New Company Links Industry-Leading Genetic Evaluation and Reproduction Technologies into a Single, Streamlined Process

Vytelle and GrowSafe Systems, Ltd. announced today the combining of their companies with the aim of accelerating genetic advances in bovine biotechnology. The companies will operate as a single precision livestock company under the Vytelle brand to drive the mission to meet the global demands for producing more high-quality protein, more sustainably, and with more profit potential for cattle producers. Both companies are owned by UK-based Wheatsheaf Group.

"By uniting two of the most forward-thinking businesses in the cattle industry, we will help ensure that meat and milk are viable and competitive food choices for generations to come," commented Dr. Alan Barton, Operating Advisor Wheatsheaf Group and Chairman of the Board for Vytelle.

Kerryann Kocher has been named Vytelle's new Chief Executive Officer, bringing decades of experience in animal health, feed ingredients, and protein production to the company.

"With the world literally hungry for protein, and the recognition that our industry must meet rising food demand while reducing resource intensity, there is a clear need to integrate precision livestock technologies and support our customers in their production of sustainably sourced meat and milk," said Kocher.

With the combined capabilities of the new Vytelle, cattle producers will be able to convert individual animal performance data into genetic progress faster than ever before. Linking genetic insights available only through GrowSafe's proprietary efficiency database with breakthrough IVF technology, Vytelle's customers will be able to shorten the interval between elite animal identification and optimal marketing of those genetics within the beef and dairy value streams.

"Identifying resource-efficient animals is a key challenge for cattle producers, and breeding to perpetuate resource-efficient traits in a far shorter timespan than traditional methods improves producer profitability and sustainability," Kocher continued. "Our goal at the new Vytelle is to close the feedback loop between genotype and phenotype, helping beef and dairy producers fast-forward generational advances by matching genetic traits to optimal outcomes for our customers and the environment. Developing new capabilities to make this a reality is the major focus of our R&D program."

Vytelle is part of the Wheatsheaf Group, an international investor in food and agriculture focused on creating efficiencies in the production and distribution of food, developing innovative business models and technologies to deliver affordable, nutritious and safe food that sustains both human health and the health of the planet.

About Vytelle IVF

Vytelle IVF provides revolutionary reproductive technology to beef and dairy producers throughout North and South America, with expansions underway in the United Kingdom, Australia, and China. Vytelle is committed to advancing genetics, life and business for commercial beef and dairy producers around the world.

About GrowSafe

GrowSafe Systems Ltd. builds advanced animal agriculture systems to help producers optimize their operations. GrowSafe's advanced data acquisition platform features integrated hardware and software analytics that provide producers with data to make better decisions for their operations. Today, GrowSafe is helping to raise more efficient, environmentally friendly and healthier animals in 16 countries across the world.