The genetics company lands a respected industry veteran with global chops and farm roots

Yesterday, Semex announced that Jon Schefers is stepping in as their new US General Manager, effective September 22, 2025. This isn’t your typical corporate shuffle—it’s a calculated move that tells you everything about where Semex sees the American market heading.

Look, we all know how competitive the US genetics scene is. You’ve got ABS Global, Alta Genetics, STgenetics—all these established companies competing for market position. Each one’s trying to convince producers they’ve got the magic bullet for better cows and fatter milk checks.

Why This Move Makes Sense

Here’s what caught my attention: Semex didn’t just grab any suit from corporate. They went after a guy with dirt under his fingernails. The timing of this appointment—17 days from announcement to start date—tells you this was strategic recruiting, not a panic hire.

Schefers has that combination you don’t see every day. Born and raised on his family’s Minnesota dairy farm with a master’s degree in dairy science from Wisconsin. He gets what it’s like to milk at 4 AM and worry about feed costs, but he’s also got the technical chops to understand genomic breeding values.

Jon Schefers: A Career Path Built for US Dairy Genetics

Started as a Genetics Specialist at Alta Genetics—we’ve all been there, cutting our teeth in the trenches. Then moved to Peak Genetics as Program Lead, where he developed Holstein, Jersey, and Angus breeding programs that actually produced animals people wanted to buy.

But here’s where it gets interesting. As Global Genetics Director at CRV, he wasn’t just pushing paper. He ran product development, R&D, and embryo production across both EU and US operations. And get this—he led the development and launch of methane breeding values in international markets.

That’s not some feel-good environmental PR stunt. CRV’s methane breeding research demonstrates real genetic potential for emission reduction. With regulatory pressure mounting and carbon credits becoming real money in some regions, that expertise could be worth its weight in gold.

His peers elected him as a Director for the National Association of Animal Breeders. When your competitors vote for you in this industry, that says something about your reputation.

What John McDougall Really Meant

“As our US business continues to grow, we’re continuing to invest in the market,” says John McDougall, Semex Vice President of Sales.

Translation? They’re not just maintaining—they’re expanding aggressively.

McDougall calls Schefers a “problem-solver and unifier”. In corporate speak, that usually means there are problems to solve and things that need unifying. But in this case, it probably means what every producer wants: someone who understands that genetics companies need to solve real-world problems, not just sell fancy breeding values.

What Schefers’ Hire Means for Your Dairy Operation

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. This move raises two questions every producer should be asking: Can Schefers use his global experience to give Semex a real edge? And how will the other guys respond?

His methane breeding work could be particularly relevant as environmental regulations tighten. Canada already implemented the first national methane efficiency evaluation system, and that trend isn’t stopping at the border. Having a genetics company that can deliver on environmental traits while maintaining production could be a competitive advantage.

What Producers Really Need

Let’s be honest: producers don’t need another company selling them semen. They need a partner who understands the real pressures—labor shortages that have you milking cows yourself, margins so tight you’re counting every kernel of corn, and consumers who want their milk to come from happy, environmentally friendly cows.

Schefers’ farm background suggests he gets this. But understanding and delivering are two different things. The genetics industry will be watching to see how this appointment influences market dynamics and whether Semex’s investment in experienced leadership pays off.

For producers, the appointment represents another option in an increasingly sophisticated marketplace, where these established companies are competing not just on genetic merit but on their ability to provide comprehensive solutions.

The Bottom Line

This is a smart hire for Semex. They’ve brought in a respected leader with the right mix of farm sense and global technical skill. But the US market is a total knife fight. Schefers’ success won’t be measured in press releases—it’ll be measured in whether he can deliver genetic solutions that make a real difference to your bottom line.

The competition is watching. So are we.

Learn More:

• Genomic Testing: Are You Leaving Money on the Table? – This article breaks down the practical ROI of genomic testing. It provides a clear framework for deciding which animals to test, helping you maximize your genetic investment and stop wasting money on underperforming animals in your herd.
• The Genetics Arms Race: Who Will Win the Battle for Dairy’s Future? – Go beyond a single hire and understand the entire competitive landscape. This strategic analysis reveals the long-term trends and market forces that will determine which genetics companies—and which producers—will thrive in the coming decade.
• Beyond Milk: The Untapped Goldmine of Feed Efficiency Genetics – While methane efficiency is key, this piece explores the next frontier in profitability. It demonstrates how breeding specifically for feed efficiency can drastically slash your input costs, creating a more resilient and profitable herd for the future.

Join the Revolution!

Join over 30,000 successful dairy professionals who rely on Bullvine Weekly for their competitive edge. Delivered directly to your inbox each week, our exclusive industry insights help you make smarter decisions while saving precious hours every week. Never miss critical updates on milk production trends, breakthrough technologies, and profit-boosting strategies that top producers are already implementing. Subscribe now to transform your dairy operation’s efficiency and profitability—your future success is just one click away.