Accelerated Genetics has announced John Schenk as the new vice president of operations. Schenk will oversee operations of the farm and barn, semen laboratory and semen warehouse at both Accelerated Genetics’ production facility in Westby, Wisconsin, and at the Nebraska Bull Service facility near McCook, Nebraska.
Schenk's expertise lies in the areas of biotechnology that developed and commercialized non-human sperm sorting technology, hands-on managerial and technical strategies used with genetically superior bulls, harvesting bull semen and managing custom semen collection centers.
He has held several positions within the artificial insemination industry. Most recently he was an independent reproductive consultant and semen evaluator. Prior to that, he was a manager of research and development for a company that advanced sperm sex-selection technology towards worldwide commercialization.
Schenk also served as a reproductive physiologist for another A.I. company and was a manager of stud operations with a few custom bull collection centers.
“I am pleased to have John join the Accelerated Genetics team. His vast knowledge and experience in the field of bovine reproduction will be a tremendous asset to the continued production of high quality bull semen for our company,” said Joel Groskreutz, Accelerated Genetics’ president and chief executive officer.
Throughout his various experiences and research in bovine reproduction, Schenk has published numerous papers and articles in a variety of publications.
He has conducted educational presentations to cattlemen throughout the world. Some of his research relating to the methods and processing of sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies have been patented.
Schenk holds a bachelor’s degree in bio-agricultural science as well as a master’s in physiology and biophysics from Colorado State University. He grew up on a family farm and ranch in northeastern Colorado, where he remains active in the farming operations, along with his wife, Renae. PD
—From Accelerated Genetics news release
