Neogen : Dr. Rich Tait joins Neogen GeneSeek product development team

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 12, 2017 - Dr. Rich (J. R.) Tait, Jr., has joined the product development team at Neogen GeneSeek Operations, where he will work on new and enhanced genomic testing services.

Dr. Tait joins Neogen after 10 years of post-doctoral scientific research in animal genetics, most recently as statistician and research geneticist in genetics, breeding, and animal-health research at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb. Prior to his work with the USDA, Tait was an extension program coordinator and associate scientist for animal breeding and genetics at Iowa State University. Tait has written and presented extensively on a variety of animal genetics topics.

'We are very pleased to add Dr. Tait's comprehensive experience and expertise to our product development efforts,' said Dr. Stewart Bauck, Neogen's vice president of agrigenomics. 'His role will be to coordinate resource populations, phenotypes and genotypes, and guide development of new bioinformatic tools. He will work with the research community and livestock organizations to develop new products and services that advance the use of genomic tools for improved food production in the U.S. and globally. We are indeed delighted to have Dr. Tait join us to lead the development of these important tools and bring his knowledge and experience to the GeneSeek organization.

'We anticipate continued growth in the diversity and value of genomics in agricultural production, as we expand our tools and capability to better enable producers to take advantage of innovation,' Bauck added.

Neogen's GeneSeek operation in Lincoln is the largest animal genomics laboratory in the world. The company recently expanded its laboratory facilities in Ayr, Scotland, to create a second GeneSeek laboratory to better serve its European customers, and has acquired an animal genomics laboratory in Brazil for expansion in that region.

Neogen's worldwide genomics operations deliver innovative, affordable DNA testing for the discovery and commercial application of genomic advances that enhance the safety and abundance of life. DNA testing services are provided for food, animals, aquaculture, agronomy, forestry and horticulture, as well as supporting the research institutions and breeding organizations serving these industries.

Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. The company's Food Safety Division markets dehydrated culture media, and diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne bacteria, natural toxins, food allergens, drug residues, plant diseases and sanitation concerns. Neogen's Animal Safety Division is a leader in the development of animal genomics, along with the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of animal healthcare products, including diagnostics, veterinary instruments, wound care and disinfectants.

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