Laura Gordon Cornerstone Specialist Visalia, California ABS Cornerstone

What are your new responsibilities?
I am responsible for promoting, maintaining and educating herds enrolled in the ABS young sire program, Cornerstone, throughout Southern California. I will be responsible for locating and evaluating the first progeny out of our newest bulls. I am responsible for helping to showcase the best progeny through domestic and international daughter tours, as well as professional photos to use for marketing and advertising purposes.

What territory will you cover?
The majority of herds I am working with are located within Kings & Tulare County in Southern California. Essentially, my area stretches from Fresno to Bakersfield.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I was raised in Wayne County, Ohio where I was active in both 4-H and FFA. I was fortunate enough to work with a great neighboring dairy that helped me get my start though showing Ayrshires for many years at the county and state fair.

I was involved in 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl and dairy judging programs, and competed at the national level for both, achieving All-American status in the 4-H Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo. My involvement in the industry continued through college, where I was active in the Buckeye Dairy Club, Alpha Zeta Partners, and competing on dairy judging and dairy challenge teams.

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I dual-majored in both Animal Sciences & Agricultural Systems Management at The Ohio State University. I graduated with a B.S. in Agriculture in 2012.

What previous positions have you held?
During college, I completed internships with the American Guernsey Association and Cargill Animal Nutrition, which provided me with great experiences in different aspects of the industry. Following graduating, a three-month internship at Golden Oaks Farm in Wauconda, Illinois, evolved into a full-time calf manager/marketing and advertising position. My time at Golden Oaks was very valuable, as I had the opportunity to apply my college classroom experiences to the farm, as well as work with great people and cows.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
I have been blessed to interact and learn from so many phenomenal, knowledgeable people, it is impossible to select just one individual. My parents instilled in me a hard work ethic, and the courage to face any challenge that comes my way.

The 4-H and FFA volunteers in Wayne County are second to none, and can be credited with helping me realize my passion for the dairy industry. At Ohio State, I was not only influenced by my professors and advisors, but also my fellow classmates. Outside of the classroom, I have learned a great deal about all different aspects of the industry from my internship supervisors.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I will have the opportunity to see hundreds of ABS daughters across Southern California, and will be able to educate dairymen on the best up-and-coming bulls that would fit their breeding strategy and operation. I will also help producers gain international exposure and recognition by hosting daughter tours for groups of dairymen from across the globe.

Why did you choose this company?
With an active progeny test program, ABS focuses on maintaining the integrity of genetics and blending genomics with on farm functionality. ABS is a globally recognized and respected company, and has been long dedicated to providing the best genetics and services to producers around the world.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I am excited to see as many ABS-sired progeny as I can, and to use my skills in cattle evaluation to provide support for area ABS reps. My goal is to be a valuable asset to the entire ABS team, as well as maintain and promote the Cornerstone program. PD