Ashley Mikshowsky
Research Geneticist
What is your background?
I grew up on a 60-cow dairy farm near La Crosse, WI. I have a Bachelor’s degree in dairy science from UW-River Falls and a master’s in dairy genetics from UW-Madison. I worked as a lab technician in a semen sorting lab and worked as a bull herdsman for several years as well.
What are your personal responsibilities in your position?
My main responsibility is our internal bull fertility evaluations – Concept Plus and PregCheck. I run the evaluations every two months, distribute results and summaries, and work on new ways to continue to improve and enhance the process. I also perform additional fertility and genetics-related analyses to help us better able to make data-driven decisions, as well as various other tasks.
Why did you choose PEAK?
At PEAK I’m able to use my skills and talents to ultimately provide producers with higher quality bulls in terms of fertility and genetics.
What motivates you to come to work each day?
I am motivated to come to work each day because I’m able to do what I enjoy, and I know my work and recommendations are valued.
What is the most important thing to know about the PEAK R&D team and your role?
Our team is continually working to make improvements to help better serve you.
What are you most excited about in regard to the PEAK R&D team?
I think we have some very interesting projects in the works that I’m excited to see come to completion.
What big question or challenge do you wish to solve in your career?
I’d like to help decrease the carbon footprint of dairy cattle.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, biking, hiking, fishing, and yoga.
If you could have one item in your fridge at all times, what would it be and why?
Yogurt!
