October is Cooperative Month, and at GENEX, that means celebrating the people at the core of everything we do: our members. These dairy and beef producers bring passion, innovation and hard work to their operations every day, and we’re proud to share their voices through a special Q&A series this month.
In their stories, you’ll hear not only about their experiences and perspectives, but also how GENEX has partnered with them to achieve their goals and strengthen their herds. It’s a glimpse into the power of working side by side and learning from one another to build a stronger future for agriculture.
John Clemons II
Clemons Cattle Company, Fair Play, Missouri
Tell us about your farm:
Our operation has been around for five generations. Today, I own a herd of 350 Simmental and Angus.
How long have you been a co-op member of GENEX?
I’ve been a GENEX member for more than 10 years.
What do you value most about having a voice in a cooperative?
It is important to have a voice in the cattle industry, because too often it is the large corporations that make decisions that impact my daily life on the farm. I like knowing that at the end of the day, I had a say and could speak up about how the decisions made by GENEX affect my operation.
Can you share a specific example of when GENEX support, service or products made a difference for your farm?
We have been supported the most by GENEX during breeding and calving season. We order all of our A.I. supplies for breeding season from GENEX, and as soon as calves hit the ground, we rely on GENEX for quality products like Push™ calf energy paste and SCCL Calf’s Choice Total® Gold colostrum to get our calves up and running.
What role do you see cooperative like GENEX playing in the future of agriculture?
A cooperative like GENEX plays a vital role in agriculture by allowing the members – who are producers – to guide the company in the direction that benefits both business and members, creating a symbiotic relationship.
What do you think GENEX does well when it comes to serving their members?
GENEX has representatives who are very knowledgeable and are able to point me in the direction I need to make the right breeding choices, buy quality products or even assist with general herd management. We rely on our field rep and GENEX staff to answer questions and lend their knowledge whenever problems arise on the ranch. I have made many relationships with people throughout the organization.
What advice would you give to a farmer or rancher considering joining GENEX?
The only way for you to have a voice is to get involved. As long as you sit on the sidelines, decisions will be made for you. I don’t think any members regret joining cooperatives like GENEX and getting involved.
Want to become a member of GENEX Cooperative?
Learn more about GENEX membership and how to become a member by visiting genex.coop/membership.
Already a member? We encourage you to get more involved by becoming a GENEX delegate. For further information, reach out to Blaize Dankers-Donnay (GENEX Director of Member Engagement) at [email protected].