Steve Schumachersteves@vanbeeknaturalscience.com

Territory: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York and western Pennsylvania
Education: Most of my education that has brought me to this position I obtained from hands-on experience. I have been a dairy producer for many years. Through this experience, I have gained an extensive knowledge in managing employees, financial budgeting and time management.
Background/Experience: I have been involved with dairying my whole life, being raised on a family dairy farm and becoming a partner in 1980. My main responsibility was the dairy herd which consisted of 380 cows. We also raised all of our replacements. In 2001 I took a position as a Posilac sales rep for Monsanto covering the northern half of Michigan. When the rBST-free milk issue hit Michigan, my position was eliminated. I then took a job with a local feed company as a nutritionist and seed salesman. In 2008, I had the opportunity to work for VanBeek Natural Science developing sales in my geographical area.
How will you be of most help to producers in your area of expertise?
Having been a dairy producer myself for over 25 years, I have dealt with many of the same issues that still face dairymen today. This experience gives me the ability to relate to their needs and concerns.
Why did you choose VanBeek Natural Science?
The product line that VanBeek Natural Science offers, gives dairy producers an excellent choice of using a natural alterative to animal health.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
I enjoy the challenge of working to build a network of dealers and distributors for VanBeek Natural Science products. Through this network we work with dairymen to promote better dairy health.

Elmo Wendorf
International Sales Manager at Accelerated Genetics in Baraboo, Wisconsin
info@wwsires.com
Background/Experience
I was raised on a small commercial dairy farm at Ixonia, Wisconsin (southeast Wisconsin). I received a degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After graduating I went home and formed a partnership with my brother Niles Wendorf, and together we developed Crescentmead Farms. We farmed in partnership for 35 years and had a dispersal on May 24, 2008, which averaged $6200 on 112 head.
Over the 35 years we have bred or developed 320 Excellent cows and bulls, put over 250 sons into A.I. around the world, shown 49 All-American or Jr. All-American nominations and developed over 70 Gold Medal Dams and Dams of Merit. I served on the National Holstein Board of Directors from 1997-2006, Holstein Foundation from 1998-2008 (serving as chairperson for three years), chaired the National Holstein Convention held in Wisconsin in 2008, plus many other boards in the dairy industry.
How will you be of most help to producers in your area of expertise?
My main purpose is to increase sales for Accelerated Genetics but also help educate dairy producers around the world on herd dairy genetics, herd management skills, animal health and to improve their way of life.
What’s your best story from the first day on the job?
It would have to be the first impression and the warmth the entire Accelerated Genetics’ staff gave me when I was introduced to all of them that first day. They are a great group of people to work with; it’s a great job and opportunity for me.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
Representing Accelerated Genetics around the world and promoting a great company but also seeing all styles of dairy farming and different types of dairy breeds around the world besides the seven that we consider major dairy breeds in the U.S. PD