As spring is here and the beef calves are hitting the ground, a new busy season of embryo transfer is upon most of us. I am thankful for the research and studies that went into synchronization protocols that have helped us and our clients enjoy a more efficient use of our time.
At the winter Board meeting in February, we decided to create a new website for the AETA. This is currently under development, with the goal of having it rolled out prior to our annual meeting. We also are happy to announce that the Research Committee is currently seeking proposals for grants from the AETA. It is the vision of the AETA Board of Directors that every year, an award is given, with the recipient(s) being announced at our annual meeting. In addition, the recipient(s) of the previous year’s award would present their paper(s) at our annual meeting.
We are saddened by the loss of Dr. Brad Stroud, a teacher, mentor, and lifelong learner in embryo transfer. The Stroud family has decided to donate memorial monies given in Brad’s name to the AETA to help fund new research. With this generous act, we have decided to name the award the AETA Brad Stroud Memorial Research Award.
All of us are impacted by the shortened supply of Folltropin, and many have asked what the Board is doing about this. The Board of Directors and Government Liaison Committee are actively working with the FDA to address this ongoing issue. We have encountered a lot of dead-end roads with the FDA, but we continue to monitor and work hard on this urgent membership need. If you are still experiencing supply issues with Folltropin, please report your case to the FDA Animal Drug Shortages by emailing AnimalDrugShortages@fda.hhs.gov.
The Cooperator Committee has a lot of activity going on this year, with a new call for embryos coming out soon for a Quality Sample Project to Uruguay and Argentina. They are also looking for volunteers for trade missions in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and Uruguay.
Dr. Daniela Demetrio and the Convention Committee are working hard on finalizing an amazing program for our annual meeting in Orlando. The meeting details will be available soon. In the meantime, mark your calendar for October 27–29 for the 2023 AETA Annual Meeting in Orlando. Please note that this is a Friday through Sunday meeting, which is a change for this year only, due to the Rosin Shingle Creek availability dates.
Lastly, we have many committees that would welcome new members. If you would like to become active on a committee, please contact me, and I will try to direct you to a committee that would be a good fit.
I am humbled and honored to be serving as the president of this great association and look forward to serving you, our members, this year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns related to the AETA.
Greg Schueller, DVM
2023 AETA President