Dairy farmers appointed by the CDCB Board provide grassroots input for strategy, policy, future priorities, and opportunities through this committee established in 2019.
In 2026, the committee grew to 10 members, adding diversity in the herds and regions represented. Recent discussion topics have included female fertility traits, calving ease, mobility, and more.
Before the triannual releases in April, August and December, an independent validation process is conducted by genetic industry leaders through objective and confidential early reviews of results. This improves evaluation accuracy by identifying potential issues before public release.
Sam Comstock
Holstein Association USA
Jason Graham
Holstein Association USA
John Metzger
American Jersey Cattle Association
Mehdi Sargolzaei
Select Sires, Inc.
Ryan Starkenburg
ABS Global, Inc.
Bob Welper
PEAK Genetics
The GEM group provides independent counsel, impartial advice and strategic guidance to CDCB and USDA AGIL staff as they develop dairy genetic evaluations.
Christian Maltecca, Chair
North Carolina State University
Jason Graham
Holstein Association USA
Daniela Lourenco
University of Georgia
Francisco Peñagaricano
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ryan Starkenburg
ABS Global
Robert Tempelman
Michigan State University
