Next in our series of Career Development Month Spotlights is Rachael Dale, our Beef Product Specialist. Rachael first joined Cogent as a student placement and returned full time after graduating in the Summer of 2023. She is now an integral member of the Beef Genetics Team.
Read more about her journey below.
From Placement Student to Product Specialist: Embracing Agricultural Innovation
Rachael Dale's journey to becoming a Beef Product Specialist at Cogent Breeding reflects her lifelong connection to agriculture and passion for genetic improvement. Growing up on an arable farm and spending summers working in grain laboratories since age 16, Rachael developed a strong foundation in agricultural operations before pursuing her BSc in Animal Health and Welfare at Harper Adams University.
It was during her university studies that Rachael discovered her interest in genetics. "I really enjoyed learning about Genetics at university and wanted to find a placement where I could work in the genetics industry," she explains. This interest led her to reach out to Cogent for her placement year, where she worked in the conventional laboratory team and on the intake units at the stud.
During her placement, Rachael found particular satisfaction in observing the development of young beef bulls through the quarantine unit, especially the British Blue and Aberdeen Angus bulls. This hands-on experience proved invaluable, as she notes that "CBL Non Stop and Kersey Rhinestone P were among some of my intake groups!"
After graduating in Summer 2023, Rachael joined Cogent full-time as a Beef Product Specialist in July 2023. Her role has already presented various challenges, including managing health results affecting bull intake and adapting to BTV-related complications, which have required careful forward planning of animal movements.
One of Rachael's early achievements was hosting a Satellite Herd Open Day at the stud. "It was good to spend time with the herds who are breeding our Aberdeen Angus and British Blue bulls," she reflects. This event showcased her ability to engage with stakeholders and share her enthusiasm for beef genetics.
Professional development has been a key focus in Rachael's early career at Cogent. She's already completed several valuable training opportunities, including a photography course that aids her in capturing progeny pictures, and a towing course. These practical skills complement her growing industry expertise.
When asked about Cogent's culture, Rachael emphasises the talent and collaborative spirit of her colleagues: "There are some great people working for Cogent across the departments. People driven by an enthusiasm for the agricultural sector and finding solutions for farmers." She particularly values being "part of a supportive team who make my role even more enjoyable."
Outside of work, Rachael maintains strong connections to her agricultural roots, enjoying time with her family's Pedigree Dexter and Pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle in Cambridgeshire. This personal involvement in cattle breeding adds another dimension to her professional expertise.
For those considering a career at Cogent, Rachael offers practical advice: "Make sure to do a job you enjoy and in a field you are passionate about," and "Get involved and ask lots of questions - there is more going on than you realise!"
Looking to the future, Rachael's enthusiasm is evident: "I am excited to see where I will be in 5 years time!" Her journey from placement student to Beef Product Specialist demonstrates how combining great opportunities, passion and practical experience can launch a promising career at Cogent.