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Accelerated Genetics hires new employees


Accelerated Genetics is pleased to announce the addition of new employees continuing the growth trend for the cooperative. Joining the Accelerated Genetics team are Kevin Wagner, Samantha Ropp and Andrea Pagenkopf.

Kevin Wagner joined the Accelerated Genetics team as an Animal Health Products consultant. Wagner’s responsibilities will be to provide sales support, leadership, and training to achieve objectives of the Animal Health products department.

Wagner will work in the upper Midwest region of the US, as well as, being an AHP knowledge source to other markets. He will represent Accelerated Genetics at agricultural exhibitions, producer, and industry events.

Wagner grew up on a family dairy in southwest Wisconsin. At a young age he placed more of his focus on tractor and fieldwork rather than cows. He said cows seemed like more effort. He attended University of Wisconsin-Platteville and his college classes offered a better understanding about the functionality and science of the cow. Wagner was hooked on cattle when he learned the utilization of feed and feed quality on milk production and reproduction. Wagner graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Soil & Crop Science with a minor in Agricultural Business.

During college he worked as a consultant/assistant manager at a nearby dairy where he continues to be involved. At the dairy he has an active role in the facility’s operation and nutritional program. He also helped with design and building during an expansion phase.

Kevin’s professional career includes nearly 10 years of experience in direct sales and sales support to sales networks, customer relations, territory development, and public speaking.

Accelerated Genetics is not new to Wagner. In 2005, he joined the Accelerated Genetics Producer Committee where he was actively involved with many aspects, including his role on the planning committee. Wagner’s passion for the dairy industry, desire to consult producers, and satisfaction he gets from helping others learn combined with the Producer Program has given him a positive insight of Accelerated Genetics.

Samantha Ropp joins Accelerated Genetics as a Regional Programs Specialist in southwest Wisconsin.

Ropp recently received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on Technology and Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also has an Associates Degree in Science from Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill.

Ropp participated on the dairy judging and dairy challenge teams while in college. Her team was successful for the 2014-2015 year placing at many shows across the country including the Accelerated Genetics’ Annual Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held in Viroqua, Wis. Ropp placed fourth high individual in Guernseys and seventh high individual in Holsteins at the 46th All-American Dairy Judging Contest in Harrisburg, Penn., 14th in reasons at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., and was named All-American for placing among the top 25 individuals in the contest. She also judged at the 2014 North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kent., where she was 4th high individual.

Ropp enjoys exhibiting her Milking Shorthorns and attending dairy shows. Her good eye for cattle will help her in being a successful Regional Programs Specialist.

Andrea Pagenkopf recently joined Accelerated Genetics as a Regional Services Specialist. Pagenkopf will be responsible for providing sales and service assistance to technicians and salespeople; as well as to new and current GEM customers in the area surrounding Eastern Wisconsin.

Pagenkopf worked as a herdsperson on a 400-cow dairy and as a calf nutritionist before joining Accelerated Genetics. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. While in college she was active in the Dairy Club and a member of the Dairy Judging team.

Pagenkopf grew up on a registered Holstein farm near Lancaster, Wis., where she remains involved during her spare time. She was active in 4-H and FFA and is currently a member of the Holstein Association.


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