Symbrosia Farm Ambassador: Dr. Bradley Heins
Our Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture: The Farm Ambassador Initiative
The Farm Ambassador Initiative is designed to connect with devoted farmers, ranchers, and livestock experts who are equally passionate about shaping the future of agriculture in harmony with the environment. We've handpicked a team of four exceptional individuals to serve as the vanguard of our efforts, providing an insider's look at our pioneering work. These ambassadors act as vital conduits, ensuring fluid dialogue between the heart of the livestock sector and our cutting-edge feed additive solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to build a bridge to a sustainable future, uniting innovative practices with the time-honored traditions of farming.
We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Brad Heins as one of our Farm Ambassador at Symbrosia! With a rich background rooted in animal science and a passion for organic dairy management, Dr. Heins is uniquely positioned to champion our groundbreaking SeaGraze®.
Growing up in Lake City, Minnesota—famously known as the birthplace of waterskiing—Dr. Heins embarked on a scholarly journey at the University of Minnesota, where he earned degrees in Animal and Plant Systems, as well as an MS and PhD in Animal Breeding and Genetics. His early career involved working with crossbreeding dairy herds in California before returning to his alma mater. Since 2010, Dr. Heins has served as a Professor of Organic Dairy Management at the University of Minnesota's West Central Research Center in Morris, Minnesota. There, he leads research on best management practices for dairy production, crossbreeding, group rearing of calves, and renewable energy applications in dairy systems. He also contributes his expertise to the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force.
Under the supervision of Dr. Bradley Heins, our six-month SeaGraze® pilot trial was conducted through Organic Valley's Farmers Advocating for Organic (FAFO) program. This trial, initiated in early July at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center, aimed to evaluate the impact of the SeaGraze® additive on an organic dairy research herd, with potential implications for its 1,600 member farms.
When asked about one thing he wishes more people understood about farming, Dr. Heins emphasized that farming is hard work. "It takes long hours to produce food for human consumption," he explains. "Farmers take pride in their work and are always looking out for the best in their land and livestock."
As a Farm Ambassador for Symbrosia, Dr. Heins is most excited about the future possibilities with SeaGraze®. "I am excited to see where the future may go with SeaGraze® and how it can have an impact on the dairy industry," he shared.
We are proud to have Dr. Heins on board as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in agriculture. His expertise and enthusiasm for sustainable dairy management are invaluable as we work together toward a greener future. Welcome, Dr. Heins!
