2025 CDCB Producer Exchange

Raised on a dairy farm in central Minnesota, Katie Schmitt began with CDCB in spring 2023 as Outreach Specialist. Previously, Katie worked at World Dairy Expo in various communication and marketing roles including Communications Manager. She received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Industry and Business at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities along with minors in Communication Studies and Agricultural Food Business Management. In 2022, she was recognized as a “35 under 35” by Wisconsin Farm Bureau for her work with The Dairy Show podcast.

Taylor M. McWhorter, Ph.D., joined CDCB as a Geneticist in February 2023. Taylor studied at the University of Georgia (Athens, GA), where she received her bachelor’s degree in animal science and doctoral degree in quantitative genetics. Her Ph.D. research consisted of developing phenotypic and genomic selection tools for U.S. dairy producers. Taylor’s dissertation evaluated beef bull fertility in beef-on-dairy matings, heat tolerance of dairy cattle, and the genomic evaluation theory: single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). During her graduate studies, Taylor interned with CDCB and USDA Animal Genomics and Improvement Lab in 2019, as well as, Select Sires, Inc. in 2021-2022.

Brett Barlass is the General Manager of California Dairy Farms LLC (CDF), headquartered in Hilmar, California. CDF operates multiple dairies across Hilmar, Livingston, Stevinson, and Atwater, with a focus on milking primarily Jersey cows and crossbreeds. The farm ships exclusively to Hilmar Cheese Company and manages four active digester projects, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. Notably, CDF achieved recognition in 2024 by producing the high-selling animal at the U.S. Jersey National Heifer Sale, later ranked #3 in the breed for JPI.

With over two decades of dairy industry experience, Brett’s career includes managing Yosemite Jersey Dairy, where he supervised daily operations and pioneered the use of advanced dairy technologies. As an Early Adopter Advisor for Cainthus, he contributed to the development of facial recognition technology for dairy cattle. He has also collaborated internationally, including advising Cornell University students on dairy operations in China.

Brett has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the California Jersey Cattle Association, and has been recognized with several prestigious awards, such as the California Young Jersey Breeder Award. His dedication to youth development is evident through his long-standing leadership in the Hilmar Colony 4-H dairy program.

Luis Davalos is a seasoned Dairy Manager with extensive experience in the dairy industry and is currently the Manager of Corrales Dairy in Roswell, New Mexico. Luis has made significant contributions to this growing herd over the past nine years. With a management career that began in 2007, Luis has developed a deep understanding of dairy operations, focusing on productivity and sustainability.

Under his leadership, Corrales Dairy has established itself as a cutting-edge operation in the dairy sector. Luis is a strong advocate for sustainable practices and has implemented innovative strategies that enhance both animal health and operational efficiency. His commitment to genomic testing and advanced breeding strategies has developed profitable, healthy cows that thrive in the unique southwestern environment.

Luis is also a pioneer in adopting advanced technologies within the dairy industry. He has positioned Corrales Dairy at the forefront of efficiency and productivity by utilizing techniques such as embryo transfer and genomic testing, as well as implementing 24/7 cow monitoring systems. His forward-thinking approach not only maximizes beef-on-dairy profitability but also ensures that the dairy operates with the highest standards of animal welfare.

Dan Siemers is a leader in dairy genetics and innovation as an owner of Siemers Holsteins, a multi-generational, century-old farm in Newton, Wisconsin. Alongside his family, Dan continues the legacy of excellence in breeding and managing elite Registered Holsteins. Under his guidance, the herd has achieved remarkable milestones, including a Rolling Herd Average nearing 34,000 pounds of milk with almost 7.5% combined solids.

An early adopter of genomic testing, embryo transfer, and in-vitro fertilization, Dan has helped the farm produce more than 1,400 Excellent cows, 460 Gold Medal Dams, and countless sires that have influenced Holstein genetics globally. Siemers Holsteins has been recognized as a Holstein Association USA Herd of Excellence for eight consecutive years and has received the Progressive Genetics Herd award for 32 years.

Beyond genetics, Dan and his family have a deep commitment to the dairy industry. They’ve hosted events like the 2019 National Holstein Convention and have been active in youth development through Junior Holstein Association programs. With modern facilities, including a 110-cow rotary parlor, and their tagline “Genetics for Cow People,” the Siemers family continues to innovate while honoring their heritage and advancing the global dairy industry.

For the past two decades, Greg Andersen has been the manager of Seagull-Bay Dairy in American Falls, Idaho. The farm, founded in 1980, is renowned for its innovative breeding strategies and commitment to “efficient production from a healthy herd.” Greg emphasizes breeding cows with moderate size and healthy body condition, increased pounds of fat and protein production, with strong calving ability and mastitis resistance.  His expertise in genetics includes developing notable animals like Ammon-Peachey Shauna-ET, dam of the influential sire Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET, and contributions to the polled sire Winstar Mendel-P-ET through the Winstar partnership.

Greg’s leadership extends beyond his farm. He has served on the Idaho Dairymen’s Association board, been active in the Idaho Holstein Association, and engaged in youth development through 4-H and Boy Scouts. 

With a Progressive Genetics Herd Award spanning 21 years and recognition as Holstein Association USA’s 2014 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Greg is a leader in dairy innovation and advocacy. He continues to influence the industry through his role on the CDCB Producer Advisory Committee, where his progressive practices and understanding of Western dairy farming provide valuable insights.

Asha Miles joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory in March 2021 and quickly embraced the role for research and development of genetic applications that can future improve dairy cattle and farm livelihood. Dr. Miles’ research and academic background spans biotechnology, molecular genetics, immunology, epidemiology, and microbiome science. Her goals as a researcher are to apply these skills in an integrated approach to understand animal health and production, and to translate these findings into innovative interventions which can be applied on farm.

Malia (Martin) Caputo, Ph.D., began a postdoctoral appointment at CDCB in May 2023 before transitioning to her current role as Associate Research Scientist. Malia received her bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agronomy from the University of Minnesota-Crookston in 2018 and her doctorate degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in June of 2023. Her graduate research addressed two areas of dairy cattle feed efficiency: predictive modeling of feed intake and feed efficiency, and establishing post-absorptive nutrient metabolism as a source of variation in residual feed intake.

João Dürr is currently in his 11th year of service as CDCB Chief Executive Officer. Before CDCB, João worked as the Executive Director of Interbull based in Sweden, Professor at Universidade de Passo Fundo in Brazil, and President of the Brazilian Council of Milk Quality (CBQL). A native of Brazil, João received his Bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; followed by master’s and doctorate degrees from McGill University, Montreal, in animal breeding and genetics.