Keith Heikes

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual that has made a significant contribution to the furtherance of the artificial insemination industry. The 2021 recipient is Mr. Keith Heikes. A native of Kansas, Keith began his career in the A.I. industry, working as the Dairy Specialist at Kansas State University (KABSU). In 1990, he moved to Tiffin, Ohio, where he became the General Manager at NOBA, Inc. In 1995, Keith led the membership at NOBA through the process of becoming a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International (CRI).

Keith was named the Vice President of International Programs for CRI in Shawano, Wisconsin, in 1996. He was tasked with creating marketing programs for CRI products and developing international business interests. Keith also held the position of Vice President of Dairy Genetics and Global Alliance Development, where he oversaw the dairy genetics programs and non-marketing activity outside of the U.S. He was promoted to Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing in 2013. In 2014, Keith was named Chief Operating Officer for GENEX.

Keith has been instrumental in the consolidation of the A.I. industry. His vision of NOBA becoming a subsidiary of CRI helped him to further make a difference in the industry. Keith brought together many lasting relationships based on his honesty, integrity, vision, and passion for success. He was an integral part of developing the genetics market that is still a thriving success for GENEX. Keith’s leadership skills, innovative thinking, and strong commitment to cooperatives led him to the position of CEO of CRI. He has led the cooperative in advancing the A.I. industry on behalf of its members and customers through development of new markets, working with a senior management team and a board of directors, among a plethora of other duties.

Keith once again led CRI through a merger with Koepon Holdings to form URUS, as the cooperative grew and as the market consolidated. He utilized his ability to create new markets and opportunities in creating a bigger and bolder cooperative entity that will likely last beyond the next generation of dairy and beef producers. His forward-thinking, thoughtful discussion, and consensus building allowed the merger process to advance to reality. Since 2018, Keith has utilized his skills as the COO for URUS to advance the cooperative model of business management within the corporate world of Koepon Holdings and URUS.

Keith has been a member of numerous industry councils and boards. He served the NAAB as Chairman from 2013-15, Board of Directors (2009-15) and was a member on the Dairy Sire Evaluation, General Managers, and International Marketing committees. He also represented NAAB on the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and represented GENEX and CRI on the USDA Emerging Markets Program Advisory Committee, the Overseas Cooperative Development Council, and IndiaGen. In addition, Keith received the Kansas Dairy Leader award in 2017.

Keith’s contributions to cooperatives, his vision on the development of world-wide markets for A.I. products/services led him on a well-respected journey of outstanding success. We thank Keith Heikes for his many years of service to the A.I. Industry. He is well deserving of the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.

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