Bullseye May 2014

WestGen 70 Years Strong

WestGen celebrates its 70th year in 2014. And while 70 years is an important hallmark for all WestGen members across the four western provinces, it’s particularly so for those producers in BC whose parents and grandparents helped grow the company. With new property purchased and new businesses being established, this company of yours is now looking to establish the next 70 years for future generations.

Most of the original AI companies that formed 70 years ago no longer exist. Swallowed up in mergers and acquisitions, today we are left with three of the partner/owners in Semex; namely CIAQ, EastGen and WestGen. Sampling 150 Holstein sires a year in Canada, another 110 or so in the US and owning 10% of each of them is deemed a preferable option to owning 100% of a small number at WestGen on its own. It is a risk mitigating strategy that has served us well.

The roles have changed in our Partnership with CIAQ and EastGen in the ownership of Semex. Our focus is on serving the unique needs of our western producers and as long as that remains a relevant activity, we will too. Any profits from WestGen get ploughed right back into your local and provincial organizations. Youth activities like 4-H, the Western Canadian Classic and most recently the Dairy $en$e workshop for young farmers are causes we passionately invest in.

Indeed, WestGen and its forerunner BCAI celebrates 70 years with pride. With your support, direction and involvement there is no limit to what this Canadian, farmer-owned and directed company can become over the next 70 years!