Heikes, Te Plate Accept New Responsibilities at CRI

SHAWANO, Wis. - Cooperative Resources International (CRI) and its Genex Cooperative, Inc. subsidiary are now positioned for a strong future within the rapidly changing artificial insemination (A.I.) industry. The creation of a new division - the Genex Dairy Genetics and Global Alliance Development Division - and the reorganization of CRI's International Division will allow the cooperative to better develop, utilize and promote new technologies as well as foster global alliances. The restructuring includes strong leadership as Keith Heikes will manage the new division and Huub te Plate will oversee all international marketing for CRI.

As Vice President of the new division, Heikes' responsibilities now encompass dairy genetics, global development projects and global alliance development.

"Heikes' background and strategic approach brings an unusual skill set and experience to this position," noted Doug Wilson, CRI Chief Executive Officer. "The dairy genetic globe has become very connected and, in his new position, Heikes will play a vital role in advancing the future of Genex."

Heikes is a Kansas State graduate. He began his A.I. career in 1981 as dairy specialist for KABSU (Kansas Artificial Breeding Service Unit). In 1990, he accepted a position with Noba and, in 1991, was named General Manager. Heikes held that position until 1996 when he led the merger for Noba to join CRI.

In 1996, Heikes became the CRI Vice President of International Programs. During his tenure in this position, CRI developed into a global leader with marketing organization ownership in India, Australia, South Africa, Europe and Brazil. Under his leadership, the cooperative's international division established record sales volumes and developed significant global relations.

Throughout Heikes' career, he has participated in numerous industry activities, and currently serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) and World Dairy Expo. He also serves on the Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service.

As Vice President of International Marketing for CRI, te Plate is responsible for the entire International Division's plan of work including the cooperative's globally-owned marketing organizations. Cooperative CEO Wilson notes Huub's knowledge of the entire global market and his visionary marketing approach will be large assets for the growth of CRI internationally.

Te Plate is a graduate of the Agricultural University Wageningen in The Netherlands. His A.I. career began in 1991 with several international responsibilities and country assignments for Holland Genetics (now known as CRV). In 1995 and 1996, te Plate was based in Shawano, Wis., as the Holland Genetics coordinator of the importation of Dutch semen into the United States via Genex.

In 2000, te Plate joined CRI as Associate Vice President of International Marketing. In 2005, he was promoted to Vice President. He also currently serves as Chair of the NAAB International Marketing Committee.

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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