Glen Stewart, Lomira, was awarded the 2015 Pioneer Award at the East Central/Select Sires annual meeting in August. The Pioneer Award is the most prestigious award given by the cooperative. Stewart joined East Central, based in Waupun, in 1982 as an A.I. technician. He quickly climbed the ladder to area-sales-manager status and will hold that title until his retirement later this year.
Stewart has been a consistent award winner, including East Central/Select Sires area sales manager of the year — several times — and being honored nationally, from Select Sires, more than 30 times. On July 20, 2012, Stewart reached one million direct-herd units sold. He was the first in East Central/Select Sires history, 15th in Select Sires history, and 28th in the National Association of Animal Breeders.
“Glen represents a perfect combination of traits needed to be a successful sales representative,” says Alan Deming, general manager. “He balances concern for customers, product knowledge, and people skills with a positive attitude, competitive nature, and aggressive style to make for a long-term successful sales career. It has been my pleasure to work with, learn from, and call Glen my friend for 33 years!”
The East Central/Select Sires Annual Meeting included a business meeting with district caucuses. The caucuses resulted in the re-election of four board members: Steve Abel, Eden; Rick Adams, Elkhorn; Randy Nigh, Viroqua; and Jeff Hendrickson, Belleville. Additional board members include Jeff Buchholz, Westfield; Dorothy Harms, Reedsburg; and Larry Voigts, Platteville. Harms and Voigts are also on the Select Sires, Inc. board of directors with Harms serving as first vice president.
Al Deming also highlighted some key financial information during the meeting. East Central/Select Sires increased total unit sales by 16,359. In addition, revenues and other income, $14,800,168, was an increase of $1,481,667 (11.1 percent). This was all accomplished while leaving $5,924,080 in member checkbooks through semen, service, and product specials. “Our professional technicians (MSRs) bred 347,802 services, an increase of 7,837. The full-service program of heat detection and insemination continues to grow. We currently have 47 full-time technicians, an increase of three from last year. We have 15 full-time relief technicians, and five part-time technicians. At this present time, about 65 percent of the semen we sell is inseminated by our professional technician staff,” noted Deming.
Five students were also awarded $1,000 scholarships. Elizabeth Endres, Waunakee, is the daughter of Steve and Kathy Endres. She is a senior at University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in dairy science. Emily Hefty, Mount Horeb, is the daughter of Scott and Janice Hefty. She will graduate in 2017 from University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a major in soil and crop science and a minor in biotechnology. Taylor Klein, Waldo, is the daughter of Troy and Kasey Klein. She is a recent graduate of Random Lake High School and is attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls this fall with a major in dairy science. Riley Miller, Orfordville, is the daughter of Josh and Nicole Miller-Speich. She recently graduated first in her class from Evansville High School and is attending UW-Madison with a major in dairy science. Emily Rebhan, Richland Center, is the daughter of John and Paula Rebhan. She will graduate from University of Wisconsin-Richland in 2017 with a major in agricultural communications. Endres, Klein, and Miller were all at the meeting to receive their scholarship checks in person.
