Net Merit Parent Average (LNMPA) under +$250 experienced metritis and/or retained placenta. In this same herd, for the same period of time, only 22.9% of cows with LNMPA over +$250 experienced metritis and/or retained placenta. Using figures from Overton & Fetrow published by the Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council in 2008, the average cost of a case of metritis is $225. In this example, the cows with higher LNMPA were $9,361 more profitable just in reduced cases of metritis or retained placenta in one year.

After looking at several individual herds and seeing similar results in each one, data was compiled and the findings are as follows. Data from 24,760 cows showed fewer displaced abomasums and fewer cases of metritis, especially in first lactation, with a reduction from 46.19% (with sire LNM less than +$200) to 14.75% (with sire LNM over +$600). The results are illustrated in the graph below. 

Surprisingly, even the percent of fresh cows that experienced displaced abomasums was significantly reduced with improving sire LNM. See the graph below. 

This shows that when it comes to fresh cow issues genetics do matter. To learn more about the impact of improving genetics, watch this blog for more posts or contact your Genex representative.

What Do I Need to Know to Use A.I. on my Ranch?

By Stan Lock, Beef Large Herd Development Manager, Genex 

I’ve worked with beef producers for over 30 years now. Throughout those years, I’ve realized producers considering artificial insemination (A.I.) for the first time tend to ask many of the same questions – and they are great questions! In case you happen to be considering A.I. and Genex chute-side service, I’d like to answer these most frequently asked questions for you too.

1. What is the cost per pregnancy? 
To answer this question, your Genex representative sits down with you. Together, you fill out a synchronization planner. The planner helps to estimate the herd’s expected conception and pregnancy rates for A.I. This information is also included in a written proposal provided to you. In general range, the cost per pregnancy is probably going to run about $60 to $70 per head, but it can be less. If you compare this to the cost of a natural service sire, it’s cheaper than purchasing a bull, maintaining him and using him for three years.

2. How much extra work will I need to do?

With Genex chute-side service, we try to make it easy. In most cases, you are responsible for cattle handling and synchronization. The amount of time and labor involved is dependent on the synchronization program that is chosen. On breeding day, you are responsible for getting cattle to the alleyway, and Genex does the rest! 

3. How do I go about choosing A.I. sires? 
Your Genex representative is an excellent resource. He or she can provide recommendations based on the goals you have for your herd. 

4. If you breed my cattle all in one day will they calve all in one day? 
Animals that are bred in one day generally calve out over a 10 to 14 day period. University studies show that no more than 20% will calve on any one day. 

5. How many natural service clean-up bulls are needed after synchronization and A.I.? 
This is a tricky question, as the answer depends on variables such as the age of the natural service sires, size of pastures and terrain. Since the number of clean-up bulls will vary between operations, your Genex representative will consult with you to help determine the appropriate number for your individual situation. 

I realize A.I. may not be meant for everyone, but it’s also not that difficult to establish an A.I. program. If you have further questions on beef A.I. and Genex chute-side service, please email me at slock@crinet.com, comment on this article or contact your local Genex representative. To locate a Genex representative near you, call or email Genex customer service at 888-333-1783 or info@crinet.com.

Meet Genex National Account Consultant, Allison Wood

Genex is proud of its hard working employees. This month as we celebrate Dairy Month, we are going to feature just a few of our outstanding staff members.

Today we introduce you to Allison Wood from Vermont.

How did you get involved with Genex, and what is your role?

I am a national account consultant. I met a Genex employee when I was working on a farm in college. After graduating I spent a few months working on a farm but was ready to try something else. Genex was hiring and I felt, from my experience with them, it was a company I wanted to work for.

How does it feel to be part of the dairy industry?

The ups and downs of milk prices can be a little crazy, but I get to work with some of the smartest, most hard working people in the country.

What’s one thing you take pride in as a Genex team member?

I love that I can focus on long term relationships. When I go on a farm I am never trying to get a one-time sale. I am trying to build a relationship that will last for years.

Favorite go-to sire right now? Why?

1HO11545 LAWMAN-Across the board he is a great sire. He has good Milk, excellent Fat and Protein, high SCR, and is a great bull for heifers too.

Do you have a funny or memorable experience you would like to share from your time as a Genex employee?

I was having an in depth conversation with a producer on an old farm in Vermont. Vermonters tend to be French and short so everything in the barn was put in lower, I was telling him a story, and all of the sudden I walked right into the milk line, hard. He laughed at me for a while. It was really embarrassing.

White, chocolate or strawberry milk?

Chocolate

Favorite ice cream flavor?

What flavor is not my favorite? :)

Thanks Allison for giving us a glimpse into your life. Thank you for all you do for Genex and your customers. Now go enjoy your ice cream!

#‎GenexChutesideService – The Month of May

By Lindsay Johnson, CRI

May was a busy month for #‎GenexChutesideService projects. Genex representatives across the country coordinated schedules, breeding barns, people and cattle, making sure everything was in the proper place to get the job done.

Here’s a quick glimpse at a few photos that were shared with us during the past month.

Green was the color of choice at the Mushrush Red Angus breeding project in Kansas.

The folks at Halfmann Red Angus wrapped up A.I. breeding their commercial and registered heifers in early May. In reading their Facebook post, you hear their excitement about this group of females.

Bar Lazy D Cattle of Nebraska shared this photo after their successful A.I. project. With the help of Genex independent contractor Luke Kovarik and his crew they bred 315 heifers to 1AN01215 Irish and 1AN01240 Effective.

Longtime Genex employee Stan Lock sent me this picture from a 2500-head breeding project. Red Angus sires 1AR00928 Halfmann R588 and 1AR00936 Conqueror were used in this project. I’m sure it was another day Stan proclaimed it to be ‘A great day to be a cowboy!’

Darcy Sexson, who blogs at Success is Reason Enough, is always willing to share her pictures with me. Here’s one of my favorites because it shows the people involved. So many times we only see the heifers heading to or from the breeding barn, but without a great group of people the project wouldn’t be possible. It takes the cooperation of the ranch crew and Genex to make any A.I. project successful!

We would like to see what’s happening at your farm or ranch. Submit your photos for a chance to be in the 2016 Genex beef calendar. We are looking for photos from across the country and from all seasons.

Employee Feature: Gail Rippe... in the Heartbeat of Cattle Country

By: Brooke Schultz, CRI

Since May was National Beef Month, we thought it would be nice to get insight from one employee who is a driving factor to the beef industry, Beef Area Marketing Manager Gail Rippe of Indianola, Nebraska. With Gail and his team providing beef producers with genetics and top-notch chute-side service in parts of three major beef producing states (ranked among the top five for total number of cattle/calves or cattle in feedlots), we think he’s the epitome of an excellent beef representative. So, what’s Genex life like for this beef guru? We set out to learn more about him and his connection to Genex.

How did you get involved with Genex, and what is your role at Genex?
I first got involved with Genex as an invitee to the first Large Herd Summit in Billings, Montana in 2012. I was hired in the fall of 2013 as a Territory Sales Manager (sales representative), and then I was promoted to my current position of Beef Area Marketing Manager (BAMM) in 2014.

As a BAMM, I serve Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern Colorado. I have a great crew to work with including Territory Sales Manager Levi Ebert and approximately 30 Independent Contractors. Together, we cover the “Heartbeat of Cattle Country.” Our team does a superb job of delivering semen, supplies and services to members and customers.

How does it feel to be part of the beef industry?
I am extremely proud and very lucky to be part of the best industry in the world! You will not find many other professions that have the kind of people found in the agriculture industry. I consider both our team and our clientele to be family-oriented, hardworking, community minded, knowledgeable and down to earth. I especially enjoy working with multi-generational ranches knowing they are passing on a legacy for future generations of beef production and agriculture in general.

What’s one thing you take pride in as being part of Genex?
The one thing that is common to the Genex beef team is everybody’s passion about the beef industry and the commitment to members’ success. It is amazing how many hours are spent behind the scenes working together towards a common goal of meeting the needs of our customers. It is a pleasure to be part of each and every rancher’s operation that utilizes Genex service.

There you have it, folks. A great man making a great company and a great industry proud! The “Heartbeat of Cattle Country” couldn’t have asked for a better beef representative (and we’re not just saying that because we’re biased). Thanks for all you do, Gail!