Tremont, Ill. – River Valley Dairy today announced the addition of Brad Barham of Calhoun, Tenn., as genomic program manager for its Jersey enterprise.
In this newly created position, Barham will play a key role in developing the already strong genetic base at River Valley. Barham will manage the farm’s genomic program and marketing of bulls on behalf of River Valley. Barham will remain located in Tennessee.
Barham’s past experience shows a depth of knowledge and passion for Jersey genetics. Prior to joining River Valley, Barham worked for the American Jersey Cattle Association in two different roles. First, he served as its business development specialist before becoming the southeast area representative for the organization.
Throughout the past decade, Barham also has worked closely in developing the genetics program at Barham Jersey Farm, a 210-cowRegistered Jersey™ dairy in Calhoun, Tenn. During this time, he marketed multiple bulls into various A.I. programs as well as bred many top 500 GJPI females to increase the quality base at the dairy. The Barham Jersey Farm now ranks in the top 25 percent for GJPI among herds in the United States.
River Valley Dairy is a 300-cow, family farm operated by Gregg and Cindy Sauder and their seven children. The farm is home to two U.S. National Champions, a Canadian National Champion and many All American and All Canadian nominees and winners. With December 2013 proofs, the herd at River Valley included 24 of the breed’s Top 500 GJPI females and 116 of the breed’s Top 1.5 percent GJPI females. A number of bulls from River Valley have entered A.I. sampling. Through an aggressive on-farm IVF program, River Valley works to establish a unique herd of cows that deliver genetics to the global marketplace that producers can believe in. Visit www.facebook.com/