Johnson Hired by Low Carbon Technologies

Mark Johnson was hired by Low Carbon Technologies (LCT), the industry-leading agricultural sustainability company and a division of Select Sires Inc. As the director of beef and dairy supply chains, Johnson will focus on business development and building relationships with external organizations. He will negotiate and execute contracts with retailers, packers, beef and dairy producers to facilitate commercial expansion of LCT’s efforts. Johnson will implement Low Carbon Beef certifications for traditional beef products and beef x dairy end-products, including integration with Select Sires’ ProfitSOURCE® and GeneNet® programs.

“With more than 20 years of relevant beef and dairy experience, Mark’s knowledge of the industry, network connections and passion for sustainability make him a natural fit and obvious choice to lead supply chain efforts in beef and dairy on behalf of Low Carbon Technologies,” said Ron Schuller, chief operating officer, Low Carbon Technologies. “I’m excited to welcome Mark to the LCT team and confident his contributions will be impactful in helping the brand reach its potential.”

Johnson hails from Centerville, SD with a lifetime of experience in the cattle industry. Since 2004, he has worked as the business area manager in the cattle division for Produc-

Friedt Joins the AHA as North Central Field Representative

Aaron Friedt, Mott, ND, joined the American Hereford Association (AHA) as the North Central region field representative May 8, 2023.

ers Livestock Marketing. He has a deep understanding of the industry through his work with packers, fed cattle contracts, credit portfolios and commodity programs. Prior to his role with Producers Livestock Marketing, Johnson worked as a production supervisor for Cargill Foods, was a cattle marketing coordinator for Central Livestock-CRI and a genetic program specialist. He continues to remain involved with industry organizations including the American Hereford Association, American Angus Association and Sioux-Basin Cattlemen’s Association.

Mark Johnson online sales manager for the online bidding platform

Based in Plain City, OH, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

As an AHA field representative, Friedt represents Association members in the region and assists with AHA activities and services. In addition to attending Hereford sales and events, he serves as a resource for Hereford breeders interested in using advertising and other marketing services provided by Hereford Publications Inc., while continuing to build relationships industry-wide. Friedt helps Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics use AHA promotional and marketing programs to add value to their cattle.

“Aaron is a great young man with extensive knowledge of the breed and marketing Hereford genetics,” says Joe Rickabaugh, AHA director of seedstock marketing. “We are excited for the talent and promotional experience he brings to the AHA team of field representatives. Growing up in a Hereford family, he knows the value of Hereford genetics for the entire cattle industry. We are eager to welcome Aaron to the AHA team.”

Friedt has a variety of livestock marketing skills, from the auction block to the pasture. He is a former

The Livestock Link. Friedt graduated from the Western College of Auctioneering in 2016, and has marketing, sales and consulting experience. He has deep roots in the Hereford breed and helps manage his family’s ranch, Friedt Herefords.

“As the newest Hereford field representative, I’m excited to assist in the breed’s advancement and use my past experiences in the auction industry to help producers market their Hereford genetics,” Friedt says. “I believe the Hereford breed provides benefits to all facets of the cattle industry, and I look forward to helping promote the breed. The current market environment will provide plenty of opportunities for the Hereford breed in both the commercial and seedstock sectors, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Friedt’s territory includes the states of Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. He can be contacted at 701-590-9597 or at afriedt@hereford. org.