Scott Hecker of Howards Grove, Wis. has been named the 2020 Select Reproductive Solutions® (SRS®) Specialist of the Year. 
This award recognizes an individual with excellent knowledge of reproductive physiology and unmatched service to customer-owner herds. Hecker’s service to Select Sires began in 2006 as a large-herd A.I. technician for NorthStar Cooperative. In 2015, he transitioned to East Central/Select Sires. Today, as a member of the CentralStar team, Hecker fills the roles of reproductive specialist, professional A.I. technician supervisor and CowManager® specialist.
Ray Nebel, Ph.D., vice president of technical services at Select Sires, presented Hecker with the award during a federation-wide, virtual training session. “Scott wears many hats as he serves CentralStar’s customer-owners. He is highly respected and sought after for his skill in educating and training fellow team members and customer-owners about reproductive and insemination topics,” said Nebel. In his role, Hecker works with customer-owners to review reproductive performance and develop strategies to not only meet but exceed their herd goals. He has been instrumental in A.I. training development and is invited by many large herds to lead employee trainings. Hecker’s career achievements include Select Sires’ Super Achiever A.I. Technician recognition, two Elite Club A.I. Technician awards and the NAAB 35K services honor.
“Scott's drive, unrivaled passion and commitment to success is evident through his relationships with customers. 
He challenges herds to improve reproductive performance and enhance their profitability while providing guidance and solutions in the process,” said Jerome Meyer, general manager, CentralStar Cooperative, Inc. “His positive impact at CentralStar will continue far into the future with the many team members he has trained and mentored."
Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.
®Select Reproductive Solutions and SRS are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc. CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering.
Pictured top: Scott Hecker (left) stands with customer-owner, Nathan Wiese (right), Wiese Dairy LLC, Rosendale, Wis. Hecker consults with Wiese on reproductive management and integration of the CowManager system.
Pictured bottom: Scott Hecker, 2020 SRS Specialist of the Year, works with customer-owners Jenny Baerwolf, Dr. Adam Ward, herd veterinarian, and Rob Baerwolf of Baerwolf Dairies LLC and Sassy Cow Creamery in Sun Prairie, Wis. Baerwolf Dairies use the CowManager system and work with Hecker on reproductive consultation.