After a 32-year tenure with Accelerated Genetics Roger Ripley, Accelerated Genetics’ President and CEO retired on July 31, 2008. Roger has been a true pioneer in the shaping of Accelerated Genetics and the A.I. Industry, yet his legacy will continue.
During his career, Roger guided Accelerated Genetics to new heights and accomplished many A.I. Industry firsts. Through his visionary thinking, major changes were made to the Accelerated Genetics marketing structure, sire development programs, semen processing facilities, and bull housing and care. This has resulted in quadrupling the cooperatives revenues to $42.7 million in 2007. Also, he was integral in fiscal management, which led Accelerated Genetics to becoming debt free while continuing to make substantial reinvestments. The cooperative reinvested in its sire housing, feed storage, semen processing lab, and semen distribution center within the last few years.
Roger’s vision and leadership also lead to the formation of Genetic Visions, Inc. a wholly owned, world-recognized, research subsidiary. It was formed in 1988 to concentrate on genetic marker research identifying genes influencing production traits, gestation length, animal health and viability.
Further, Roger constructed a model Young Producer Program that develops and empowers young dairy and beef producers. He was dedicated to cultivating leaders for the Accelerated Genetic cooperative as well as for all of agriculture. Roger’s philosophy of listening to the younger generation and enlisting their ideas has added to the successes at Accelerated Genetics.
After graduating from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy Science and Master^s Degree in Advanced Animal Breeding, Roger’s interests kept him working in the dairy industry.
His career at Accelerated Genetics (Tri-State Breeders Cooperative) began in 1970 as a Regional Marketing Manager in Minnesota and Iowa. He then worked as a Sire Analyst, then Sire Procurement Manager until 1977. Roger’s passion for breeding cattle led him to become a managing partner of A & H Dairy in Franklin, Kentucky and President of Commonwealth Breeders, a Kentucky bull-proving group for 7 years. In 1983 he returned to Accelerated Genetics as Vice President of Genetics and then was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in March, 1984.
Roger’s leadership skills also reached many agricultural organizations. He has served as Chair of the National Association of Animal Breeders; President and Vice President of the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors; Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET), and University of Wisconsin Department of Dairy Science Advisory Committee.
Well known throughout the world, Roger has been recognized for his commitment, vision, leadership, and foresight to ensure a strong future of the dairy industry. His honors include: NAMA National Award for Agricultural Excellence, 1990; World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year, 1999; Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives Co-op Builder Award, 1999; National Association of Animal Breeders Distinguished Service Award, 2000; University of Wisconsin Honorary Recognition Award, 2005; and Friend of World Dairy Expo Award, 2007.
Roger and his wife, Gail, will have more time in retirement to enjoy their seven children and 16 grandchildren.