What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I think that I have a unique skill set that includes operating extremely successfully in all areas of the global genetics industry. I have a passion for cows that was demonstrated with our success in the show ring at Morsan and several successful sales and a deep understanding of the domestic and global dairy industry.

I know all areas of the Westgen business through doing the job! People who know me understand I will go above and beyond for the organizations I represent – it’s personal, not a pay check.

Please describe your agricultural background.
My agricultural back ground began when I was 10 years old, working on a dairy operation near my home town of Stratford Upon Avon in the U.K. and experiencing as many different types of farming as possible.

At the age of 16, I began my agricultural education at various colleges and universities. I also worked on a volunteer basis with a well-known bovine veterinarian in the U.K. After finishing my academic education, my real education began with managing a 300-cow unit still in the U.K.

In 1990, I moved to working for Semex U.K. as an area manager in the Midlands. I worked on many projects both domestically and internationally with this organization until I moved to Canada in 2005.

Here I took up the position of genetics and marketing manager for Morsan Farms in Alberta. My role was to create and manage a genetics business to become a global market leader. Working with the Thalen family was a highlight in my career and one I will always cherish.

The success we had is well documented and the privilege of working with so many talented breeders around the globe is an opportunity and experience that I will never forget.

What territory will you cover?
Our area of operation covers British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

What are your new responsibilities?
With this role comes the responsibility to manage and develop the Westgen organization for the benefit of the Western Canadian dairy and beef producer. This includes our genetic advisory team, technician service and operations staff. I also have the responsibility to represent the interests of the same members in the Semex organization, which is partly owned by Westgen.

What previous positions have you held?
In addition to the positions mentioned above, I would include working with Stanhope Wedgwood from 1992 to 2005. Not only are they great friends of mine but simply great cow people. They were a big part of how I have succeeded in my career.

What excites you most about working in your new role?
I have a fantastic job. I now have the opportunity to work with all Western Canadian producers in an organization they own. Western Canada is, in my opinion, the hub of the Canadian dairy and beef industry. The modern mindset and progressive managers and breeders we have here are second to none.

I have a board of directors who are focused on growing the company and connecting with our membership. We all share the same passion and direction. How many organizations can say that?

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I believe that we as an organization and a team can provide develop their business in many areas, not just providing superior genetics but superior services that make the difference on-farm. I know what it takes to deliver results from milk production to marketing.

We continue to invest in our team and resources to make sure we can provide the best service in our Canadian industry.

Why did you choose this company?
It was a simple decision. I came to Western Canada with my family to live. This is the area we love and where we wanted to settle. To get the opportunity to not only work in but manage the Westgen organization was simply a perfect fit for my talents.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I have many goals in my mind for this position, to grow the organization and the people within it. I guess I want to look back when I have retired and see that our members and customers are proud of their company and what it achieved during my time as general manager.  PD