December 16, 2009

Dear Holstein Breeders,

            As some of you know, we have some exciting news at AMS Genetics, Inc. Jan De Vries has decided to open up a US branch by acquiring AMS Genetics and all of the rights associated with it. Jan has since brought on Steve Mower, who many of you know from Em-Tran and subsequently Cyagra. They will form a powerful team in order to market your genetics around the world.

Jan has and will continue to be the largest buyer of embryos from the United States. His aggressive nature and creative marketing will make this acquisition a good thing for US breeders. Look for many exciting things from Jan over the next 12 to 18 months.

            From a personal standpoint, I want to thank you the breeders for not only the business over the years, but your friendships we have built. Many of you, I call good friends. I have enjoyed the opportunity to watch the progress of your herd and the evolution of the entire breed. It is your dedication to breeding that has made the business move forward. I would also like to thank Bob Heilman who taught me a great deal about the business and how to work with clients.

            I think many of you will ask why I am selling AMS Genetics? That answer has several parts. First and foremost, I have been spread very thin over the last three years. We own part of over 1000 head of cattle and pregnancies, we have numerous rental/ investment properties, and last year I started a renewable energy business. I felt like I was doing a disservice to our clients and you the breeders, by running the business without my full attention. In an effort to streamline our lives, we have also worked to simplify other areas of our businesses. We have started selling off some Real Estate this year, with another group to be sold in 2010. Moreover, we will start to sell some cattle from Vision Genetics and Even Par in 2010

I love cattle and this business, and couldn’t get out of the business if I tried. Our cattle partners have been the greatest to work with. The joy I get in breeding cattle is hard to replicate in any other area of business. So when people ask if I am getting out of the business; for short period of time that may be the case. We had very few animals after our November sale in 2005 and then we invested almost $1.5 million in cattle to get to this point. We have 200 IVF calves coming, and over 400 ET pregnancies due this coming year. In order to keep this growth in check we will be offering our very best for sale. . Our first sale will be April 24, 2010 in Lebanon, PA. We anticipate selling one hundred head at that point; we will then sell a second group in November.

            I look forward to seeing you at sales and shows this spring. Thanks again for everything.

Best wishes for a great holiday and a super New Year.

 

 

Corey Wolff