Company News

Guelph, Ontario – 27 janvier 2026 — Au nom du conseil d'administration d'EastGen, la présidente Amanda Jeffs a le plaisir d'annoncer la nomination d'Amanda Stokes au poste de directrice générale à compter du 1er avril 2026. Amanda s'est jointe à EastGen au début de 2024 à titre de directrice des ressources humaines et elle a rapidement gagné la confiance et le respect de l'équipe en s'immergeant dans la culture et les activités de l'entreprise. Elle est arrivée à EastGen après avoir travaillé chez Syngenta depuis 2016. Dans le cadre de ses fonctions chez Syngenta, Amanda a agi comme partenaire stratégique auprès de dirigeants du secteur agricole, a dirigé des projets innovateurs et a collaboré avec le personnel de première ligne pour soutenir les producteurs dans l'ensemble du Canada. Plus tôt dans sa carrière, elle a aussi occupé des postes de premier plan chez Starbucks et Target. Ayant grandi dans la communauté rurale de Kawartha Lakes, Amanda a côtoyé le monde agricole dès son plus jeune âge et elle est fière d'avoir fait partie de l'industrie au cours des dix dernières années. Elle y a également contribué en enseignant dans le cadre de programmes agricoles, à la fois à l'Université de Guelph et au Collège Conestoga, et en siégeant au conseil d'administration de son association professionnelle. En tant que dirigeante d'entreprise progressiste et stratégique, Amanda a fait ses preuves en positionnant les gens, les objectifs et le rendement au cœur de la stratégie commerciale. Titulaire d'une maîtrise en administration des affaires, elle possède une solide expérience opérationnelle et financière acquise tout au long de sa carrière. « Après une recherche réfléchie et approfondie, le conseil d'administration est convaincu qu'Amanda apporte la vision stratégique, l'expérience en leadership et les valeurs nécessaires pour guider EastGen vers son prochain chapitre, » a affirmé Amanda Jeffs, présidente ... Read More...

Guelph, ON – January 27, 2026 — On behalf of the EastGen Board of Directors, President Amanda Jeffs is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Stokes to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026.

Amanda joined EastGen early in 2024 as the Human Resources Director and quickly earned the trust and respect of the team by immersing herself in the culture and the business. She joined EastGen from Syngenta where she had worked since 2016. Through her tenure at Syngenta, Amanda acted as a strategic partner to Ag business leaders, led innovative projects, and collaborated with front-line staff to support producers across Canada. Earlier in her career, she also held leadership roles at Starbucks and Target.

Growing up in the rural community of Kawartha Lakes, Amanda was surrounded by agriculture from a young age and is proud to have been a part of the industry for the last 10 years. She has further contributed through teaching in the agriculture programs at both University of Guelph and Conestoga College, and through serving on the Board of her professional association.

A progressive and strategic business leader, Amanda brings a strong track record of placing people, purpose, and performance at the center of business strategy. She holds a Master of Business Administration, backed up by practical operational and financial experience throughout her career.

“After a thoughtful and comprehensive search, the Board is confident that Amanda brings the strategic vision, leadership experience, and values needed to guide EastGen into its next chapter,” said Amanda Jeffs, EastGen President.

Commenting on the appointment, Amanda said, “I am honoured and excited to step into this role. EastGen has a strong foundation, a clear opportunity ahead, and a team that genuinely cares about the work they do. I’m looking forward to listening, learning, and working together to shape what comes next.”

Please join us in congratulating Amanda ... Read More...

We're excited to announce that an article by Semex's Dr. Shannon Beard, Mark Carson, Dr. Michael Lohuis, Dr. Francesca Malchiodi, and Dr. Bonnie Mallard, showcasing the power of Immunity+® genetics to fight Bird Flu, was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Dairy Science Communications. This article, titled “High immune responder cows have lower treatment risk and reduced milk loss during highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks,” was so highly regarded that it is included in JDS Communication's Editor's Choice Collection. 

This study evaluated whether genetic selection for improved immune response, using Immunity+ GEBVs, can increase resilience to HPAI H5N1 in commercial dairy herds. Treatment records and daily milk yield data were obtained from the herd management software for six large commercial dairy herds in the United States with confirmed HPAI H5N1 outbreaks.

The study found that cows with high Immunity+® GEBVs were 24% less likely to require supportive treatment than those with low Immunity+ GEBVs. High-immunity cows also experienced significantly less milk loss during the post-treatment fluctuation period than low-immunity cows.

“The study analyzed real-world data from dairy herds with confirmed HPAI H5N1 outbreaks and demonstrated that cows with higher Immunity+ genomic estimated breeding values required fewer treatments and experienced smaller milk production losses during disease events,” says Beard.

“Being selected as an Editor’s Choice reflects the journal’s recognition of the study as particularly timely, high-quality, and relevant to both the scientific community and the dairy industry,” she says. “For Immunity+®, this distinction further reinforces its position as a scientifically validated genetic tool for disease resilience, supported by ... Read More...

By the Numbers: How John Schenkels Is Building a Healthier Herd - John Schenkels is a firm believer in the science of numbers—and those numbers are paying off. At Schenkels Farms near Miramichi, NB, John milks 200 Holsteins in a parlour/freestall system and farms 1000 acres, including a large blueberry operation. In this region of the province where only a handful of dairy farms operate, careful cost control and data-driven decision-making are essential. An early adopter of the Immunity+® program when it was
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En se basant sur les chiffres : comment John Schenkels bâtit un troupeau en meilleure santé : John Schenkels croit fermement en la science des chiffres – et ces chiffres s’avèrent payants. Chez Schenkels Farms, près de Miramichi, N.-B., John trait 200 Holstein dans un système de salle de traite/stabulation libre et cultive 200 acres, incluant une grande exploitation de bleuets. Dans cette région de la province où seules quelques fermes laitières sont exploitées, un contrôle rigoureux des prix et une prise de décision basée sur les données sont essentiels.
Un des premiers à adopter
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Semex Is Pleased To Announce The Purchase of Semex Holland From Bles Dairies

The Semex Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team are pleased to announce the purchase of Semex Holland, including distribution in Denmark and Belgium, effective December 31, 2025

For 28 years, Henk Bles, Chairman & Founder of Bles Dairies, has led these markets for Semex, establishing Semex as the brand of choice for dairymen seeking long-lasting, profitable genetics. 

“Semex is extremely thankful to Henk and the ground-breaking work he has done in these key Western European countries for nearly three decades,” says Matt McCready, Semex CEO. “Bles Dairies is a global force. Henk has worked tirelessly to grow our business. As he transfers ownership to Semex, we’re certain Bles Dairies will further benefit from his leadership as they focus on future growth in emerging countries.”

Holland, Denmark, and Belgium represent 2.6 million cows. This investment highlights Semex’s dedication to providing top genetics, solutions, and people to this dynamic market. 

“We’re also pleased to announce the appointment of Rutger Woolderink as Managing Director,” says McCready. “Rutger is experienced in the complexities of our industry, and he has served as Bles Dairies' Commercial Director for three years, playing a key role in Semex’s success in these regions. We look forward to his leadership and contributions to Semex.” 

“I'm excited for this opportunity,” says Rutger. "And I am looking forward to working with our team, emphasizing quality, innovation, and our people.”

Semex Holland joins Semex Argentina, Semex Australia, Semex Brazil, Semex China, Semex Deutschland, Semex Mexico, and Semex N.Z. Ltd, Semex Uruguay, ... Read More...

JOIN US… Online event SCAN QR CODES TO REGISTER January 20th, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM January 21st, 2026 - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Agenda EastGen Update – Business Updates from Brian O’Connor & Jamie Howard, and Sire Update by Andrew den Haan. Semex Update – Brad Sayles, Semex Chief Operating Officer Keynote Speaker – Todd Holm
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December Proofs Yield New Sire Excitement - The final proof round of the year sends a resounding message to our Holstein breeders — and that message is WOW, as this round introduces an exceptional class of new sires to EastGen’s already power-packed lineup. The ‘Jaw-Dropping’ Mr Ernestanthony Havenofear has
been making waves for quite some time, and his rise continued with impressive class wins at both this year’s
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