Colten Green Modesto, California Reproductive Specialist Genex Cooperative, Inc.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a small dairy farm in central Missouri. While completing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri, I spent one summer at the university dairy and one summer at Barrington Dairy in Montezuma, Georgia.
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and a minor in plant science from the University of Missouri in December 2007. I followed that by completing a Master of Science degree in animal science in May 2010 at the University of Missouri studying reproductive physiology under Dr. Matt Lucy.
What territory will you cover?
Central Valley of California
What are your new responsibilities?
I help the producers I work with to make profitable decisions. I do this by providing information and consulting on decisions in regards to genetics, reproduction and herd management. I also monitor the herd and look for areas to improve upon using reports such as the Reproductive Profit Manager (RPM), calf math and a variety of custom reports unique to each farm. I plan to facilitate a cooperative effort between all the farm staff and support staff (DVM, nutritionist, etc.) to keep everyone working toward a common goal. I will also work in collaboration with other Genex staff across the country via dairy management software.
What previous positions have you held?
I worked briefly for Dr. Lucy as a senior research specialist before taking this position in August 2010.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
I get to apply my training in molecular biology and statistics to the dairy farms I work with. It is very rewarding to put this training into action and see producers benefit from it.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I will bring expanded custom reports and support capabilities of Genex Cooperative to the producers of California.
What’s your best story from the first day on the job?
My first day of work was also the first day of the Genex National Account Profit Center, a staff dedicated to serving the unique needs to large herds. I realized quickly that this group consisted of many forward-thinking people dedicated to the future of the dairy industry.
Why did you choose this company?
I always assumed my educational background would lead me to research positions in a laboratory. I’m excited to have the chance to apply my skills as a reproductive physiologist directly to farms and to work with dairy producers on a daily basis.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My specific position responsibilities include: “bringing creative and innovative solutions to the dairy.” My goal is to do this with every farm I work with. If a dairy is not operating at the level that a producer wants, I want to find ways to improve it. In the present dairy economy, producers need to be as efficient as possible and I want to get them there. PD
