Company News

The 2025 EastGen Annual General Meeting, held on March 31 at The GrandWay Events Centre in Elora, ON, marked a historic day for the company, bringing members together for a full day of updates, insights, financial reports, and important decisions. Attendees heard engaging presentations from industr y leaders, making the event both informative and memorable.
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L’assemblée générale annuelle 2025 d’EastGen, tenue le 31 mars au GrandWay Events Centre à Elora, Ontario, a marqué une page d’histoire pour l’entreprise, réunissant les membres pour une journée entière de mises à jour, d’analyses, de rapports financiers et de décisions importantes. Les participants ont assisté à des présentations inspirantes de la part de leaders de l’industrie, ce qui a rendu l’événement à la fois informatif et mémorable.
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Semex is pleased to announce that Robert Chicoine has been named the International Person of the Year 2026 by World Dairy Expo. As a founding member and the first General Manager of the Semex Alliance in 1997, Robert Chicoine has left his mark not only on Semex but also on the entire bovine genetics industry. He devoted his career to advancing Canadian dairy cattle, serving as General Manager of CIAQ, pioneering the use of genetic indexes in sire selection, and was instrumental in establishing Boviteq, among many other notable achievements. Semex is very excited about this recent recognition, and we look forward to celebrating with him!

From World Dairy Expo:
Some individuals advance an industry while others help build the very foundation upon which it stands. Robert Chicoine’s life’s work has done exactly that, shaping modern dairy genetics in Canada and influencing breeding decisions in more than 80 countries worldwide.

After earning his Master’s Degree in Animal Breeding, Chicoine started his career in 1966 with the Centre d’Insémination Artificielle du Québec (CIAQ). He was a trailblazer in using data-driven decision-making for sire selection. At a time when tradition was dominant, he promoted the use of genetic indexes, an approach that would transform breeding programs and become standard worldwide. Through initiatives like the Young Sire Testing Program, he helped develop some of the most influential Holstein sires in history.

Chicoine’s vision extended beyond genetics. As a driving force behind the creation of the Semex Alliance, he established a collaborative model that continues to deliver Canadian genetics worldwide. As a builder, innovator, and mentor, his legacy lives on through the systems, organizations, and people he helped shape.

Robert will be honored at the Recognition Awards Banquet during the World Dairy Expo on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Banquet tickets will be available at www.worlddairyexpo.com starting July ... Read More...

We’re incredibly proud to share that our very own Brian O’Connor, EastGen
Chief Executive Officer, has been named one of five 2026 inductees into the
Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame. Selected by the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association, this year’s inductees are recognized for their lifelong dedication
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Nous sommes extrêmement fiers d’annoncer que notre collègue Brian O’Connor, chef de la direction d’EastGen, a été nommé parmi les cinq personnes admises au Temple de la renommée agricole de l’Ontario en 2026. Sélectionnés par l’Association du Temple de la renommée agricole de l’Ontario, les nouveaux membres de cette année sont reconnus pour
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Boviteq is pleased to announce that Diamond Genetics in the Netherlands will serve as our In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) partner, bringing the world’s best advanced reproductive solutions to its clients.

“We’re excited to have Diamond Genetics bring our technology to Holland,” says Melissa Bowers, Semex Vice President, Embryo Division. “They have worked diligently to expand their genetic program and partner network. Now, with the world’s best IVF technology, Diamond’s clients will see even greater results with Boviteq.”  

Diamond Genetics specializes in developing and marketing Holstein genetics. Its customers are progressive, aiming to develop the best AI bulls, embryos, and female donors.

“Our team is highly impressed by the quality of work and professionalism demonstrated by the Boviteq Team,” says Jan de Vries, Diamond Genetics General Manager. “The openness and willingness to assist us from the very first interaction created an immediate sense of confidence and anticipation for the collaboration ahead. We are honored to work alongside the esteemed professionals of Boviteq in this field.”
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EastGen Appoints New Chief Executive Officer - 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
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EastGen nomme une nouvelle cheffe de la direction - 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 cheffe de la direction à compter du 1er avril 2026. Amanda s’est jointe à EastGen au début de 2024 à titre de directrice des ressources
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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...