Pioneering animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world

By: Macy Sarbacker, ABS Global Marketing Communications Intern

Agriculture is the root of our society. In the past, agriculture and farming tended to be lumped into one category that was assumed to mean farmers who worked on farms.

Today however, agriculture is the production, processing, marketing and distribution of crops and livestock products. Agriculture based jobs are not just for those managing a farm or ranch. Agriculture based positions can be utilized in a broad range of areas such as: sales representatives, research scientists, quality assurance, marketing, engineers, public health and more.  At ABS Global, it is our vision to continue to pioneer animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world.

“Without agriculture, we would be in a lot of trouble. Providing food to the world is one of the most basic needs we have today,” said Greg Peterson.

5^th generation farmer’s sons, Greg Peterson, 22, and his brothers, Nathan, 19, and Kendal, 17, became an overnight sensation last year when they took their love for agriculture online.

The brothers, who have always been passionate about agriculture, began carrying a camera around their 1000 acres of farm land as they did their daily chores. They knew that agriculture needed to be promoted and thought YouTube videos would be an entertaining way to inform the public and spread the word about agriculture.

And they were right!

Their first video, “I’m Farming and I Grow It”, a parody of LMFAO’s “I’m Sexy and I Know It” has now been seen by nearly 23 million times by people across the globe.

“Agriculture has taught [us] work ethic, values, and how to treat animals and land the right way… It’s given [us] a unique perspective of the world and how important it is that we keep pressing forward as an industry,” said Peterson.

Agriculture enthusiasts across the globe are thankful for these young men who are committed to promoting agriculture in an entertaining way. For now, the Peterson brothers plan to continue to make videos, travel the country to speak on the importance of agriculture and most importantly, carry on the family tradition of farming.

Even in a modern society, agriculture continues to provide us with clothing, shelter, food and everyday necessities. As you can see, agriculture really is important! It is also important to keep our vision of continuing to pioneer animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world in the forefront of our minds.

ABS Global Celebrates National Ice Cream Month

I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! Wait, did someone say ice cream?

You heard right! July is National Ice Cream Month! ABS Global is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with 17-year-old entrepreneur, Michael Katz.

Sun Prairie High School student, Katz, became a licensed and permitted owner of Cosmic Enterprises, LLC.  This summer Katz is traveling around Madison and surrounding communities selling your favorite ice cream treats from his Kool Katz ice cream truck.

“It’s such a great opportunity for our community and surrounding areas to support a young, local business owner,” said Stacy Leverenz, Administrative Assistant at ABS Global, Inc.

It was in 1984 that President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90 percent of the nations’ population.

ABS Global couldn’t agree more. “At ABS, we think it’s important to recognize events and occasions that our employee should know about. For that reason, and for office camaraderie, we celebrate events such as June Dairy Month, raise money for Relay for Life, hold frequent blood drives and participate in wellness activities,” said Jan Francois, Marketing Coordinator at ABS Global, Inc. 

2013 Dairy Photo Contest Winners

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos for the 2014 ABS Global Dairy calendar!

ABS is pleased to announce this year’s winners for the dairy photo contest. As you can see, only the top placing contest winners are listed here- be sure to check out the 2014 ABS calendar later this year to see if your picture(s) are featured!

Please join us in congratulating these entry winners!

1st place: “Grazing Cows” by Sheila Sundborg

2nd place: “Her Registered Heifer” by Stacy Konyn

3rd place: “October sun in Sweden” by Kajsa Johansson

Honorable Mention: “On-Farm Calf Photo” by Carlos Saviani

ABS Global welcomes 2013 interns

ABS Global welcomes a diverse group of interns for the 2013 year. Interns include: Cassie Endres, Becky Steffensmeier, Tyler Gallagher, Erica Ehlers, Mandy Hunter, Donovan Nelson and Macy Sarbacker.

 Cassie Endres began as the GMS Intern in December. Endres is from Waunakee, WI and is currently a junior at UW-Madison.

 Becky Steffensmeier was selected as a livestock handling intern. Steffensemeier is currently attending school at UW-Platteville and hails from Bloomington, WI.

 Tyler Gallagher of Decorah, IA was selected as a livestock handling intern. Gallagher is currently a student at Iowa State University.

 Erica Ehlers, graduate of University of NE-Lincoln, was selected as a production intern. Ehlers is from Leigh, NE.

 Mandy Hunter was selected as a production intern. Hunter is currently attending school at Madison College.

 Donovan Nelson of Edgerton, WI was selected as the sales and service intern. Nelson is currently a senior at UW-River Falls.

 Macy Sarbacker of Verona, WI was selected as the marketing communications intern. Sarbacker is currently a junior at Iowa State University.

 The internship opportunities at ABS Global are an excellent chance for students to learn more about ABS programs, services and labs. “ABS internships have served as a career path foundation for several employees and representatives throughout our company. It is exciting to support the development of the next generation of industry leaders,” said Todd Kronberg, ABS Global business development manager.

ABS Global welcomes Tom Lundy as a customer service representative

Tom Lundy has joined ABS Global, Inc. as a customer service representative for the North American Customer Service Team.

 As a customer service representative, Lundy will be assisting with day to day operations of providing products, supplies and information on our service to U.S. customers, employees and independent representatives sales staff.

 Lundy has worked a number of years in customer service. In his previous position, he held responsibilities in both customer service and credit. Tom brings a passion for fulfilling the customer’s needs, while keeping the customer and business goals in mind. “We look forward to Tom bringing his experiences to the ABS customer service team and building on ABS Global’s vision, strategy and value,” said North America customer service manager Jenny Sweatt.

 Lundy lives in Sun Prairie with his wife and two children. In his spare time he enjoys golfing and doing remodeling projects for family and friends.

ABS Global’s BOLIVER passes away

End-Road PVF BOLIVER has passed away following a successful life of 14 years.

Since his release in 2003, BOLIVER daughters have been known for tremendous udders for trouble-free cows and come from a well-known cow family that improves form and function. This great combination of family genetics and tremendous udders made BOLIVER daughters easy to like and find in the cow pen.

“BOLIVER has been a favorite of everyone at ABS, including our genetics staff, sales representatives around the globe and the barn crew that worked with him every day.  According to our production staff, BOLIVER ranks as the second highest lifetime semen producer in ABS history, behind only DIE-HARD,” said Ryan Starkenburg, sire selection manager at ABS Global. “BOLIVER continues to have a big impact on the Holstein breed through his daughters, sons and grandsons.  I am sure that wherever dairy farmers appreciate medium-sized, fancy cattle that last with outstanding udders and profitable production, they will appreciate BOLIVER descendents.”

ABS and St Jacobs calf giveaway success

Over the past two years, St. Jacobs ABC has awarded six daughters and 20 embryos from EX-96 Tri-Day Ashlyn as a promotion to customers who have purchased semen. Several of these heifers have had great success for their new owners.

Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport, Vt. won a 29HO11111 BOLTON calf born from Ashlyn through a promotion at World Dairy Expo. She recently produced eight embryos by sexed 94HO14105 AFTERSHOCK on her flush.

“The Audet family at Blue Spruce is milking a lot of BOLTON daughters right now, so they’re familiar with the bull. They were thrilled to win a calf through the giveaway and look forward to bringing another high-type family into the herd,” said Skip Maynard, Independent Representative for ABS Global, Inc.

 MacGregor Farm in Nova Scotia won a 94HO13666 DESTRY*RC calf born from Ashlyn. She recently produced 10 embryos by AFTERSCHOCK on her flush.

 The MacGregor family is pleased to be adding the genetics of a great cow like Ashlyn to their herd, according to Jody Smallman, ABS Global Independent Representative.

 Due to the success stories of these giveaways, St. Jacobs ABC will plan to do more giveaways in the future to give genetics back to the customers that are buying their product, according to St. Jacobs owners Tim and Sharyn Abbott. “These couple heifers have been very successful and we look forward to doing more promotional events and hearing more success stories like these,” said Tim Abbott of St. Jacob’s ABC.

 Located in Fairfield, Vermont, St. Jacobs ABC has been in the development of elite dairy genetics since 1958. St. Jacobs ABC is the supplier of some of ABS’ most prestigious genetics. Headquartered in DeForest, Wisconsin, ABS Global is the world leader in bovine genetics, reproduction services and technologies. ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. ABS Global is a division of Genus plc.

Horst takes on sire analyst role with ABS Global

Aaron Horst has transitioned to the role of Jersey sire analyst with ABS Global, Inc. in addition to his responsibilities as a ABS Cornerstone specialist.

“Aaron’s knowledge of ABS, the AI Industry and Jersey genetics will greatly benefit the ABS sire analyst team,” said Andy Stiefel, Senior Manager of Genetic Programs.

 As an ABS Cornerstone Specialist, Horst will continue to be responsible for developing and identifying potential new ABS Cornerstone herds while maintaining a relationship with current herds on the East Coast. He will also continue to monitor, evaluate and maintain progeny test herd data output in addition to being a Jersey sire analyst.

 Horst is a 2009 graduate of Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and a minor in agribusiness management. On campus he was active in the dairy club, North America Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge and the dairy judging team.

 Horst’s career with ABS began when he completed two internships with ABS Global including: the progeny promotions internship in 2007 and a sales and service internship in 2008.

ABS Global welcomes Matt Killian as district business manager for New York and New England

Matt Killian has joined ABS Global, Inc. as a district business manager for New York and New England.
 
“Matt’s experience in development of sales plans and coaching will be a great benefit to the ABS team,” commented Brandon Sowder, divisional sales manager. “His talents will be a great asset to a group of hard-working, veteran professionals in the New York and New England area as he facilitates growth and development of unit sales and the sales team.”
 
As district business manager, Killian will use his industry knowledge, professionalism and positive attitude to grow and develop the business in his area. Prior to joining the ABS team, Matt spent three and a half years working in the nutrition and feed business. He was brought into a new expansion role, where he exceeded every target and benchmark set for the business. Matt was established as a respected expert and the nation’s largest liquid feed sales representative for his company. His strong background in marketing, sales coaching, CRM implementation, wholesale and retail sales management make him an ideal candidate for a management position.
 
Matt is a graduate of the University of Phoenix. He and his wife Shannon will relocate to central New York this summer, but currently reside in Elizabethtown, Pa.

Julian Casas joins ABS Global as technical services consultant

Julian Casas, DVM, MPVM, has joined the ABS Global, Inc. team as a technical services consultant.

“Casas brings a vast knowledge of herd health, reproduction, and dairy nutrition to the team,” said Hernando Lopez, global technical services director. “His experiences as a teacher and a field veterinarian will be an invaluable asset to producers and the success of their operations in North America.”
 
Julian has a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the National University of Colombia, as well as a master’s in preventative veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. He also completed a dairy production medicine residency at the University of California, Davis.
 
Casas was most recently a head veterinarian and nutritionist for two herds on the west coast, where he oversaw the health of nearly 7,000 cows. He has worked with herd reproductive programs, diagnosis and treatment of reproductive issues, and transition cow management. In addition, Casas has held on-farm and classroom teaching roles to implement and monitor best practices in several operations.
 
In the technical service specialist role, Julian will be responsible for implementation of ABS proven technical solutions through hands-on involvement and training with clients, their staff and local ABS management. He will measure and report progress of technical service initiatives, as well as seek new ways to deliver value to customers in cooperation with the technical service team. Casas and his family will be based in Visalia, California, servicing the California, Idaho and Washington region.