Premier Reproductive Services Specialist (RSS) Mark Stevens retires October 31, 2024 after 45 years of service with Premier or its preceding cooperatives. Please join us in congratulating him and thanking him for his contributions and dedication to our cooperative!
Before his long tenure as an RSS, Mark began working part time at a small animal veterinary practice in high school. After graduation he transitioned to full time. He also spent several years milking cows on a dairy farm. In 1979, Mark and his girlfriend (now wife) were attending an evening dairy science class. The class went on a field trip to the Sire Power bull stud in Frederick, Maryland just 20 minutes from Mark’s home. Although collection was not performed at that facility, they had the opportunity to see the young sires housed there and tour the lab. During the trip, Mark learned that Sire Power was hiring breeding technicians.
“Sire Power was well known in the area, and there were a lot of farms and a lot of cows in my county and the surrounding area,” said Mark. “My teacher encouraged me to pursue the job.”
Mark got the job, and for the next forty-five years, he would serve the producers of his local area. Mark’s territory has grown, and in recent years until his retirement, he has served Frederick, Carroll, and part of Washington counties in Maryland.
“I’ve met a lot of great people,” said Mark. “Everyone has different goals, values, and needs, and I’ve always done my best to offer good customer service to meet their needs.”
Mark has had a very successful career. He has been recognized as Sire Power Technician of the Year, and multiple times he has received the Select Sires Technician Service Elite award. In 2019, he was honored for reaching 100,000 first services.
When asked what he has enjoyed about his job, Mark says that the best part is the people, both customers and coworkers.
“I’ve made some great friendships with customers,” said Mark. “I’ve worked with some really high profile nationally recognized herds. It’s so nice to see the quality of cattle we can produce.”
He went on to say, “My fellow coworkers are second to none. All are so helpful, well-respected, and they respect others. That’s the key to this job—being respectful and honest. I wouldn’t have wanted to work for or with anyone else. This company is a leader in technology and service, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of it.”
Mark wishes to convey to his customers and coworkers that he feels blessed to have had the ability to serve in his position. He says, “We’ve been given so many gifts, and we’re lucky to have the freedom we do, which has come at a cost. We need to treat people the way we want to be treated and have faith that God will bring things around like they’re supposed to be. I’m thankful for the opportunities I have had.”
“Mark has been a pleasure to work with,” said Dave Miklic, Reproductive Services Specialist Supervisor. “His longevity as a technician is evidence of the quality of his work and commitment to his customers. Mark is a great RSS but an even better person and I wish him an enjoyable retirement.”
In his retirement, Mark is excited to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Barbara, have three children and six grandchildren.
“My wife is a wonderful person,” said Mark. “She’s been so flexible with my career and we’re looking forward to having even more time in retirement to attend our grandchildren’s activities, ball games, holidays, and more. We’ll be able to visit our family in Kansas more often as well.”
Mark also plans to increase his service at his church and community activities such as the Ruritan club, spend more time outdoors hunting and fishing, and expand on his woodworking hobby.
Thank you, Mark, for your exceptional service to Premier Select Sires. We wish you many blessings in retirement!
Photo: Mark, his wife Barbara, and their six grandchildren
