On August 25, my wife and I loaded up the minivan and took daughter number three to college. For those of you that have not taken a daughter to college, let me warn you that there may be some tears that show up unexpectedly and it is good to keep tissue in your pockets for such times. Since this was our third time, we were a bit more prepared for what might happen, and of course it did, but we were able to navigate it much better than with daughters number one and two. From what I am told, it is a bit different taking sons to college. For those of you who have children at home, don’t blink. The days are long, but the years are fast.
The AETA committees have been quite active in 2023. I am thankful for the commitment that each committee chair and member has given to this great association. Please join me in thanking them for their time and efforts on behalf of the AETA. There are many committees that are looking for new members, so please let me know if you are willing to get more deeply involved in the AETA.
The Cooperator Committee is finalizing their embryo shipments and trade mission details for Uruguay and Argentina. There has been a lot of time and energy that went into the application for funding, embryo submissions, selection, and now shipment and transfer of these embryos. The trade missions to transfer these embryos will need to be completed before the end of 2023. At the time of this writing, the committee was still accepting volunteers to complete these trade missions. The Cooperator Committee in 2023 will have completed a total of seven projects of 100 embryos each. Please join me in thanking them for their efforts!
Thank you to everyone who contacted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make them aware of the Folltropin shortage we were all faced with this year. This seems to be largely behind us now as backorders are covered and orders are being filled as they come in. I am aware of quite a few instances of members who were out or almost out of Folltropin earlier this year who were helped by another member who had some product to spare. These were trying times that affected our businesses and livelihoods. I’d like to give a big shout out to those of you who helped a colleague in need. You know who you are. I would also like to thank Fred Gingrich and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) as well as Lindsey Hornickel and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for their support in communications with the FDA. These two associations were advocating on behalf of the AETA to strengthen our voice to the FDA.
Daniela Demetrio and the Convention Committee have done an outstanding job of putting together the 2023 annual convention at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. I look forward to connecting with you all again! It will be a great opportunity to learn, catch up with colleagues, and welcome new members to our association. Remember to register by September 30 to get the early registration discount.
As we were taking our third daughter to college, my business partner, Aaron Prososki, and his wife welcomed their third child into the world, so there were tears in their house as well. The circle of life continues. Don’t blink, my friends. See you in Orlando!
Greg Schueller, DVM
2023 AETA President