Ziese Reaches the 3 Million Unit Level

SHAWANO, Wis. - Bill Ziese, a Genex Cooperative, Inc. Area Sales Representative in the Chino, Calif., area, achieved a career milestone in the bovine genetics industry by marketing over 3 million units of bovine semen. According to the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), Ziese is only the second person in the United States to reach this level. 

Art Marquez (at left) of Marquez Dairy in Chino, Calif., congratulates Bill Ziese, a Genex Area Sales Representative, for reaching a career milestone. Ziese recently recorded his 3 millionth unit of bovine semen sold which makes him only the second person in the industry to have achieved this sales record.

Local dairy and beef producers gathered together on Wednesday, April 21, to celebrate Ziese's accomplishment. Special recognition was given to both Ziese and to Art Marquez of Marquez Dairy who purchased the record-making 3 millionth unit of semen.

At the event, Marquez spoke about the quality of service Ziese has provided to the dairy for over 34 years. "In the many years of doing business with Bill, I never once questioned the bulls he recommended; nor did I ever need to query an invoice; nor did I ever have to count the semen that was delivered; nor did I have to check on the mating recommendations."

"Marquez's statement was a testament to Ziese's professionalism," notes Buck Buchanan, Genex Associate Vice President of Marketing. "Genex members and customers have truly benefited from the solid relationship Bill has built with them. On many farms, he has provided service to three generations. Through it all, he has been committed to providing the best in professional service. Reaching the 3 million unit sales level is a great accomplishment and is the direct result of Bill's integrity, honesty and outstanding knowledge of cattle genetics."

Ziese began his career in the dairy industry working for Adohr Farms in Santa Ana, Calif. He worked there both as a teenager and then again after serving in the military. In 1966, he accepted a marketing position with the A.I. stud Excelsior Breeding Service and held that position until its closure in December 2001. In 2002, he joined Genex and during his tenure with the cooperative has helped to lead and support the local team of Genex sales and service representatives.

Throughout his career, Ziese has also taken an active role in promoting the dairy industry. He has held leadership roles in the Southern California Holstein Association, managed several California Holstein Association convention sales, and served as banquet chairman for the NAAB convention in southern California.

Ziese will receive recognition for his 3 million unit sales achievement from the NAAB at their annual meeting this September.

He and his wife, Norma, reside in Upland, Calif. They have three grown children.

Genex is a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International (CRI). CRI, a member-owned holding cooperative, is comprised of three subsidiaries: Central Livestock Association, AgSource Cooperative Services and Genex. The CRI Mission Statement summarizes the goal of CRI: "To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative."

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