UNITED KINGDOM-Genus Breeding press release 20/02/2009
Genus ABS, the world’s leading bovine genetics company is helping to create a brighter future for young Agricultural students. Genus ABS recruited four Harper Adams University College students as interns in July 2008, one based at the bull stud in North Wales and three at the head office in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Vikki Warner is based at the Genus ABS bull stud in North Wales. Here she holds the position as a Laboratory Technician being involved in all areas of semen collection, from raw sperm analysis to the freezing and packing of straws. Vikki originates from Dorset and first became interested in agriculture while helping her grandparents on a farm in the area. She has gained a National Diploma in Animal Management, and is now studying for a BSc Honours degree in Agriculture and Animal Science. Vikki is enjoying her experience at Genus ABS, and takes pleasure in being part of the world’s leading company in Bovine Genetics.
Emma Young holds the role as Breeding Programme Administrator, where she helps co-ordinate the Cornerstone programme. She is responsible for the distribution of progeny test semen throughout the country as well as maintaining and improving the members’ database. She has also assisted at the MOET nucleus herd and the bull stud. Emma originates from her family’s pedigree Holstein and arable farm in Abergavenny, South Wales. Studying for a BSc Honours degree in Agriculture, Emma now has experience working on many different management systems and being part of the Genus ABS team, has enabled her to further her knowledge within the industry and pursue an agricultural career.
Owain Harries and Stuart Williams are both studying for an Honours degree in Agriculture and Animal Science, also at Harper, they have both taken up the roles of two new intern positions within the company. Owain is the UK GMS co-ordinator and originates from South Wales where he works alongside his parents with their ’Eola’ herd of Holsteins and ’Gelli’ Dairy Shorthorns.
GMS is the world’s most advanced mating programme which looks back seven generations through each cow’s genetic ancestry in order to protect for inbreeding and to maximise breeding decisions. Owain has enjoyed working at Genus ABS and believes that the GMS programme is a magnificent tool to have in the Genus ABS box.
Stuart Williams started his year as Market Analyst working with all the different areas of Genus ABS, however has recently been promoted to do a maternity cover as Product Manager for Beef Genetics and Silage Additives. Stuart comes from South Wales, where he is a partner in the family’s dairy farm, consisting of pedigree Holsteins and Ayrshire’s, both under the ’Willhome’ prefix. Stuart comments, "I have had a fantastic experience working for Genus ABS as Market Analyst and by achieving my new role they have given me a super opportunity to learn much more about the industry."
Genus ABS are currently recruiting more internship’s in time for this year’s students return to Harper Adams for their final year.