Samantha Kaminski Dairy Data Program Specialist Genex Cooperative Inc. Shawano, Wisconsin

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I graduated in December 2011 from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with a bachelor’s degree in animal science with an equine emphasis and a minor in chemistry. I then attended North Dakota State University where I graduated in December 2013 with my master’s degree in animal science, with an emphasis in reproductive physiology.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I was raised in Weyerhaeuser, a very small town in northwestern Wisconsin. I grew up with horses, but as a kid I spent many weekends at my grandparents' small dairy farm helping out with daily chores such as milking and feeding calves. I was an active member in the local 4-H Club where I developed my love for animals. During my time at North Dakota State University, I became involved in various research projects relating to beef and dairy cattle, pigs and sheep.

What territory will you cover?
I will be at the Genex headquarters in Shawano, Wisconsin.

What are your new responsibilities?
As the dairy data program specialist, my primary responsibilities include directing the collection of data from Quantum, Genesis and other relevant herds both domestically and internationally to provide phenotypic data that can be utilized by our cooperative for fertility records and proprietary trait evaluations. It is also my responsibility to manage the Quantum program, maintain records regarding pregnancies due and calves born to facilitate accurate information necessary for timely decision making, deliver genomic testing programs, and work with breed associations to facilitate the collection of type data.

What previous positions have you held?
After graduate school, my advisor at North Dakota State University hired me on as a research and laboratory assistant until I found my position with Genex. During this time, I worked on a continuation of the USDA grant that supported my master’s research project, which was looking at the effects of different planes of nutrition along with arginine supplementation and its effects on ovarian function and endocrine activity in sheep.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
There are many people who have had a large impact on where I am right now; however, the two that have had the most impact would be Dr. Anna Grazul-Bilska and Dr. Dale Redmer of North Dakota State University. I am very honored to have worked beside these two amazing individuals; they have provided me with excellent guidance, patience, support and encouragement along my journey throughout graduate school and even now into my career at Genex.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
Utilizing my experience in research and working with large data sets will benefit our members, especially when it comes to organizing the collection of data and interpreting the results. Also, I can develop ways to troubleshoot problems based on the results and then develop advice and services that provide solutions to those problems members are faced with.

Why did you choose this company?
I chose to work for Genex for a number of reasons, the main reason being Genex has paved the way in the dairy industry for implementing new concepts such as genomics, lifetime profitability ranking (which was the model for lifetime net merit) and now the ideal commercial cow index (ICC$). Genex is a company that is expanding at an exponential rate both domestically and internationally, which was eye-catching when looking for a career, and I want to have a part in a company whose reputation is looking for ways to advance in the dairy industry.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My goals with this position would be to promote Genex’s outstanding genetic lineup, increase the awareness of the genetic programs that Genex has to offer, and continue to promote the Genex brand and mission. PD