David Dyment’s evolution from reluctant showman to AG3‘s “consistency over unpredictability” philosophy reveals dairy’s contrarian innovator.
When a seven-year-old David Dyment found himself face-down in the dirt on the family farm during his first foray into showing, nobody could have predicted he’d become one of the dairy industry’s most influential innovators. His journey from reluctant young showman to genetic revolutionary reveals powerful lessons about challenging conventions, recognizing hidden opportunities, and continuously reinventing yourself in an industry resistant to change.
Have you ever wondered what separates those who merely participate in the dairy industry from those who transform it? In David Dyment’s case, it wasn’t just talent—it was his uncanny ability to spot the flaws in “accepted wisdom” and take the industry to the next level.
“I wasn’t interested in doing things the traditional way just because that’s how they’d always been done,” Dyment recalls with characteristic directness. When everyone zigged, he zagged. While competitors celebrated flashy genomic numbers, he doubled down on proven cow families. As AI companies chased TPI rankings, he focused on breeding cattle with purpose and longevity. And when industry consolidation threatened to stifle innovation, he helped create entirely new organizational structures that would reshape the Canadian dairy landscape.
What makes Dyment’s story particularly relevant for today’s progressive dairy producers isn’t just his success but the contrarian thinking behind it. At every critical juncture—from the show ring to the boardroom to his latest venture with AG3 —his willingness to challenge established practices opened doors others couldn’t see.
“Transformation is my greatest achievement,” he states plainly. But for those paying attention, his real achievement might be demonstrating that in dairy breeding, the most profitable path often lies precisely where conventional wisdom says not to look.
The Making of a Maverick: Early Beginnings
Family Foundations at Glen Drummond
The determination defining David Dyment’s career began the first time he held a halter when that runaway heifer got the better of him. His mother, Betty, offered no sympathy. She instilled a principle that would become his guiding star: “Never give up.” This wasn’t just casual advice but a fundamental lesson at the Dyment family’s Glen Drummond farm, where resilience wasn’t taught but lived daily.
Betty’s wisdom often proved transformative. When the family faced what seemed like a crisis after their prized cow, Aero Flower, failed export tests to Japan, representing a potential $100,000 loss in 1991—Betty remained unfazed. “There’s an easy and hard way,” she announced with characteristic clarity. “We’ll make more money the hard way.” The family sold 500 of Aeroflower’s (along with her mother Shower’s and sister Lyia’s embryos), at an average of $1000 each, converting what seemed like a disaster into an impressive business opportunity. This early lesson in finding alternative solutions when facing obstacles would become a recurring theme throughout Dyment’s career, teaching him that setbacks often contain hidden opportunities for those willing to adapt their approach.
GLEN DRUMMOND AERO FLOWER VG-88-3YR-CAN 18*
Meanwhile, David’s father, Roger, cultivated a deep appreciation for pedigrees, partnering with respected breeders like Shore Holsteins in the Pride Barb syndicate. Roger’s extensive leadership on industry boards represented a pivotal dimension of his career that profoundly influenced his professional development and the trajectory of the Canadian dairy industry. His journey into industry governance began with his election to the Hamilton Cattle Breeders Association, which would later become part of the larger amalgamation that formed Western Ontario Breeders Inc. (WOBI). David describes his father as “a great board member, a good people person, and a good pedigree person,” who developed a reputation for being “highly respected on boards as someone articulate, someone who could stand up and had a strong stance.”
The board environment gave Roger unprecedented access to a remarkable cohort of industry leaders, including Jimmy Walker of Walkerbrae Farms, Wellington Shively of Forest Lee Farms, Gordon Innis, MPP, Cityview Holsteins, and Bob Brown from Downalane Farms. This collection of forward-thinking breeders formed a particularly impactful group during a critical era of Canadian dairy development. Their collaborative work on sire committees, with Bruce Amos serving as sire analyst, created an intellectual environment where progressive ideas could flourish. David explains: “The time that my dad spent with those people on the road and sire committees… rubbing shoulders with many great breeders” provided invaluable learning opportunities that shaped his perspective on cattle breeding and genetics.
Learning from both his parents, David hit the ground running.
The Show Ring Evolution
Dyment initially entered the competitive ring through parental encouragement as a somewhat reluctant 4-H participant. A defining moment occurred at the London Championship Show that would reshape his professional trajectory. After dedicating a week to preparing a heifer for competition, he stood exhausted and unnoticed while handlers in pristine clothing received the accolades. “No one acknowledged my contribution,” he recalls. “The presentable person in clean attire received all the recognition. I decided if I was doing the difficult preparatory work, I wanted appropriate recognition too.”
While his brother Jamie established himself as the family’s premier fitter, David developed a different approach based on instinct rather than technical precision. During a show in Syracuse, David remembers a prominent showperson approaching him when his colleagues were dining elsewhere, making dismissive comments about his ambitions. This interaction solidified his determination. “I aspired to the top showman role —but without the condescension,” Dyment notes. This marked his transition from behind-the-scenes preparation to center-ring presentation. “Fitting was artistry, but leading? That was performance art. And I learned to master animal presentation.” “With certain animals, the moment I handle the halter, I think, “This will be challenging.” Others communicate readiness for presentation.” This intuitive connection distinguishes exceptional presenters from competent handlers and represents a skill that can only be developed through extensive experience and genuine connection with the animals.
Dyment’s journey from background technician to showring headliner highlights the importance of recognizing the complete value chain in cattle presentation. For today’s exhibitors, his story demonstrates that technical excellence must be paired with strategic positioning and personal branding to achieve lasting industry impact. Understanding the preparation and presentation aspects creates a more complete showperson who can navigate the competitive landscape with greater versatility and recognition. Dyment challenges the perception that exceptional showpeople rely exclusively on perfect animals. “Some assume. ”He presents superior cattle. They don’t recognize the challenges being managed.” His career demonstrates the ability to transform imperfection into advantage. “You present authentic qualities. Transform “adequate” into “exceptional.” This perspective offers hope and practical direction for exhibitors working with less-than-perfect animals but aiming for competitive success.
Building a Commercial Empire
What began at Glen Drummond Farm evolved into a significant commercial sales enterprise by 1998. The farm’s strategic location made it ideal for transporting cattle southward to American markets. The initial shipment—a favor for Michael Heath involving three heifers destined for Texas rancher Nate Goldenberg—quickly expanded into a substantial business operation. Dyment developed expertise in trading Ontario calves with remarkable efficiency, turning a side activity into a significant revenue stream through strategic partnerships and logistical excellence.
His partnership with Jamie Howard of Kentucky strengthened his southern distribution capabilities. “Jamie wasn’t someone who relied solely on phone communication,” Dyment explains. “He would visit personally and purchase cattle alongside me. We shared the same practical understanding of the industry.” Their business philosophy prioritized volume over maximizing individual transactions. “I wasn’t interested in negotiating extensively for minor amounts,” Dyment explains. “We focused on scale. Moving seventy animals rather than seven.” Starting from a very meager beginning, it quickly grew to be more business than he had ever imagined – until trade restrictions related to BSE temporarily closed the US-Canada border.
What This Means for Your Operation
Dyment’s approach to building his cattle export business offers valuable insights for today’s dairy entrepreneurs. His focus on volume over margin maximization demonstrates that scaling operations can often be more profitable than optimizing individual transactions. Additionally, his emphasis on building genuine relationships with business partners reminds us that successful commerce in the dairy industry still depends heavily on trust and mutual understanding. Consider how these principles affect your operation’s growth strategy and business relationships.
Boardroom Strategy: The Genesis of Gencor
Suppose cattle operations taught Dyment about volume business; boardroom experiences provided lessons in strategic leadership. At thirty, he joined WOBI’s board—a relative newcomer surrounded by industry veterans like Howard Cornwell and Jim Jenkins. “Howard managed a hundred-cow operation when that represented significant scale,” Dyment remembers. “He didn’t dismiss my input. He provided mentorship.” During Ontario’s artificial insemination cooperative consolidation discussions, Jenkins offered perspective: “You’re not considering all dimensions of the situation.” Dyment absorbed these insights, which would shape his future decision-making approaches.
The creation of Gencor emerged from challenging circumstances. After Eastern Breeders declined a three-co-op unification proposal, Dyment and three colleagues processed their disappointment over refreshments. During this informal gathering, inspiration emerged. “Let’s take a different approach,” someone suggested. We’ll begin by merging UBI and WOBI’s administrative functions.” This practical compromise led to Gencor’s establishment, which was conceived through necessity, determination, and collaborative problem-solving.
Significant challenges followed. From the beginning, David encountered resistance on Semex’s board. When a determined administrator from Quebec attempted to control Semex’s leadership direction, Dyment maintained his position. “That’s unacceptable,” he insisted, recruiting Harvey Wood, a banking professional willing to implement necessary operational efficiencies. “Harvey wasn’t appointed to maintain the status quo. He was there to implement essential changes.” When staff and distributors expressed concerns about restructuring, Dyment responded directly: “Your continued employment exists because we implemented necessary changes.” Next was his position as Chair of the Semex Genetics Advisory Board, providing valuable insight and lessons.
Throughout these transitions, Dyment maintained his core philosophy: “Transformation is my greatest achievement.” From his early days traveling to purchase fresh cows to his later work analyzing performance metrics, he continuously reinvented his approach—each calculated adjustment building on previous experience.
What This Means for Your Operation
Dyment’s boardroom experiences demonstrate the importance of strategic thinking when facing industry consolidation. For today’s dairy professionals, his willingness to pursue unconventional solutions offers valuable lessons in navigating complex organizational changes while maintaining focus on farmer interests. When facing resistance to necessary change, remember that sometimes the most beneficial solutions emerge from unexpected sources and informal discussions—provided you remain open to new approaches.
AG3 Sires: Challenging Industry Conventions
A Fresh Breeding Philosophy
Rather than pursuing retirement and leisure activities, David Dyment established AG3 with a clear purpose and vision. The concept materialized during the Oxford County Show in 2018, where Dyment evaluated McCutchen Summer, a cow valued at $100,000. “I contacted Jeff Stephens,” he recounts, “and inquired about her udder’s ability to compete at Madison.” Upon receiving confirmation, Dyment promptly contacted potential partners Michael Heath and Sebastian Dion with a straightforward proposition: “We’re not marketing reproductive material. We’re offering genetic legacy.”
AG3’s foundation embodied a challenge to conventional approaches. Following a period where genomic excitement resulted in extensive use of numerous unproven pedigrees, Dyment emphasized that cow families demonstrate consistent performance. His guiding principle, “Consistency over unpredictability,” crystallized during an evening discussion with Heath. They invested in heifers like the mother of LateNite—heifers/genetics that were not on any AI executives’ radar. “Genomics without performance verification is speculation compounded by more speculation.”
His breeding philosophy developed into a comprehensive approach, offering bulls from cow families demonstrating reliability and functional purpose.
Navigating Modern Marketing Challenges
AG3’s emergence encountered an industry that was sometimes resistant to innovation. Dyment’s initial efforts to work directly with farmers rather than exclusively through distributors created some resistance, but he remained committed to innovation. He launched AG3.ca with a streamlined business model, offering genetics online, selective distribution partnerships, and minimal sales personnel to maintain operational efficiency. Kathleen O’Keefe, Content Manager at Cowsmopolitan, recently offered some good advice: “You’re like the Wizard of Oz operating behind these outstanding cows and bulls. Either increase your visibility or accept diminishing recognition.” After consideration, Dyment agreed and is now taking a more prominent public role in the industry, which he has helped shape from behind the scenes for decades.
Showmanship Mastery: Intuition and Strategic Excellence
David Dyment’s approach to showmanship centers on one essential capability: intuitive understanding. “Some presenters simply showcase the animal,” he emphasizes. “With certain animals, the moment I handle the halter, I think, ‘This will be challenging.’ Others communicate readiness for presentation.” This intuitive connection distinguishes exceptional presenters from competent handlers and represents a skill that can only be developed through extensive experience and genuine connection with the animals.
Reading the Ring: David’s Dance with Champion Cows
You know what’s funny about David in the show ring? He’s not one of those showmen who can only show perfectly trained animals. I’ve watched him lead countless animals over the years, and what strikes me is how differently he handles each one.
“I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing cows,” he told me once, shrugging off his reputation with characteristic modesty. “Some of those girls? They practically lead themselves. They’re born for the spotlight. My job with them is simple – don’t mess up what nature already perfected.”
But that’s only half the story. What makes David special isn’t just knowing when to step back – it’s recognizing when a cow needs something more. Have you ever watched him mid-class, making those tiny adjustments that suddenly transform an animal’s presence? It’s almost like watching a dance where he’s constantly reading his partner’s next move.
“Not every day is a winner,” he admitted with a laugh. “Man, I’ve had some shows where things went sideways fast. Cows have bad days just like people do.” Those mishaps taught him to read not just the animal but everything around them – the judge’s preferences, the competition, even how the lighting hits certain features.
I remember asking him about his strategy once after a particularly impressive win. He just smiled and said, “It’s never about what I want in that ring. It’s about what the cow needs and what the owner deserves.”
That’s classic David – he doesn’t overthink the philosophy of it all. To him, leading cattle isn’t some complex science – it’s about paying attention and adapting. One minute he’s barely touching the halter, letting a natural champion own the spotlight. The next, he’s making quick decisions to highlight strengths or minimize challenges no one else even noticed.
What I find most telling? The way owners seek him out. These aren’t just any cows he’s leading – they’re someone’s pride and joy, often representing years of breeding decisions and hopes. When you hand your lead to David, you’re trusting him to read the situation and make split-second judgment calls that could make or break your animal’s showing career.
Isn’t that what great showmanship coming down to? Not just technical skill, but the instinct to know exactly what’s needed in each unique moment. In a world where so many try to force animals into their preferred style, David’s approach is refreshingly humble – he adapts to the cow, not the other way around.
Mentorship & Legacy Building
Influential Relationships: Hardy Shore & Albert Cormier
One of David Dyment’s formative mentors was Hardy Shore, widely regarded as “among the most talented individuals in dairy industry history.” The renowned auctioneer-turned-mentor significantly influenced Dyment’s development. “Hardy treated me as a colleague when I was still in 4-H,” Dyment remembers. Shore could have maintained professional distance when circumstances required him to collaborate with Dyment for a Colombian buyer. Instead, he generously shared his expertise with the younger Dyment and demonstrated his mastery of the profession.
Albert Cormier provided another influential relationship. Cormier was an innovative breeder-marketer who invested in American genetics. He taught me to consider bloodlines others might overlook.” Cormier demonstrated marketing excellence, and Dyment learned from him to embrace calculated risks and innovative thinking when making breeding decisions that might contradict the status quo.
Other Ventures
3X ALL-AMERICAN IN MILKING FORM. Showcasing the “consistency over unpredictability” philosophy that drives AG3, this exceptional cow, co-bred by Dyment himself, demonstrates the proven cow family approach that has become his trademark. As the dam of AG3’s rising star sire EPIPHANY, she represents the functional purpose and genetic legacy that Dyment prioritizes over flashy genomic numbers, embodying the breeding principles that have made him one of the dairy industry’s most influential innovators.
Dyment mentions that he feels that all of his business journeys and connections forged help present him with opportunities to have been part of ownership groups of animals such as Apple, Chassity, Planet Silk, Summer, and Caught Your Eye, and also to have been a Co-breeder of Bulls like Absolute, Avalanche, Gold Chip, Sympatico, Bullseye, Eye Candy, and Caught Up.
Genetic Futures was a Recipient Operation/IVF facility, another venture that further expanded his business horizons in Wisconsin with two partners. From start-up to development and eventual sale, it helped fund one of the best investments of his life—a lakeside retreat in Muskoka.
The Continuing Journey
At 62, this lakeside cottage in Muskoka that he fully enjoys with his wife and business partner of 40-plus years, Joanne, serves as a second residence and a strategic planning center. Dyment notes that without the strong support from Joanne “in the background,” he would not have been able to travel as extensively as he did to further their business and pursue his goals. Between reviewing AG3’s performance data and enjoying quality time with his granddaughter, daughters, and partners, Dyment isn’t yet focused on defining his legacy. Regarding AG3, he describes it as “just one phase of the journey,” suggesting future ventures may lie ahead still. The joys of grandparenthood have added a new perspective to his professional intensity without diminishing his drive to continue innovating within the industry.
The Bottom Line
When you strip away the show ring victories, boardroom battles, and genetic innovations, what remains of David Dyment’s remarkable journey through the dairy industry is something far more valuable—a masterclass in strategic transformation. In an industry often resistant to change, Dyment didn’t just participate; he consistently rewrote the rules of engagement. His career spans every critical facet of the modern dairy business: mastering show ring presentation, orchestrating multi-million-dollar industry consolidations, pioneering international cattle marketing, and challenging genomic orthodoxy with AG3.
What makes Dyment’s contributions exceptional isn’t just their breadth and interconnectedness. Each reinvention built upon previous experiences—show ring intuition informed boardroom negotiations, commercial trading insights shaped breeding decisions, and industry politics provided the foundation for entrepreneurial ventures. While others specialized in isolated corners of the industry, Dyment’s mastery of its entire ecosystem allowed him to identify opportunities invisible to those with narrower perspectives.
“Transformation is my greatest achievement,” Dyment states with characteristic directness—but this understates the case. His true legacy is demonstrating that the dairy industry rewards not those who follow established practices but those bold enough to challenge them at precisely the right moment. When everyone chased the same genomic profiles, he bet on proven cow families. When AI companies prioritized total merit index rankings over function, he focused on productive longevity, aka cows with a purpose. When boardroom debates stalled progress, he created alternative paths forward.
As the dairy landscape continues evolving, Dyment’s career offers a roadmap for what to achieve and how to think. His willingness to abandon comfortable certainties for calculated risks, to navigate both spotlight and shadow with equal effectiveness, and to continuously reinvent himself stands as his most valuable lesson. Long after specific bulls, boardroom decisions, and show ring victories fade from memory, his fundamental approach—the courage to see industry “truths” as merely temporary consensus—will continue inspiring those who understand that in dairy breeding, yesterday’s revolutionary idea becomes tomorrow’s conventional wisdom.
The greatest compliment to Dyment’s impact isn’t found in championship banners or genetic evaluations, but in the quiet revolution, his thinking has sparked across the industry. In board rooms, breeding programs, and show preparations throughout North America, his influence lives on—not just in what farmers do but in how they think about what’s possible. Perhaps more than any individual achievement, that is what transforms an accomplished career into an enduring legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Challenge conventional wisdom: Dyment’s success came from questioning established practices and finding opportunities in areas others overlooked, demonstrating that innovation often requires going against industry trends.
- Value consistency over hype: While the industry chased genomic numbers, Dyment focused on proven cow families and functional traits, showing that reliable performance trumps flashy statistics.
- Scale strategically: His commercial success came from prioritizing volume and relationships over maximizing margins on individual transactions—a lesson in building sustainable growth.
- Master intuitive understanding: Whether in the show ring adapting to each animal’s needs or in the boardroom navigating consolidation, Dyment’s success stemmed from deep intuitive knowledge of his domain.
- Continuously reinvent yourself: Throughout his career, Dyment transformed from reluctant showman to commercial trader to organizational leader to genetic innovator, proving that strategic evolution creates lasting industry impact.
Executive Summary
David Dyment transformed the dairy industry through contrarian thinking and innovation, challenging established breeding and business norms at every critical juncture. From his early resilience at Glen Drummond farm to his masterful showmanship, commercial cattle enterprises, and pivotal role in creating Gencor, Dyment continuously reinvented himself across multiple industry domains. While competitors chased flashy genomic numbers and TPI rankings, he doubled down on proven cow families, longevity, and functional purpose—a philosophy that culminated in founding AG3 with its guiding principle of “consistency over unpredictability.” His intuitive approach to business and breeding demonstrates that in dairy, the most profitable path often lies precisely where conventional wisdom says not to look. Dyment’s legacy extends beyond specific achievements to influencing how industry professionals think about what’s possible in breeding and business strategy.
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