Novus International Inc. is showing commitment to its dairy customers in the Northeast and upper Midwest with its latest hire.

The newest member of the dairy assessment team, Kelsey Hefter, will serve as technical ruminant specialist for the company’s C.O.W.S. program. In this role, Hefter will conduct on-farm assessments of cow behavior, farm design and management practices; analyze the findings, and work with the customer to increase profitability by improving cow comfort and optimizing performance.

This isn’t Hefter’s first time with the company. In 2021 she had a 9-month-long internship with the C.O.W.S. program under its director, Dr. Karen Luchterhand. Hefter said experience attracted her to the position.

“Between various internships at Cargill and Novus, along with my research experience at The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in New York, I have a very solid understanding of dairy nutrition and animal behavior,” Hefter said. “I am thrilled to bring my knowledge of cow comfort and animal behavior to my new role with the Novus C.O.W.S. program.”

Hefter grew up in the animal agriculture industry and got involved in the dairy sector through 4-H when she was in primary school. She has a degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

“We’re so glad to have Kelsey back at Novus, this time as a colleague,” said Executive Sales Manager Danielle Penney. “Her previous experience with us and everything she’s learned since her internship made her an ideal candidate and a great fit for our team.”

C.O.W.S. stands for Cow Comfort, Oxidative Balance, Well-Being, and Sustainability. Novus created the program in conjunction with the University of British Columbia over a decade ago. Since its inception the team has conducted over 1,600 assessments, representing 20% of the dairy herd in the U.S. The service is offered to Novus dairy customers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Novus International is a U.S.-based intelligent nutrition company providing solutions for the global animal agriculture industry. Novus’s portfolio includes bis-chelated organic trace minerals, enzymes, organic acids, essential oils, liquid and dry methionine, as well as a network of experts around the world to provide guidance on management best practices.