TA I NB LT EH EO FN E CW O N S T E N T S
CRI BUYS ANIMAL REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
SELLING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP
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RI has finalized the purchase of the primary assets of MOFA Global, formerly known as Minitube of America. MOFA Global 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. “The purchase of MOFA Global 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.”
wo now, two now, quarter now half, now half, now seventy-five, now seventy-five, seventy-five ... SOLD. Sold your way, $2.75 on No. 935. That was a familiar sound Saturday, Feb. 8 at the West Fargo, S.D., livestock market owned by Genex company Central Livestock Association. On that day 33 contestants vied for the title of Champion Greater Midwest Livestock Auctioneer. In this year’s competition 15 states and two Canadian provinces were represented.
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 Global, 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 Global’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 Global 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 Global was established in 1986 by Ludwig and Becky Simmet. Within the CRI structure, Ludwig Simmet will continue to lead MOFA Global as this new subsidiary’s chief operating officer. “The addition of MOFA Global 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.”
WOODWARD TO LEAD COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
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RI 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. “Brent will direct research efforts across CRI, 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 members and customers.” Previously, Woodward served eight years as Director and Senior Scientist for IGENITY research and development. During this time, 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. 6
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H O R I Z O N S
The judges had no small task scoring each contestant on a 50-point scale. Besides making sure each auctioneer sold the cattle for the proper value, the five judges also scored contestants on: initial command, opening and proper use of microphone; voice quality, clarity and auctioneer chant; appearance, poise and salesmanship; expedition of sale and bid catching; and representation of livestock marketing knowledge and auctioneering profession. A young man, from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, walked away as Champion Greater Midwest Livestock Auctioneer. That man was Brennin Jack of Heartland Livestock Services. His debut in the auction ring occurred at the age of nine, and three years later he sold his first million-dollar cattle sale. Along with being named the winner of the Greater Midwest Livestock Auctioneer Championship, Brennin was awarded $1,500 and a customized belt buckle. While hosting the event at the Central Livestock West Fargo market was no small task, it certainly came together and was a successful competition. It was made possible by the Central Livestock staff and producers who consigned cattle. ©2014 CRI