Semex Signs Up New Promate Apprentice
30/06/08

Semex UK has signed up student Jennie Booth to work as a Promate field evaluator in the North of England.

Jennie Booth

Currently studying an Honours degree in Agriculture and Animal Science at Harper Adams University College, Jennie is the first placement student to be taken on by the leading animal genetics company.

Jennie starts her year-long internship in July and will undergo an extensive training programme in the Promate programme before she begins work on assessing cows and advising farmers. Truly passionate about breeding and dairying, Jennie hopes to work in the field after she finishes her degree course. “I love working with cows,” said Jennie, who hails from a dairy farm in Yorkshire, “and alongside my father I’ve taken an active role in making key breeding decisions on farm. I’ve been really lucky to secure a placement in an area that interests me so much, and as we actually cover breeding in our final year I will have an excellent grounding after a year’s practical experience.”

Promate, which is available as a stand-alone computer mating programme or as part of Semex’s ai-24 heat detection programme, provides an extremely high level of inbreeding control with the facility to enter sire and maternal grandsire data into the system.

Semex’s Peter Arthur commented, “We are delighted to have Jennie on board to help us reach more farmers on the ground with this valuable service. Promate allows farmers to make real improvements to their herd by offering corrective matings for each cow. Recent research illustrates that cows with better conformation last over two lactations longer than those with poor conformation – so farmers are keen to improve profitability over the long term by making the most of breeding vigour.

“It’s vital that our industry supports the young people who represent the future of agriculture - we have sponsored the Holstein Young Breeders for a number of years now and it has been most heartening to see the commitment and dedication of the young farmers coming through. Jennie displays a great enthusiasm for learning and with her strong scientific background and considerable dairying experience we have no doubt that she’ll be a valuable addition to our team.”

Jennie is a member of Lothersdale Young Farmers Club and of Lancashire Holstein Young Breeders.

In 2006 she was placed 3rd at the National Dairy Finals and won ‘Best Reasons’ in stock judging 18-21 year old at the Royal Show. She also represented Lancashire at Linear Judging for a number of years. Jennie concluded, “Semex is renowned as a leader in animal genetics and I am looking forward to being a part of that. It’s a wonderful opportunity and I intend to make the most of it.”

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