Spring 2025 Premier Pioneer by Premier Select Sires

Photo: Heifers at Breezewood Farm in Breezewood, PA enjoying an early spring day.

YOUR COOPERATIVE

As your farmer-owned cooperative, we strive each day to be the trusted proven way to do business and build resilient marketplace protection for our members.

Membership is open and voluntary for producers of agricultural products and services within the 23-state membership territory we serve. Our guiding principles are directed by an elected group of qualifying producers from the membership territory.

A couple of years back I worked together with our board of directors to challenge ourselves with what a modern cooperative looks like. We challenged the status quo and kept our discussion around not being fooled by experience and the fact that the future is no longer reasonably predicted by the past. In a world where we can’t always have everything, we also invested a lot of time evaluating what was important to our members and organization. Along that path, we had to be prudent and honest to recognize what we may need to give up to protect and deliver those things that are most important to our members and

Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer

cooperative purpose.

For many years our cooperative has invested in and guided genetic development and manufacturing at Select Sires. As a result, we’ve been able to bring industry leading genetics at fair prices directly to our members, and this was part of the return on our investment. It always was intended that as the owners, we would have preferred and priority access to the very best genetics our investment created. Non-member businesses sold directly by Select Sires internationally would be incremental to help subsidize the return on that investment for the coops and in turn our farmer owners.

If we are honest, genomics and advances in other technology have greatly changed the genetic landscape. The legacy industry continues to be challenged and disrupted, and new entrants are many. The capital needed to support the international market, as well as the risk level of research and development, have led us to the current consideration of investing our equity into a new venture. Therefore, we continue the ongoing review of merging Select Sires manufacturing and genetic development with Inguran/ST Genetics. It is our opinion that there are just too many balls in the air, and we need to return to establishing what it is we really need, which is high quality

genetics at a reasonable price. Period.

At Premier, we believe that to serve our members we must have autonomy and independence so that we can bring the best products, services, and consultation to your operation. Our purpose is to help members be successful. We are a last-mile company that uses our collective strength in the market and distribution to secure access to products that we can then enhance with strategies and complementary solutions to make them work best for you on your operation. We’ve brought into our portfolio several proven products and technologies that help our genetic offering reach its potential and perform better for you. We are pleased to offer these solutions to our members and acknowledge that the support of our portfolio enhances your results on farm, strengthens the cooperative, and supports our ability to provide services to your farm.

1. Find this semen straw hidden somewhere in the newsletter (hidden straw may be smaller than the one shown here).

2. Go to www.premierselectsires.com and click the“Newsletter Contest” button on the home page.

3. Tell us where you found the straw to enter the drawing!

You may also send your submission in the mail.

COOPERATIVE UPDATES

PREMIER ACHIEVES RECORD RESULTS FOR 2024

Farmer-owned cooperative

Premier Select Sires held its annual meeting on March 5, 2025 and announced a third straight year of record sales. All categories of the cooperative showed growth, with direct semen sales and product lines showing the most increase from 2023.

Board President Kenny Taylor, a cattle owner from Tennessee, stated, “We are so thankful to our customers for putting trust in us to serve them well and our employees for getting the job done.”

CEO Mark Carpenter echoed those statements. “We have seen many new customers utilize the services and products of Premier in 2024 and that trend continues. Our growth of over $3.5 million

dollars is an 8% increase on 2023 sales. This has allowed us to add new talented people to our team and reach additional customers to serve.”

The best-selling sires for 2024 at Premier showed a top three of 7HO1508 PARFECT, 7HO14160 LUSTER-P, and 250HO16498 HULU. Vice President of Marketing Kirk Sattazahn delivered the sales information along with additional comments. Kirk stated, “I recently celebrated 30 years with the cooperative and I can’t remember a time when so many good things were happening all at once. I attribute this to a very talented team that enjoys serving their customers. In addition

2025 PREMIER SELECT SIRES BOARD

Kenny Taylor, President, District 4, Fayetteville TN *

James Cook, 1st Vice-President, District 3, Penhook VA *

John Edd Harris, 2nd Vice-President, Public Director, Musella GA

Kevin Satterwhite, Secretary, District 3, Newberry SC

Mike Saylor, Treasurer, District 4, Jonesborough TN

Bob Cruikshank, District 1, Ogdensburg NY

Jonathan Lamb, District 1, Oakfield NY

Barbara Nedrow, District 1, Clifton Springs NY

Kelvin Hatch, District 2, Columbia PA

Jim Houser, District 2, Spring Mills PA

Jess Slaymaker, District 2, Mansfield PA

Steve Craun, District 3, Bridgewater VA *

Rob Hamaker, Public Director, Woodland IA

Tim Riley, Public Director, Columbia TN

Emma Currie, District 1, Tully NY

David Harvatine, District 1, King Ferry NY

Crystal Edwards, District 2, Union Bridge MD

Joel Krall, District 2, Lebanon PA

Johan Heijkoop, District 3, Mayo FL

Vern Buessing, District 4, Baileyville KS

Frederic Simon, District 4, Conway AR

Ken McCarty, District 4, Colby KS

EMPLOYED OFFICERS

Mark Carpenter, Factoryville PA

Kirk Sattazahn, Womelsdorf PA

Beverly Barnes, Spring Hill TN

Ryan Visneski, Mehoopany PA

to the semen growth, our DTXTM feed additive and CowManager® activity system had record growth for new adoption.”

Premier has continued to partner with other leaders in the industry to offer a diverse line of services and herd management products. The cooperative will keep seeking opportunities to help producers achieve new heights in profitability.

Premier welcomes new delegate Ken McCarty who began service with the 2025 elections. In

addition to the new delegate, the Board of Directors for 2025 will consist of the following leadership team: President Kenny Taylor, 1st Vice President James Cook, 2nd Vice President John Edd Harris, Treasurer Mike Saylor, Secretary Kevin Satterwhite, and three Public Directors: Tim Riley, Rob Hamaker, and the aforementioned John Edd Harris.

Premier Select Sires Inc. looks forward to continuing service to dairy and beef producers in the cooperative membership area.

YOUR BOARD MEMBERS!

To help you get to know those who are representing your member cooperative, we would like to begin featuring one or more board member profiles in each edition of the Premier Pioneer. We’re beginning with your board president, Mr. Kenny Taylor.

Name: Kenny Taylor

Town: Fayetteville, TN

District: 4

Office: President

Years of service to board: 15

Can you share about your farm?

We are a 4th generation family farm in Southern Middle Tennessee. The farm originated in 1967 as a dairy farm with my father and uncle at the helm. It has since transcended into a beef operation where we background all types of cattle including beef on dairy and Holstein steers.

Our farm is located 15 miles from the Jack Daniels Distillery. We feed a variety of by-products from there as well as corn silage and hay we harvest on our farm.

Since 2019, we have operated a retail store, Taylor Made Market, in our local town where we sell our beef and pork cuts as well as quarters, halves and wholes. In 2023, we added chickens to the farm to produce eggs for our market. A local honey producer has their hives on the farm, and the honey is in the market. We also have fresh milk, cheese, and curds from a local dairy available at our market to further support local producers.

In 2022 we purchased a custom meat processing plant, and as of May 2024, it is now a fully USDA inspected facility, Taylor Made Meat Processing, LLC. It was our vision to vertically integrate our business to create the expansion and diversity necessary to allow our entire family to participate in our operation.

What made you decide to be a part of the Premier board?

* Asterisks denote Select Sires Inc. Board of Directors Representatives

With so much of my family working in the business, it gives me the opportunity to contribute my experiences and perspective as a producer to the leadership and governance of great companies that serve our industry. I am currently the chairman of the board for Premier Select Sires, Inc. and represent our farmer cooperative on the Select Sires, Inc. board of directors where I serve as 1st vice chairman.

I enjoy working with and meeting other people that are passionate about agriculture. My wife, Pat, is also very involved in the farm and when the grandkids will let her, she likes to travel with me.

DON’T PLAY GAMES WITH YOUR HERD’S HEALTH

“If you think you can manage around health problems, you’re starting at the 25-yard line,” says Greta Snider Halahan of Singing Brook Farms in Imler, Pennsylvania.

With a genetic focus on health traits and functional type, the 300-cow herd values communication, prevention, and protocols. Their success is the result of a great team in the barn and judicious recording of health events and other cow-side notes, which are critical to Halahan as she manages the herd remotely from nearly 150 miles away.

Halahan describes farming as a 10,000 piece puzzle and she and her team have to get the pieces in the right place in order to be successful. She believes that her role is to provide information, encourage dialogue, and review data—but the on-farm component that her team provides is critical—and that combination yields solutions.

Their genetic strategy is a key component within their efforts to be proactive. Cows have to be healthy, efficient producers, and easy keepers. Because of this, genomics, health records, and cow-side management combine to make the most profitable decisions at Singing Brook Farms.

STRATEGY WITHOUT COMPLIANCE MAKES FOR EMPTY EFFORTS

The McCarty family manages dairies on multiple sites, including McCarty Family Farms in Northwest Kansas and MVP Dairy, owned in partnership with the VanTilburg family in Celina, Ohio. With four facilities in total, they milk 19,000 cows with a 4.2% butterfat and 3.33% protein average.

Genomic information is the foundation of their genetic strategy. They genomic test and rank all females based on genetic merit. Amber Kirk, account lead for Premier Select Sires, and Greg Collins, North America select dairy solutions data and training support for Select Sires Inc., run the herds’ data through an inventory calculator each month to determine a tailor-made breeding strategy. This strategy aligns with the dairies’ goals and also reflects any shifts or changes in the market.

Kirk explains, “We routinely work with Holstein USA to identify a handful of animals for their flush program. Greg’s monthly rankings determine the ‘unicorn’ and elite heifers. Unicorns are defined as the top 3% for NM$, TPI®, and/or DWP$®. I individually mate these heifers to NxGEN® sires. The elite heifers are the top 100 ranked females and these

FAMILY MATTERS

The power of pedigrees is undeniable when it comes to breeding philosophies and mating cows. Father and son duo 14HO15179 TROOPER and 7HO16276 SHEEPSTER hail from impressive maternal lines that are leaving their mark on the Holstein breed.

Backed by six generations of VG or EX dams, five of which are Dams of Merit or Gold Medal Dams, TROOPER is the No. 1 TPI® (+3271) and No. 6 HHP$® (+$779) sire in Select Sires’ proven lineup.

Arguably one of TROOPER’s most popular sons, SHEEPSTER hails from the prolific OCD Acura Soy 60075-ET (EX-90-EXMS-GMD-DOM) cow family at Oakfield Corners Dairy in Oakfield, New York.

“Soy 60075 was an ideal model for the modern, working dairy cow,” says Alicia Lamb, Oakfield Corners Dairy owner. “There are two branches of the family.

are mated to NxGEN sires using Select Mating Service® (SMS®). And finally, the remaining heifers are either assigned GForce™ sexed semen or beef semen based on their rankings, with the bottom 10-15% on service to beef. The heifers assigned GForce sexed semen are also mated using SMS.”

The dairies’ have outstanding teams working at each site. With so many advisors and team members involved in decision making and implementation, Kirk hosts monthly check-ins that she calls ‘all hands on deck meetings.’ These meetings are an opportunity to review the current strategy, make necessary changes, and have an open dialogue about execution and results.

McCarty says, “The proof is in the pudding. These efforts are paying off with an accelerated rate of improvement and only more to come!”

They aren’t flashy cows; not the type of cow you notice immediately in the herd. They’re solid, wide, strong cows with exceptional mammary systems and sound feet and legs. Trouble-free cows that can thrive in a freestall setting, and the kind we love to breed for.”

A complete sire, SHEEPSTER ticks boxes for both indexes and balanced production, health and type, and continues to be used heavily as a mating sire at Select Sires.

Cresthaven Farms installed CowManager in early April 2024. Co-owner Sarah Torres tells visitors to the farm that getting the cow monitoring system was like an early Christmas.

Torres, who is a fourth-generation dairy producer, farms with her husband Armando, her brother Joe Dickenson Jr., her sister Mary Tomlinson (who is also a veterinarian), and Mary’s husband, Brandon, plus a few key employees. The 145-cow Holstein operation is very much a family affair as parents Joe Don and Pam Dickenson are also still actively involved.

Torres says the family strives to carry on a legacy of excellent production and cow care established by her father. CowManager’s Health and Reproduction Modules help them reach their goals.

“We mainly got CowManager because our repro was terrible. We were having a hard time catching heats by observation alone. We also had quite a few really highproducing cows that just wouldn’t show

heats. There were a few years where one of the main reasons cows were culled was because we couldn’t get them pregnant, and it was heartbreaking!”

Torres states that poor reproductive performance was clearly affecting their bottom line. “We had such high days in milk [again from not getting cows bred in a timely manner] that our average production slowly dropped over time.”

The farm now uses CowManager to guide breeding of their milk cows and heifers and to keep a pulse on the herd’s overall health.

“With CowManager, I feel more on top of things with the herd. I love being able to see hourly and daily what our cows are doing so we can respond accordingly. The sensor picks up subtleties that would easily be missed with normal observation. A great example is the measure of rumination; if it drops, we know something is going on with a cow before she shows more obvious signs.”

Brandon, who does most of the reproductive work, concurs. He has entered herd check info in PCDART for the last 16 years and says this is the first time ever that he didn’t put in a single open cow. According to Brandon, “The ear sensors were responsible for all the heat detection last month. Open cows only show up on the vet check list because we missed a heat. Pretty sure that is the best money we’ve ever spent.“

Torres notes that CowManager has also helped with time management. “Walking the cows is no longer a drawn out, hit-ormiss process where we hope to catch the right cow at the right moment to know if she’s coming in heat or having a health issue.”

In a county once dotted with hundreds of dairies, Cresthaven Farms is now just one of three that remain. Torres says she loves farming with her family and hopes to continue milking and improving the dairy. She says that they have made great strides with the help of CowManager. “The system is a game changer for us.”

Cresthaven Farms

145

“WE

Cresthaven Farms

HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES WITH REPRODUCTION SINCE IMPLEMENTING COWMANAGER.”

145 cows | Galax, Virginia

THE FUTURE IS IN THE EAR

“WE HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES WITH REPRODUCTION SINCE IMPLEMENTING COWMANAGER.”

Cresthaven Farms installed CowManager in early April 2024. Co-owner Sarah Torres tells visitors to the farm that getting the cow monitoring system was like an early Christmas.

are doing so we can respond accordingly. The sensor picks up subtleties that would easily be missed with normal observation. A great example is the measure of rumination; if it drops, we know something is going on with a cow before she shows more obvious signs.”

Cresthaven Farms installed CowManager in early April 2024. Co-owner Sarah Torres tells visitors to the farm that getting the cow monitoring system was like an early Christmas.

Torres, who is a fourth-generation dairy producer, farms with her husband Armando, her brother

Joe Dickenson Jr., her sister Mary Tomlinson (who is also a veterinarian), and Mary’s husband, Brandon, plus a few key employees. The 145-cow Holstein operation is very much a family affair as parents Joe Don and Pam Dickenson are also still actively involved.

Torres says the family strives to carry on a legacy of excellent production and cow care established by her father. CowManager’s Health and Reproduction Modules help them reach their goals.

When asked what Tanner Barham, a fourthgeneration producer from Barham Jersey Farm, likes most about CowManager, he says it improves time management.

“We mainly got CowManager because our repro was terrible. We were having a hard time catching heats by observation alone. We also had quite a few really high-producing cows that just wouldn’t show heats. There were a few years where one of the main reasons cows were culled was because we couldn’t get them pregnant, and it was heartbreaking!”

are doing so we can respond accordingly. The sensor picks up subtleties that would easily missed with normal observation. A great example is the measure of rumination; if it drops, we something is going on with a cow before she shows more obvious signs.”

Torres says the family strives to carry on a legacy of excellent production and cow care established by her father. CowManager’s Health and Reproduction Modules help them reach their goals.

“I have two sons, and before CowManager, attending baseball games, basketball games, school plays, etc., was really hard. Now I can monitor the cows from my phone 24/7 and be more active in my sons’ lives. With CowManager, I know exactly what every cow is doing, even when I’m away from the farm.”

Before installing CowManager, Barham made trips to the barn four to five times a day just for heat detection, leaving less time for other projects.

Now, when he is at the barn, he doesn’t even watch for cows in heat.

Torres notes that CowManager has also helped with time management. “Walking the cows is no longer a drawn out, hit-or-miss process where we hope to catch the right cow at the right moment to know if she’s coming in heat or having a health issue.”

Brandon, who does most of the reproductive work, concurs. He has entered herd check info PCDART for the last 16 years and says this is first time ever that he didn’t put in a single cow. According to Brandon, “The ear sensors were responsible for all the heat detection month. Open cows only show up on the vet list because we missed a heat. Pretty sure that the best money we’ve ever spent.“

much shot sequence breeding because CowManager finds natural heats more often than I ever could before.”

The farm’s heat detection rate (HDR) has benefited with CowManager, especially the HDR post first-service, which went from 51% to 73%, improving by 43%.

The Calhoun, TN, producer farms with his dad and three employees and installed CowManager in October 2023. He turned to the cow monitoring system to help the family operation be more efficient and improve cow health and reproduction.

Barham notes that CowManager has been especially helpful during crop season when six months out of the year heat detection was an extra tough task for them to juggle. “Now I can see what cows are in heat and when to breed them while in a tractor a mile away.”

The farm now uses CowManager to guide breeding of their milk cows and heifers and to keep a pulse on the herd’s overall health. “With CowManager, I feel more on top of things with the herd. I love being able to see hourly and daily what our cows

“The Health Module finds cows that are getting sick, which allows me to evaluate and treat them before they become clinical and helps them make a quicker recovery. The Fertility Module finds cows in heat and shows me the optimal time to breed. Both modules have exceeded my expectations.”

Torres notes that CowManager has also helped with time management. “Walking the cows is longer a drawn out, hit-or-miss process where we hope to catch the right cow at the right moment to know if she’s coming in heat or having a health issue.”

Barham says he would 100% recommend CowManager. “CowManager truly helps in so many more ways than I ever imagined it would. It has improved on-farm efficiency, cut down on labor, reduced costs and increased profits through improved health and reproduction. And along with more family time, I now have more time to do other projects on the farm that usually got pushed back. I can’t put an actual dollar figure to the improved time management, but if I could, it would be high!”

Scan this!

Other positive repro results include a decrease in average days open from 132 to 111 and a decrease in the 12-month average days in milk from 179 to 152. Barham adds: “I can be more selective on breeding as our pregnancy rate has climbed from 17% to 24%, which is a huge bonus. Plus, we don’t use as

DEMO THE APP

Scan this!

DEMO THE APP

Scan the QR code to try the CowManager app!

SOLUTIONS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

Jeff Hostetter, Product Manager

The dairy business faces many challenges. From labor shortages to environmental challenges to ever-increasing input costs, dairy producers are forced to tackle problems on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

The good news is that most folks in the dairy business are certified problem solvers with the drive and determination to overcome both small and big hurdles to their success.

At Premier we strive to provide you with the genetic and animal health tools to navigate the changing landscape that we all experience. Let me highlight several essential solutions that can assist you in leaping over those hurdles.

BioFresh® Microbial Boluses:

As we all know, prevention is key to minimizing issues with cow health. We always recommend giving one or two BioFresh Boluses to all cows at calving along with a Ca3 for second and greater lactation cows.

With the increasing adoption of cow monitoring systems like CowManager, producers are looking for protocols to streamline the treatment process for health alert cows. BioFresh Microbial Boluses have proven to quickly improve rumination and eating behaviors when given to health alert cows both in the pre-fresh or post-fresh

phase. Why does BioFresh work so well and so quickly? What sets it apart from all the other rumen boluses on the market? It comes down to providing the RIGHT INOCULATION:

• 9 billion CFU’s E. faecium, L. acidophilus, S. cerevisiae

• 2 additional strains of proprietary L-Form bacteria: One for immune function and one for stabilizing pH of the digestive tract

• Egg-based pathogen-focused proteins: heat-seeking missiles to destroy pathogens

• Enzymes

• Vitamins

Please contact us for data and graphs related to the rapid response by health alert cows treated with BioFresh. Targeted administration has also proven to drastically reduce SCC.

CONVERTTM Gel and BIG Calf Powder:

Calves have become so valuable to dairy producers, both beef x dairy and replacement heifers. The foundation of keeping them healthy and thriving is good colostrum management. Convert Gel offers a tremendous way to take their health and growth to the next level when given on day

one of the calf’s life at the time of colostrum feeding:

• 5 billion CFU’s E. faecium, L. acidophilus, B. longum

• 2 additional strains of proprietary L-Form bacteria: One for immune function and one for stabilizing pH of the digestive tract

• IgY antibodies against 6 major pathogen classes E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, Crypto, Clostridium

BIG Calf Powder offers a convenient way to provide this same Convert technology on a daily basis during the entire milk phase. BIG Calf is research-proven to improve digestive and respiratory health along with ADG.

Other Products to Make Your Life Easier:

• SOP® Lagoon

• Manure pit additive to increase nitrogen availability and reduce odor and crust

• FerAppease®

• Reduces stress by blocking cortisol increases

• Beef uses: weaning, before transport, castration, etc.

• Dairy uses: fresh cows, dehorning, before transport, etc.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REP ABOUT PRODUCT SOLUTIONS TODAY!

2025 PREMIER FUTURE AG LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP

Congratulations!

With a record number of applicants this year, Premier Select Sires awarded over $20,000 to students through the 2025 Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program. Two students received $2,500 scholarships through the Wayne Dudley Scholarship and the Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship. Nineteen other students received scholarships of $500 to $1,500 in value. Eight students received an Honorable Mention with a $100 cash award.

Sarah Diehl of McVeytown, PA is the daughter of Joe and Kristen Diehl. She is the recipient of the $2500 Wayne Dudley Scholarship. Sarah is from Musser Run Jerseys, a Registered Jersey farm milking 217 cows. She is a student at Virginia Tech studying Dairy Science. After college, Sarah hopes to enroll in veterinary school to become a large animal veterinarian. She wants to help farmers improve herd health and become more profitable, and she wants to help to ensure that the agriculture industry thrives for generations to come. She also hopes to remain involved on her family’s dairy farm.

Anna Longenecker of Williamsburg, PA is the daughter of Douglas and Yvette Longenecker. She is the recipient of the $2500 Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship. Anna is from Penn England LLC, a dairy farm milking 2130 cows. She is a senior at Central High School and plans to attend Penn State

University to study Agribusiness Management. After college, Anna’s long-term goal is to return to her family’s farm and take over the financial and business responsibilities, eventually becoming an owner. Before returning, she hopes to obtain a job for a few years in the financial agricultural world to bring more experience and fresh ideas back to the farm.

Claire Fogler of Exeter, ME is the daughter of Kathryn and Travis Fogler. Claire is from Stonyvale Farm, a Holstein operation with 1150 mature cows. She is a senior at Dexter Regional High School and plans to attend Iowa State University to study Dairy Science. After college, Claire plans to return to her family’s farm and eventually assume the role of herd manager. She is committed to contributing to the farm’s continued success and sustainability while managing the herd with a focus on efficiency, animal welfare, and product quality.

Jordan Anderson of Centre Hall, PA is the daughter of Donald and Angela Anderson. Jordan is from Locust Rock Farm/Cabaret Cattle Company, a Holstein and Jersey herd with 15 head. She is a student at the University of Wyoming studying Agriculture Communications. After college, Jordan plans to pursue a career in agriculture, and she hopes to obtain a role that allows her to advocate for the industry and give hardworking farmers a voice that reaches consumers. She is also interested in working within the marketing and communications department of an agriculture company.

Joseph Coltrane of Pleasant Garden, NC is the son of David and Amy Coltrane. Joseph is from Coltrane Dairy LLC, a dairy farm milking 600 cows. He is a student at North Carolina State University studying Agriculture Science. After college, Joseph plans to return to his family’s farm and use his degree to improve the operation and grow it to new levels. He hopes to continue his family’s efforts and pass the farm on for generations to come.

Lemuel Coltrane of Pleasant Garden, NC is the son of David and Amy Coltrane. Lemuel is from Coltrane Dairy LLC, a dairy farm milking 600 cows. He is a student at North Carolina State University studying Agriculture Science. After college, Lemuel plans to return to his family’s farm. He looks forward to bringing new skills, technology, and management practices to the farm to improve it and pass it along to the next generations.

Hayley Daubert of Dayton, VA is the daughter of Jeremy and Becky Daubert. Hayley is from Stox Dairy, a farm with 20 head of cattle. She is a student at South Dakota State University studying Dairy Manufacturing. After college, Haley plans to combine her passion for the dairy industry with her interest in helping those around her stay safe through a safety manager role at a dairy processing facility. She looks forward to her summer job as a food safety intern for Sargento Cheese to gain experience, skills, and connections.

Chelsea Empet of Kingsley, PA is the daughter of Richard and Dana Empet. Chelsea is from Empet Farm, a dairy farm

milking 155 cows. She is a senior at Mountain View Jr/Sr High School and plans to attend college to study Animal Science/ Ag Business. After college, Chelsea plans to remain in the agriculture industry whether it is on the animal care side, through business and financial management, or scientific research. She hopes to gain knowledge in school that will help her be ready for a career to help farmers make responsible and wellinformed business and financial decisions.

Regan Jackson of Boyce, VA is the daughter of Kevin and Laura Jackson. Regan is from Waverly Farm/Windy Knoll View, a Registered Holstein and Jersey farm milking 115 cows. She is a student at Louisiana State University studying Nutrition & Food Science with a minor in Biology. After completing her degree, Reagan plans to attend nursing school and find a specialty in medicine to be a trusted spokesperson and voice for production agriculture. She wants to be an advocate to educate doctors and patients about the health benefits of our country’s wholesome and safe agricultural products such as real dairy and beef. She also hopes to continue helping on her family’s farm.

Madison Mowrer of Petersburg, PA is the daughter of Erica and Nathan Mowrer. Madison is from Mowrer Farms, a dairy farm milking 400 cows. She is a senior at Juniata Valley High School and plans to attend Penn State University to study Animal Science. After college, Madison hopes to further pursue her passion for the dairy industry. She has gained experience in dairy promotion and checkoff programs and has a special interest in serving farmers through organizations such as the American Dairy Association.

Rachel Craun of Mt. Crawford, VA is the daughter of Kevin and Patti Craun. Rachel is from Van Ike Farm, a Holstein and Angus operation with 30 head of cattle. She is a student at Purdue University studying Agricultural and Biological Engineering. After college, Rachel plans to work as an agricultural engineer, focusing on conservation projects. She wants to be a leader in developing innovative solutions to natural resource challenges.

Addison Harpster of Spruce Creek, PA is the daughter of Meg and Aaron Harpster. Addison is from Evergreen Farms, a dairy farm with 7400 head of cattle. She is a senior at State College Area High School and plans to attend college to study Ag Business Management. After college, Addison wants to work directly with farmers and help them get their products into stores. Through her high school agriculture classes, she’s gained an interest in food production and how products get from the farm to the consumer, and she looks forward to gaining a greater understanding about industry, marketing, and supply chains through her college courses.

Katelyn Heckman of Kutztown, PA is the daughter of Tracie and Christopher Heckman.

Katelyn is from TBM Farm, a dairy farm milking 150 cows. She is a student at Penn State University studying Animal Science. After college, Katelyn hopes to pursue a career involving dairy genetics and science. She is considering going to veterinary school for large animal medicine. She also plans to stay involved in her family’s farm.

Brailey Livingston of New Haven, VT is the daughter of Philip and Dawn-Marie Livingston. Brailey is from Rail View Dairy, a dairy farm with 1639 head of cattle. She is a senior at Mt. Abraham Union High School and plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill to study Dairy Production and Management. After college, Brailey plans to take a permanent role on her family’s dairy farm. She would like to co-manage the farm with her father.

Eli Merry of Arkport, NY is the son of Andrew and Jennifer Merry. Eli is from Lismore Dairy, a dairy farm milking 4150 cows. He is a senior at Arkport Central School District and plans to attend college to study Animal Science. After college, Eli would like to return to his family’s dairy operation. He wants to help his family continue to implement new ideas into the operation to make it more sustainable, promoting efficiency and stimulating growth in the business.

Joleigh Nailor of Mechanicsburg, PA is the daughter of Jason and Sherisa Nailor. Joleigh is from J&S Dairy, a Holstein and Milking Shorthorn herd with 200 head of cattle. She is a senior at Cumberland Valley High School and plans to attend Penn State University to study Animal Science. After college, Joleigh would like to work in cattle genetics and reproduction. She hopes to work for a semen company selling semen, spreading awareness and knowledge of genetics, and breeding cattle. She wants to work with farmers firsthand to help them reach operational goals.

Alexis Schultz of Marion, NY is the daughter of Shane and Shannon Schultz. Alexis is from Ranway Farms LLC, a Holstein and Jersey herd with 250 head of cattle. She is a senior at Marion Junior/Senior High School and plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill or Penn State University to study Agricultural Business. After college, Alexis plans to work in the financial and business aspects of the dairy or agricultural industry. She looks forward to learning more and honing her career skills as she begins her college courses. She also looks forward to continuing showing dairy cattle.

Nicole Arrowsmith of Peach Bottom, PA is the daughter of Thomas and Amanda Arrowsmith. Nicole is from Hillacres Jerseys, a dairy farm milking 60 cows. She is a student at Penn State University studying Agribusiness Management. After college, Nicole hopes to return to her family’s farm operation. She has been taking business-

oriented courses that will help her continue and improve their farm, cheese-processing business, and beef business.

Sarah Craun of Mt. Crawford, VA is the daughter of Kevin and Patti Craun. Sarah is from Van Ike Farm, a Holstein and Angus operation with 30 head of cattle. She is a senior at Turner Ashby High School and plans to attend Blinn College to study Animal Science. After college, Sarah is interested in working for a company specializing in livestock pharmaceuticals. She is passionate about preserving the industry for future generations and searching for ways to improve sustainability.

Ava Neville of Little Meadows, PA is the daughter of Chris and Katie Neville. Ava is from Vin-Deb Dairy, a dairy farm with 125 head of cattle. She is a student at Penn State University studying Animal Science. After college, Ava would like to return to her roots and build a fulfilling career in the dairy industry. She hopes to specialize in calf and heifer nutrition management and consulting, or genetic consulting. She also aspires to establish a small herd of high-quality animals.

Willis Rienhardt of Exeter, ME is the son of Brian and Liza Rienhardt. Willis is from Stonyvale Farm, a dairy farm with 1150 mature cows. He is a senior at Dexter Regional High School and plans to attend South Dakota State University to study Precision Agriculture. After college, Willis plans to return to his family farm and apply the knowledge he’s gained from school to help grow and sustain the operation for future generations. By integrating modern techniques such as precision farming, he aims to improve productivity, enhance soil health, and minimize environmental impact.

Honorable Mentions:

• Sara Dreibelbis, Lawrenceville, PA

• Danielle Heltzel, Martinsburg, PA

• Taydem Mitzner, Penokee, KS

• Nicole Non, Pleasant Mt., PA

• Skylar Peiffer, Lebanon, PA

• Adria Russell, Alexandria, PA

• Ainsley Sellers, Lebanon, PA

• Natalie Yoder, Belleville, PA

The Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program provides financial support to eligible students pursuing agricultural education, and it also provides additional return to the cooperative’s member-owners by supporting the next generation of young people desiring to study and work in the agriculture industry. The Premier Select Sires board of directors has made a commitment to providing money to support this scholarship program on an ongoing annual basis.

PASSING THE TORCH

In 2024 and 2025, Premier Select Sires has had ten employees retire. Those ten employees averaged 35 years of service. Seven had been with the cooperative for over 35 years, four for over 40 years, and one had been faithfully serving member customers for 50 years.

Incredibly proud of our seasoned employees, Premier believes that dedication, tradition, and experience are invaluable. We also place great priority in seeking the next generation of young people wanting to enter the industry and help us achieve our mission with innovation and enthusiasm.

We interviewed six of our recently hired employees to gain perspective on what their generation is excited about, what they hope to achieve through their careers, and what they have to offer our cooperative and industry.

Ryan Allen is a Sales Support Specialist. In his role, he helps to develop, implement, and monitor the strategies that are needed for modern dairies to achieve higher profits through reproductive and genetic efficiencies. Areas of focus include generating progress reports and leading artificial insemination training courses.

NAME: Ryan Allen

TITLE: Sales Support Specialist REGION: Central (PA, MD, NJ, DE) START DATE: August 2024

Mason Hamlett and Andrew Keffer are Area Sales Managers. In this position, they visit with dairy and beef producers on a routine basis. They advise member customers on bulls and products that will help meet their operational goals and address issues they experience on farm. They also provide liquid nitrogen service and help connect customers to other members of the Premier team.

Michael Ingram is a Reproductive Support Specialist. A large portion of his role is devoted to teaching individuals and groups how to artificially inseminate cattle. He helps them understand physiology, A.I. technique, semen handling, heat detection, and more.

Paige Peiffer is also a Sales Support Specialist, with focus on reproductive consultation and the CowManager® herd monitoring system. She creates reproductive performance reports and analyzes data from herd management software systems to highlight areas of opportunity for the herds she serves. She also provides technical support to CowManager herds.

George Sebright is a Sales Support Specialist who primarily helps administer the Select Mating Service®. He performs

NAME: Michael Ingram

TITLE: Reproductive Support Specialist REGION: Northern (Primarily NY) START DATE: September 2024

linear evaluations on farm and combines that information with pedigree data to create mating reports. He also provides genetic audits and works with heifer calculators to help herds generate the correct number of replacements to meet operational goals.

A Passion

Many Premier staff members, including the six interviewed, grew up immersed in agriculture and developed a passion for the industry as children.

“My passion for genetics began early as I fondly remember reviewing proofs with my father at a young age,” said Ryan. “While I might not have understood much then—my selection process was guided by how large the bull’s linear bars were—the amount of data available and the constant drive to build a better next generation stuck with me.”

Whether they grew up on a large or small, traditional or unique operation, employees often find that their experiences shape their interest, their interests become a passion, and a passion becomes a career.

For example, Michael, who was born in Nicaragua, found it interesting how

NAME: Andrew Keffer

TITLE: Area Sales Manager

REGION: Southern (VA) START DATE: February 2025

genetic needs differed in different parts of the world.

“My family has a long history in the agricultural and medical fields,” said Michael. “Since I was very young, I’ve worked with cattle and was very curious about reproduction and the genetic traits that were most suitable for our climate back home.”

A Pursuit

Eventually, these six employees’ passion turned into a pursuit. Through education and real-world experience, they began building their resumes and connecting with industry peers and professionals.

Mason began by taking full advantage of the many opportunities presented to him as a youth. As a student at Randolph Henry High School, he worked as a farm manager to oversee the 160-acre land lab. For the beef herd, he chose Select Sires bulls to breed females to each fall, and helped market the calves and bred heifers every year. He also attended local cattle meetings and helped producers in his area on their farms.

“I have had many great mentors and opportunities to learn a lot of the skills that help me in my job every day,” said Mason. “Also, the FFA program helped to grow my communication and leadership skills that I use daily.”

For Paige, the pursuit of her passion looked like earning an animal science degree from Penn State University and participating in the many opportunities available on campus such as Dairy

Science Club, dairy judging, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and the Dairy Challenge program. She also accepted internships with Land O’ Lakes and Penn State Extension to challenge herself and grow her skills.

“It was competing and learning through the Dairy Challenge program that led me towards the path of herd record/data analysis and consultation, both of which I use very heavily now,” said Paige. Andrew, who obtained a degree in Agricultural Technology from Virginia Tech, worked at the VT dairy for 14 years. That experience, combined with his work on his own farm, helped prepare him to understand and assist the customers he now serves at Premier.

“For three of the years I worked at VT, I served as one of the herd managers, specializing in youngstock and dry cow management,” said Andrew. “I have been breeding cows for 16 years for my family, as well as at the VT dairy. I also have been mating cows on my family’s farm…now, in my role with Premier, I get to help producers in my area be as productive and profitable as possible.”

When asked why they chose to pursue a career with Premier Select Sires, many of the young employees mentioned that they appreciated the people, genetic and product offerings, and values of the cooperative.

“My fiancée used to joke in college that all my friends back home were middleaged semen salesmen,” said Ryan. “It was a minor stretch of the truth, but

I found myself in agreement with the same core values that can be found in many of our employees. They all appreciate the importance of agriculture, they are deeply committed to our members’ success, and many will talk about genetics, cows, and farming with you for hours. Additionally, the ability to work for a member-owned cooperative appealed to me. Having our leadership rooted in members who work with our genetics and products every day keeps us grounded to the real-world success and areas for growth of our services.”

“My parents have been long-time customers of Premier Select Sires,” said Paige. “Knowing the company’s reputation, and after receiving several academic awards through Premier’s scholarship program, it compelled me to work for the company after graduation— especially since I would have the chance to use my love of data analytics and genetics.”

George added, “Premier offers an elite, diverse, and complete portfolio of genetics to farmers, and it truly makes me excited and proud to put these bulls to action in our herds. Additionally, I can tell that the people I work with truly have a passion for genetics and it has been very refreshing to be surrounded by likeminded people who not only want to help our customers get better but also make the breeds better as a whole.”

A Partnership

While starting a new job can be intimidating for anyone, Premier’s

NAME: Paige Peiffer

TITLE: Sales Support Specialist

REGION: Central (PA, MD, NJ, DE)

START DATE: June 2024

NAME: George Sebright

TITLE: Sales Support Specialist (SMS®)

REGION: Central (Primarily PA)

START DATE: September 2024

NAME: Mason Hamlett

TITLE: Area Sales Manager

REGION: Southern (VA)

START DATE: August 2024

newest hires are trained and supported by their teammates, both locally and cooperative-wide.

“I have always lived by the saying ‘Not I, but We,’” said Mason. “This saying holds true to the way our company works. We all help each other daily no matter our roles in the company. From meeting other Area Sales Managers to give them semen they need, talking with the sales support people to administer our programs, collaborating and hosting A.I. schools, to educating our customers so they can reach their goals, Premier is a team.”

Depending on their goals, a farm often works with several employees at once. Partnership among the employees and customers is imperative to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

“While we all try to be well-rounded, each person specializes in something different, allowing us to give our members the best service we can,” said Ryan. “We value correct implementation. We can strategize all we want, but if the plan cannot be carried out to a high degree of accuracy, there are going to be complications…we must have the ability to recognize when a plan is not going to work and the expertise to know when and how to pivot.”

Paige said, “We work alongside many other Premier employees—technicians, area sales managers, and other support staff…to help everyone make more accurate and knowledgeable decisions regarding current breeding strategies and semen usage.”

A Lifestyle

For many individuals employed at Premier Select Sires, their role with the cooperative is not as much a job as it is a lifestyle.

Select Series 2025

“I am thankful that my position at Premier gives me the opportunity to work in the agricultural field while having flexibility to still be present on my family farm,” said Andrew.

Like Andrew, many of the other recent hires are still involved on their family operations in some way.

George, who manages all the genetic and reproductive programs for his family’s farm, said, “I have not only used my onfarm knowledge [from growing up on a dairy and my past experiences] to better help customers, but I have also used the knowledge I gain from my career to help push our farm forward.”

A Legacy

Each of our recent hires humbly recognizes that they would not be where they are today without the help of others. They cite the influence of family, friends, teachers, mentors, and many others as vital to their success.

For example, Mason says that his high school agriculture teacher, Mr. Jim Pugh, helped Mason both in and out of the classroom.

“Mr. Pugh coached me through FFA events and gave me many opportunities to work for him at the school land lab and on his home farm,” said Mason. “He has taught me a lot about selecting high quality genetics and raising cattle well. I wouldn’t have near the agricultural knowledge I do without him.”

Many of the interviewed employees wish to recognize current or past employees for the time they’ve dedicated to shaping young people’s careers.

Michael says he chose his career due to the inspiration of his uncle, Earl Ingram, who was a Reproductive and Management Training Specialist for

Select Sires. Even though Earl has retired, Michael says he still calls his uncle for advice.

Andrew has a full-circle experience with his retired Area Sales Manager— “Jim McKenzie has been an inspiration to me and my career. He has supplied our family dairy for years, and I had the privilege of riding with and training under him for two months before taking over Jim’s position following his retirement. Jim has taught me a lot, especially on the beef side of things.”

Just as many individuals have influenced them, the interviewed employees hope to influence others and impact the industry through their careers.

“I hope that when I return to herds a year and a half or two years from now, the cows are better than when I first got there,” said George. “My role [as a mating specialist] is unique—our customers don’t necessarily see the value at the next pregnancy check or when they are paying their bills this month, but they will see when the daughters from today’s matings calve in and perform better than their 2-yearolds ever have before. It takes time, but genetics can be one of the greatest ROIs for a dairy. The mating decisions they make now will impact their business for years and generations to come, and I hope I can contribute to their success with my role.”

“My motivation comes from trying to reach my full potential by working hard and always giving my best effort,” said Michael. “While working as an employee on dairy farms, I have felt the commitment, hard work, integrity, and passion that farmers have. I aim to transmit those same values to the next generation of agriculturists I come across in the dairy and beef industries.”

The Select Series is back, and the 2025 lineup of content will not disappoint! Think of it as a beef customer meeting, but from the comfort of your home, pasture, barn, or wherever you might be that you can squeeze in a few minutes of “talking bulls.”

Each three-to-five-minute video features experts from the Select Sires beef team discussing their favorite sires. Check it out at www.selectsiresbeef.com/the-select-series-2025, or by scanning the QR code!

LET’S TALK BEEF!

TO SERVE AS A TRUSTED PARTNER WITH BEEF AND DAIRY PRODUCERS, BUILDING THEIR SUCCESS THROUGH INDUSTRY-LEADING GENETICS, EFFECTIVE HERD MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS, VALUABLE SERVICES, AND EXPERIENCE-BASED INSIGHTS FROM KNOWLEDGEABLE, PASSIONATE EMPLOYEES.

Photos from left to right:

JX Victory 55435 Thrasher 60692 {5} (VG-84%), JX THRASHER {6} daughter, Victory Farms LLC, Revillo, SD, Jordan photo; JX Clover Farms Chatham Cheryl 9203 {5} (VG-84%), JX CHATHAM {4} daughter, Clover Farms, Olney, IL, Erbsen photo; Clover Farms Els Beck 10430, JX ELS {6} daughter, Walter C. Graves, Dundas, IL, Erbsen photo.