Company News

APRIL 2026 HOLSTEIN HIGHLIGHTS

This proof round kicks off the year, delivering meaningful genetic progress across our Holstein lineup. With a balanced mix of high-impact new releases and dependable proven sires, our lineup continues to make progress where it counts most for profit and herd performance. No matter your breeding strategy, you’ll find sires that bring dependability, consistent outcomes, and reliable results to your operation...
... Read More...

APRIL 2026 COMPONENT HIGHLIGHTS

Four new Ayrshire additions this proof round for our Ayrshire enthusiasts. We start with our new addition Republique Marvin who debuts with +3380 GPA LPI (#1 in Canada), +1766 Milk (#1), +62 Fat, +58 Protein (#1), and a pleasing +9 for Conformation. Marvin, an A2A2 carrier, is a Bournstar from a VG-87 Yellow from a VG-87 and then four more generations of VG dams...
... Read More...

EASTGEN UPDATE - APRIL 2026

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.
... Read More...

EASTGEN UPDATE - AVRIL 2026

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.
... Read More...

WDE Names Robert Chicoine International Person of the Year 2026

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...

EASTGEN UPDATE - MARCH 2026

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
... Read More...

EASTGEN UPDATE - MARS 2026 (FR)

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
... Read More...

BOVITEQ ANNOUNCES NEW LICENSEE IN THE NETHERLANDS

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.”
... Read More...

EASTGEN UPDATE - FEBRUARY 2026

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
... Read More...

EASTGEN UPDATE - FÉVRIER (FR)

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
... Read More...