SMART Reproduction is proud to share a major milestone for our company and for the broader livestock export industry: our CEO, Brittany Scott, has been elected Secretary of the Board of Directors of the
Livestock Exporters Association (LEA).
This appointment matters for more than one reason. Brittany’s election reflects the growing importance of
germplasm export,
sheep and goat genetics, and specialized reproductive services in global agriculture. It also marks a historic first. SMART Reproduction is the first company focused exclusively on germplasm and small ruminants to serve on the LEA Board.
That is a meaningful shift for an organization that has traditionally represented larger live-animal export sectors. It signals that the future of livestock trade includes more
bio-secure, efficient, and scalable solutions like frozen semen and embryos, supported by technologies such as
artificial insemination and
embryo transfer.
It is also a historic milestone for small ruminant genetics and for
women in ag. Brittany’s leadership reflects how specialized expertise in sheep and goat reproduction is helping reshape the conversation around global export, innovation, and access.
A New Chapter for LEA and for Small Ruminant Export
For decades, the Livestock Exporters Association has served as an important voice for U.S. exporters working with international markets. LEA works closely with agencies such as
USDA-APHIS and
USDA-FAS to support trade, improve communication, and strengthen export opportunities for American livestock and genetics companies.
L-R: Dr. Brad Lindsey (LEA member;
Trinity Biosciences), Bob Bishop (Executive Director of LEA), Daniel B. Whitley (Administrator of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service), Brittany Scott (Secretary of LEA;
SMART Reproduction), and Lauren McCartney (President of the LEA Board;
McCartney Inc.) meet with USDA-FAS in Washington DC.
Brittany’s election to Secretary brings a valuable new perspective to that mission. SMART Reproduction’s work has centered on small ruminants, frozen genetics, and reproductive technologies that help producers expand access to elite U.S. bloodlines without the added risk and complexity of moving live animals.
For the
Boer goat,
dairy goat, and
sheep sectors, this kind of representation matters. These industries play a direct role in global food production, household income, and agricultural resilience in many parts of the world. Having small ruminant genetics represented at the LEA board level helps make sure those industries have a stronger voice in trade discussions moving forward.
Why Frozen Genetics Matter for Global Food Security
The global livestock industry is changing. More producers, governments, and development programs are looking for practical ways to improve herd quality while protecting animal health and managing logistics more efficiently. That is where frozen genetics come in.
Germplasm export offers several clear advantages:
- Bio-secure trade: Frozen semen and embryos reduce the disease risk associated with live-animal movement.
- Better animal welfare: Genetics can be shipped without the stress of long-distance transport on live animals.
- Scalable impact: Through artificial insemination and embryo transfer, one elite sire or donor can influence herds across multiple countries.
- Stronger food systems: Better genetics can support improved milk, meat, and adaptation traits in developing livestock populations.
At SMART Reproduction, these tools are not theoretical. They are part of the real-world work we do every day. From supporting
dairy goat development projects to improving meat production through
Boer goat genetics, our team helps clients build stronger breeding programs with long-term goals in mind. Our expertise in
artificial insemination and
embryo transfer is helping revolutionize the
Boer goat,
dairy goat, and
sheep industries by making elite genetics more accessible, more efficient to scale, and better aligned with long-term production goals.
Legacy of Global Innovation
SMART Reproduction’s growth has been driven by a simple idea: specialized reproductive science can help solve real agricultural challenges.
From our USDA-APHIS-approved research and training center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we have supported projects in more than 25 countries across six continents. Our work has connected elite American genetics with clients needing practical solutions for breeding improvement, food production, and herd sustainability.
That legacy of global innovation includes work in live animal export, frozen semen, and embryo programs. It also includes technical support for clients navigating quarantine, compliance, shipping, and implementation on the ground.
Brittany Scott’s election to the LEA Board reflects that broader story. It is not just recognition of one leader. It is recognition of the role specialized reproductive export services now play in the global livestock economy.
Expansion of Specialized Reproductive Services
As global demand grows, SMART Reproduction continues expanding the services we offer to clients in the U.S. and abroad.
Our work includes:
- Semen collection and cryopreservation
- Embryo collection and embryo transfer
- Artificial insemination
- Laparoscopic AI
- IVF and LOPU services
- Laboratory setup and consulting
- Reproduction training for domestic and international teams
- Full support for live animal and genetic export projects
These services are designed to meet clients where they are, whether they are building a national breeding initiative, sourcing elite
sheep or goat genetics, or creating a reproductive lab from the ground up.
That hands-on, goal-driven approach is part of what makes SMART Reproduction different. We do not just move genetics. We help build systems that make those genetics usable and valuable over the long term.
The 2026-2027 LEA Board of Directors
The 2026-2027 LEA Board of Directors includes a strong group of leaders from across the livestock export industry:
- Lauren McCartney (McCartney Inc.) – President
Lauren McCartney brings extensive leadership experience in international livestock trade and has been a strong advocate for expanding U.S. export opportunities.
- Dr. Gerardo Quaassdorff (TK Agritech) – Vice President
Dr. Gerardo Quaassdorff contributes technical expertise and a global perspective shaped by his work in agricultural innovation and international livestock systems.
- Jacob Cluver (Ag World International, Inc.) – Treasurer
Jacob Cluver offers deep industry knowledge and practical experience in export operations, helping strengthen the board’s financial and strategic oversight.
- Brittany Scott (SMART Reproduction) – Secretary
Brittany Scott is CEO of SMART Reproduction and a recognized leader in small ruminant genetics, germplasm export, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer. Her appointment is historic as the first board seat held by a company specializing exclusively in germplasm and small ruminants.
- David Lentz (PA Holstein Association) – Board Member
David Lentz brings valuable dairy industry insight and longstanding experience supporting genetics and export advancement.
- Rene Strickland (Strickland Exports) – Board Member
Rene Strickland contributes decades of practical experience in livestock export and international market development.
- David Stamey (Stamey Cattle Co.) – Board Member
David Stamey offers a strong background in cattle export and trade relationships that support U.S. livestock competitiveness abroad.
- Todd Davis (Davis Livestock, Inc.) – Board Member
Todd Davis adds operational and industry expertise shaped by years of work in livestock marketing and export.
- Robert Bishop – Executive Director
Robert Bishop continues to provide executive leadership and guidance for LEA’s mission and member engagement.
Together, this board reflects both the legacy and the evolving future of U.S. livestock export.
L-R: Brittany Scott (Secretary of the LEA;
SMART Reproduction), Bob Bishop (Executive Director of the LEA), Renee Strickland (Board member of LEA;
Strickland Exports) and Tony Clayton (Past President and board member of the LEA;
Clayton Agri-marketing) meet with USDA-APHIS and USDA-FAS in Washington DC.
About LEA
The
Livestock Exporters Association was founded in 1983 to represent and support U.S. livestock exporters. LEA works to promote trade, improve market access, and serve as a liaison between exporters and federal agencies including USDA-APHIS and USDA-FAS.
Its membership has historically included leaders in cattle, swine, and horse export. As the industry evolves, LEA continues to broaden its representation to include specialized sectors that are increasingly important to international agriculture, including germplasm and small ruminant genetics.
About SMART Reproduction
SMART Reproduction specializes in elite American sheep and goat genetics for domestic and international clients. Our services include animal sourcing, collection, freezing, live animal export, frozen semen and embryo export, reproductive training, lab setup, and consulting.
We support clients ranging from breeders and commercial farms to research institutions and governments. Whether the goal is improving a
Boer goat herd, launching a
dairy goat initiative, or scaling a national
sheep breeding program, our team provides practical, science-based support from project planning to delivery.
We are proud to help shape a more efficient and bio-secure future for livestock trade.
Looking Ahead
Brittany Scott’s election as Secretary of the LEA Board is an exciting step for SMART Reproduction, but it is also a sign of where the industry is headed.
The future of livestock export will depend on collaboration, innovation, and practical tools that improve access while protecting animal health. Germplasm,
artificial insemination, and
embryo transfer will continue to play a growing role in that future, especially for
sheep,
Boer goat, and
dairy goat programs worldwide.
For SMART Reproduction, this moment reinforces our commitment to helping clients build stronger herds, stronger systems, and stronger agricultural outcomes around the world.
Summary & Takeaways
- Major Leadership Milestone: Brittany Scott has been elected Secretary of the LEA Board of Directors.
- Historic Industry First: SMART Reproduction is the first company focused exclusively on germplasm and small ruminants to serve on the LEA board.
- Global Relevance: Frozen genetics support more bio-secure and scalable livestock export systems tied to global food security.
- Specialized Expertise: SMART Reproduction continues expanding services in artificial insemination, embryo transfer, training, and international reproductive project support.
- Women in Ag Leadership: This milestone also highlights the growing impact of women in ag in livestock export, reproductive technology, and agricultural leadership.
- Industry Innovation: Our work in artificial insemination and embryo transfer is helping transform the Boer goat, dairy goat, and sheep industries through smarter genetic export solutions.
Ready to Go Global?
Whether you are looking to improve your local herd or expand your reach into international markets, SMART Reproduction is here to guide you.
Join us as we continue advancing sheep and goat genetics through smarter, more bio-secure global trade.
