We're kicking off an exciting new blog series here at SMART Reproduction, and what better way to start than by sharing some big news? Our CEO, Brittany Scott, recently sat down with Sherri Sanders on the AgricultHER podcast to talk about everything from livestock genetics to building a global business right here in the heart of Arkansas.
If you've ever wondered how a small ruminant genetics company in the Delta of Arkansas ended up shipping sheep and goat genetics to countries around the world (and handling export logistics along the way), this episode is for you. Grab a coffee (or sweet tea, if you're local), and let's break down some of the highlights.
Meet the AgricultHER podcast
First things first: if you're not already familiar with the AgricultHER podcast, it's time to add it to your rotation. Hosted by Sherri Sanders, this show dives deep into the stories of people who are shaping the future of farming, ranching, and agricultural innovation.
Sherri has a gift for getting guests to open up about their journeys: the wins, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. Her interview style is conversational but insightful, making even complex topics like reproductive physiology accessible to anyone with an interest in agriculture—especially folks who care about women in ag.
And a quick (but important) shoutout: Sherri Sanders represents the White County University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, and their team does a ton of practical, boots-on-the-ground work for producers and rural communities. If you’re looking for research-backed resources, programming, and local support, take a minute to visit their site: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/counties/white/. You can also find the AgricultHER podcast page directly here: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/counties/white/agricultHER.aspx.
When the opportunity came up for Brittany to join the show, it was a perfect fit. After all, SMART Reproduction isn't your typical ag business, and the story behind how we got here is anything but ordinary.
Arkansas Roots: Why Jonesboro?
One of the first things Sherri asked about was our location. And honestly, it's a question we get a lot.
When people think about livestock genetics powerhouses, they might picture Texas, California, or maybe somewhere overseas. But here we are in Jonesboro, Arkansas: smack in the middle of what most folks know as row-crop country. Soybeans, rice, cotton… that's what the Arkansas Delta is famous for.
So why set up a sheep and goat genetics operation here?
Turns out, our location is actually a strategic advantage. Jonesboro sits just about an hour from Memphis, Tennessee: home to one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. When you're in the business of export logistics for livestock germplasm (that's semen and embryos, for those new to the lingo), being close to a major international hub is everything.
Think about it: we can collect genetics from elite animals, process them at our facility, and have them on a plane to Europe, Africa, or South America within hours. That kind of turnaround time matters when you're dealing with biological materials that need to stay frozen and viable.
Memphis gives us a direct line to the global market without the hassle of being in a major metropolitan area. It's the best of both worlds: rural roots with international reach.
What We Actually Do (The Quick Version)
For anyone tuning in who's new to SMART Reproduction, here's the rundown of our core services:
Importing and Exporting Livestock Germplasm
This is our bread and butter. We specialize in moving sheep and goat genetics (semen and embryos) across borders: both bringing elite genetics into the U.S. and sending American genetics out to breeders worldwide—whether that’s a Boer goat program, a dairy goat herd, or a high-performing sheep flock.
The export process is… let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. There's paperwork, health testing, quarantine protocols, and a whole lot of coordination with USDA and international veterinary authorities. We've built systems to handle all of that so breeders can focus on what they do best: raising great animals.
Fun fact that Brittany mentioned in the podcast: we completed the first-ever shipment of small ruminant germplasm from the USA to Italy, Ireland and Africa this year. That's the kind of milestones that reminds us why we do what we do.
Reproductive Training Programs
We're big believers in education. That's why we offer hands-on training in artificial insemination (AI), semen collection, and embryo transfer (ET) for sheep and goats—skills that can level up everything from a hair sheep operation to a dairy goat breeding program.
These aren't just classroom sessions. Participants get real, practical experience working with animals and learning techniques they can take back to their own operations. Whether you're a veterinarian looking to expand your services or a breeder wanting more control over your genetics program, our training courses are designed to give you the skills you need.
Government Research & Development
Here's something not everyone knows about us: we work on R&D projects with government agencies focused on improving small ruminant production in developing countries.
Brittany's work with programs like KISAN II: a major USAID initiative in Nepal: has helped improve meat and milk production for smallholder farmers who depend on goats and sheep for their livelihoods. It's meaningful work that goes way beyond just running a business.
Going Global from the Delta of Arkansas
One of the most compelling parts of the podcast conversation was hearing Brittany talk about the global side of the business—and how agricultHER conversations like this help spotlight women in ag who are building real momentum.
When you think about it, genetics is one of the most portable agricultural products out there. A single straw of semen or a frozen embryo can carry decades of selective breeding progress to a farm halfway around the world. That's powerful stuff.
SMART Reproduction has shipped genetics to clients across multiple continents. We've worked with commercial operations, government programs, and individual breeders who are looking to improve their herds with American genetics.
And it goes both ways. Sometimes breeders here in the States want access to genetics from overseas: specific bloodlines or traits that aren't readily available domestically. We can help with that too.
The key to all of this? Relationships. Building trust with breeders, understanding their goals, and navigating the (sometimes frustrating) regulatory landscape together. That's what turns a one-time transaction into a long-term partnership.
Why This Podcast Matters
Look, we could tell you all day long about what we do and why we think it matters. But there's something different about hearing it straight from Brittany in a real conversation.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- The story of how SMART Reproduction got started
- Why the Arkansas Delta turned out to be the perfect home base
- What it actually takes to export livestock genetics internationally
- How reproductive training can transform a breeding operation
- The bigger picture of how genetics can impact food security globally
Whether you're a seasoned breeder, a veterinary professional, or just someone curious about the agriculture industry, there's something in this conversation for you.
Watch the Full Episode
Ready to dive in? You can watch the full interview right here:
Watch: Brittany Scott on the AgricultHER podcast
Trust us: it's worth the time. And if you enjoy it, make sure to subscribe to the AgricultHER podcast for more great conversations with folks who are doing interesting things in the ag space.
What's Next in This Series
This is just the first post in our podcast series. Brittany has been featured on several other shows recently, and we'll be breaking down each episode right here on the blog.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights, practical takeaways, and stories from the world of livestock genetics. If you want to make sure you don't miss anything, bookmark our blog or follow us on social media.
Key Takeaways
- Location matters: Being near the Memphis international airport gives SMART Reproduction a strategic edge for global exports of sheep and goat genetics.
- We're more than a genetics company: From reproductive training to government R&D projects that help create technologies to support our clients, our work touches multiple areas of the livestock industry.
- Genetics is global: Elite American genetics are in demand worldwide, and we've built the infrastructure to deliver them safely and efficiently.
- Education empowers breeders: Our AI, collection, and ET training and consultation programs help in USA and international producers take control of their own genetics programs.
Want to learn more and take the next step?
Quick links (catalog + partnerships + international):
View Our Catalog: https://smartrepro.com/catalog/
Partnership Opportunities: https://smartrepro.com/partners-application-form/
International Client Interest Form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/7151fcf9ab457839f025e2a6ecb129fd?r=use1
USA (Domestic) Interest Form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/0476010f947d9bea6ba26da126109709?r=use1
Whether you’re looking to source elite sheep and goat genetics or want to collaborate on a bigger export or training project, we’d love to connect.
And don't forget to check out the podcast episode: Brittany's passion for this industry really comes through, and we think you'll enjoy the conversation.
Summary takeaway: Whether you’re focused on export, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, a Boer goat or dairy goat program, or improving your sheep genetics, conversations like this spotlight what’s possible—and why women in ag (and platforms like AgricultHER) matter.