CowManager Recognizes Award Winners at the Winter CowManager Training Summit

CowManager Success Story of the Year

“It is an honor to recognize these award winners and share their success stories,” says Gerard Griffioen, founder of CowManager. “Our partnership with Select Sires allows us to collaborate with industry leaders and exceptional U.S. dairy producers. We are proud to take part in this summit and celebrate those who exceed expectations.”

Schaap Dairies, based in Eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, has been named the 2025 CowManager Success Story of the Year. The Schaap Family Dairy network includes three operations—Pleasant Hill Dairy, High Lonesome Dairy and North Point Dairy—collectively managing about 20,000 cows.

The dairies first experienced CowManager through an XL Program trial and have since fully implemented the system, including the company’s sort-gate technology at all three locations. Since then, they’ve seen notable improvements in pregnancy, conception and heat-detection rates, resulting in stronger overall reproductive performance.

Up-and-Coming CowManager Specialist

Carson Hillberg of Select Sires Members Cooperative in California has been named the 2025 Up-and-Coming CowManager Specialist. Hillberg was recognized for consistently going above and beyond for both colleagues and customers, exemplifying what it means to be a true team player. He has played a pivotal role in the success of the XL Program, guiding large-herd dairies from initial trials through full adoption.

His contributions extend across several key areas, including CowManager sort gates, calf trials, blinking wand technology and system integrations. Hillberg is also on track to finish near the top of the leaderboard for tag sales in 2025.

CowManager Specialist of the Year

Matt Staner of CentralStar Cooperative in Wisconsin earned the 2025 CowManager Specialist of the Year Award. This award honors Stef Booijink and is given annually to a Specialist who demonstrates exceptional system knowledge, extensive installation experience and expert guidance on system integration.

Staner was recognized for his passion for the product, outstanding customer support and meticulous attention to detail. His accomplishments in 2025 include completing six installations, further underscoring his dedication and expertise.

Dr. Ray Nebel Legacy Award

Brandon Thesing of Select Sires Member Coop in Minnesota received the Dr. Ray Nebel Legacy Award. This award honors Ray Nebel, Ph.D., retired vice president of technical services and a driving force behind Select Sires’ partnership with CowManager. Thesing was recognized for his exceptional work ethic, collaborative approach to promoting and selling CowManager, and his commitment to going above and beyond to meet customer needs. A true advocate for the cow monitoring system, he is dedicated to making a meaningful, everyday difference for producers.

Special Thanks

In addition, CowManager recognized Jared Krull for his outstanding leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. As Vice President of Sales and Service at CowManager USA, Krull has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth across the United States.

His strategic vision and hands-on support have helped producers not only adopt CowManager’s technology, but also maximize its value on their operations. His contributions continue to strengthen CowManager’s presence in the U.S. market and elevate the success of producers nationwide.

About CowManager

At CowManager, we believe a successful dairy producer is a prepared dairy producer. With our revolutionary cow monitoring ear sensors, we ensure they’re always ahead and prepared for what’s coming, with actionable insights. We believe in working together to help dairy farmers reach their goals, whatever their ambitions are. Whether they have 20 or 20,000 cows; with CowManager they’ll have eyes on all of them.

In the United States, CowManager is distributed and supported by Select Sires Inc. For more information on CowManager, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires.