IN THE NEWS Woodward to Lead Cooperative Research Program
CRI Buys Animal Reproductive Technologies Company
CRI has hired Brent Woodward as Associate Vice President of Research. Woodward, who holds a doctorate in animal breeding and genetics from Cornell University, has worked in agricultural research for more than 23 years.
CRI has finalized the purchase of the primary assets of MofA, formerly known as Minitube of America. MofA is one of the world’s leaders in the development, manufacturing and marketing of artificial insemination and embryo transfer products and technologies for the porcine, bovine, equine and canine industries. The company now stands as the third subsidiary of CRI, alongside AgSource and Genex.
“In this role, Brent will direct research efforts across CRI and its subsidiaries, AgSource and Genex,” said Peter Giacomini, CRI Vice President of Business Development. “The science behind our primary services offered to agricultural producers is progressing at a rapid pace. Under Brent’s leadership, CRI will establish a more intense research program continuing the cooperative’s efforts in bringing new advancements to our members and customers.” Previously, Woodward served eight years as Director and Senior Scientist for IGENITY research and development. He led IGENITY to an increased portfolio of products, single SNP DNA tests to 50,000+ SNP profiles for 32 traits of economic importance for beef and dairy cattle producers. He has also held the positions of Research Geneticist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Extension Animal Scientist with the University of Minnesota.
Kuck Retires After 38 Years with Genex Al Kuck retired February 21 after nearly four decades of employment with Genex and its predecessor cooperatives. “Al has served cooperative members in numerous capacities, most recently as Vice President of Beef Programs,” states Keith Heikes, Genex Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing. “During his tenure in the beef division, Al was accountable for Genex custom semen collection, beef sire procurement and initiatives to grow beef programs. In fact, he contributed to domestic and international beef genetics market share growth from 13% and 8% to over 28% and 34% respectively.” Initially, Al had begun his cattle genetics career within the dairy industry. He was hired by Genex predecessor Midwest Breeders Cooperative as Breeding Programs Manager-Dairy. He was later promoted to Vice President of Genetic Services and then held the position Vice President of Dairy Genetics for 21st Century Genetics before accepting a role in beef programs with the formation of Genex. His role within Genex beef programs led to professional affiliations with the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Al also served on the National Association of Animal Breeders board of directors and committees.
“The purchase of MofA is the largest single step CRI has taken to further increase our influence in production agriculture,” states Doug Wilson, CRI CEO. “The subsequent expansion of CRI core business areas continues to set this organization apart from the rest of the industry.” Back in 1993, CRI became known as the nation’s first direct link between a dairy herd improvement organization and a provider of bovine artificial insemination service, organizations now known as AgSource and Genex. Today, with the addition of MofA, CRI adds to its distinctiveness creating new business relationships particularly within the porcine industry as well as those specialized in reproduction in other species. “Furthermore, MofA’s International Center for Biotechnology provides CRI with a direct research connection and fast forwards our dedication to advancing internal research through business development,” states Wilson. Since establishing the International Center for Biotechnology in Mt. Horeb, Wis., in 2004, MofA has conducted cutting-edge research spanning several animal species and specifically focused on advanced reproductive technologies, molecular and cell biology, and DNA and genomics research. MofA was established in 1986 by Ludwig and Becky Simmet. Within the CRI structure, Ludwig Simmet will continue to lead MofA as this new subsidiary’s chief operating officer. “The addition of MofA to the CRI family is a significant diversification step for this cooperative,” notes Wilson. “Along with new business fronts, technology potentials make CRI an enticing employer for young professionals looking to join the agriculture industry.”
©2014 CRI
BEEF HORIZONS
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