Mitch Kappelman Regional Services Specialist Manitowoc, Wisconsin Accelerated Genetics
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a bachelor’s in dairy science in May of 2013.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on my family’s 450 cow, registered Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy farm located just north of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
What territory will you cover?
My territory is the eastern side of Wisconsin streching into Michigan’s upper peninsula and northern Illinois.
What are your new responsibilities?
My primary responsibility is working with the on-farm, computer-mating program GEM (Genetic Evaluation and Mating Program). I work with each individual herd’s goals, evaluate each animal and use our database and computer program to give each herd the best possible matings to ensure fast and consistent positive genetic progress.
What previous positions have you held?
Last summer, I interned at another AI company in a communications and young sire development role and saw hundreds of daughters across the country.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My parents and grandparents have had the biggest impact on my career. They were always there to help and provide insight on achieving my dreams.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I believe that my background of growing up on a larger, more commercial dairy farm will help me relate to those farmers. I have also been interested and active in showing and owning registered cattle, so that makes it easier to relate to farmers with smaller herd numbers.
Why did you choose this company?
I chose to work for this company because they are a people-oriented company that is working to be the producer’s trusted first choice.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
A few of my goals include expanding the number of herds that use the GEM mating program and provide support for the technicians and sales reps in my area.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as a jack-of-all-trades. I want to be able to run the mating program, breed cows, run the sales truck and perform reproductive analysis. I also want to be a reliable and trusted source of information to our customers and my fellow coworkers.
Click here to read about Kappelman's active collegiate career. PD
