AgroChem USA, a leader in agricultural hygiene solutions, is excited to announce the addition of Rick Watters as Senior Animal Health Advisor.
With decades of experience in dairy herd health, milk quality, and advanced milking systems, Dr. Watters expertise will enable AgroChem to better support customers in improving herd well-being, milk quality, and farm efficiency.
Rick brings a wealth of knowledge in animal health and dairy science. A Wisconsin native, he discovered his passion for dairy farming at a young age while working on his uncles’ dairy farm. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Dairy Science and Agronomy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition from UW-Madison. In 2011, Rick attained a PhD in Animal Science from Cornell University, where his research focused on the impact of milking routines on oxytocin profiles and milking center performance.
Following his PhD, Rick worked as a milk quality and udder health specialist for a prominent milking equipment manufacturer. For the past 12 years, he served as the Director of a regional milk quality laboratory and as a Senior Extension Associate in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Rick’s career has centered on:
Rick’s contributions extend beyond the field. He has published research articles, delivered international lectures, and taught courses on milking equipment testing, automated systems, mastitis management, and overall milking efficiency.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rick to the AgroChem team,” said Todd Raymond, National Sales Manager for AgroChem “His extensive expertise and passion for milk quality and herd health will allow us to provide even more actionable solutions to our customers and help them achieve better milk quality and overall animal well-being.”
Rick currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Mastitis Council (NMC) and is an active member of the New York State Association for Food Protection, where he contributes to the Farm Methods Committee.
When he’s not supporting dairy producers, Rick enjoys camping, hunting, ice fishing, volunteering as a firefighter, and spending time outdoors with his dog, Hayes, near Letchworth State Park in Western New York.
About AgroChem USA
AgroChem USA is a leading innovator in agricultural hygiene and biosecurity solutions, committed to advancing food safety and supporting sustainable farming practices. Headquartered in Saratoga Springs, NY AgroChem USA specializes in the development and distribution of premium teat dips, cleaning, sanitizing, and specialty products designed to meet the needs of the dairy, pig and poultry, and livestock industries.
With a focus on science-based innovation and a customer-centric approach, AgroChem USA collaborates closely with farmers, veterinarians, and industry professionals to address challenges in biosecurity and hygiene. As a proud part of Kersia, a global leader in biosecurity and food safety solutions, AgroChem USA aligns its mission with the vision of ensuring a safer and healthier world "from farm to fork."
By leveraging decades of expertise and cutting-edge technology, AgroChem USA empowers agricultural communities to maintain productivity, reduce risk, and deliver safe, high-quality food to consumers worldwide.
For more information or to connect with Dr. Rick Watters for technical support and consultation contact us at [email protected] or (518) 226-4850.
A recent study conducted by Cramer Lab (Gerard Cramer, Elise Shepley, Sair Ordaz) in conjunction with Dörte Döpfer and Kelly Anklam at the University of Minnesota has shown that Healmax, a footbath additive for the dairy industry, is just as effective as copper sulfate in preventing and treating foot infections in cows.
Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most commonly occurring type of hoof lesion on dairy farms, with a presence on 70‐90% of confined dairy farms (Cramer et al. 2018) and an average herd prevalence on these affected farms of between 5‐30% (Ariza et al. 2017). Digital dermatitis is also highly consequential for a farm, leading to decreases in milk production, reproductive success, and cow comfort and welfare, in addition to increases in the risk of culling and costs associated with direct treatment (Palmer and O’Connell 2015). Digital dermatitis can vary in severity, with more severe and chronic lesion types also being painful to the animal.
The study compared the effectiveness of Healmax and a strong copper sulfate solution in treating digital dermatitis, a common foot infection in cows. The results showed that both treatments were equally effective in reducing the severity of the infection and promoting healing.
While copper sulfate and formaldehyde have long been the go-to treatment for foot infections in the dairy industry, these chemicals come with environmental and human health concerns. Usage of copper sulfate footbaths to control hoof infections leads to buildup in soil. Copper sulfate does not readily dissipate in soil as it has the highest binding properties of all minerals.
Excess copper accumulation has been proven to cause interveinal chlorosis in corn, as a result of excess copper tying up available iron, creating a nutrient deficiency.
OSHA calls formaldehyde “a cancer hazard.” The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) calls formaldehyde “a known animal carcinogen” and “suspected mutagen.” As a result, some communities in the U.S. are now calling for restrictions on the use of formaldehyde on farms.
Healmax is an environmentally friendly, safe alternative. It is biodegradable and does not corrode nearby steel and concrete components unlike other foot bath additives. It provides an economic means of safely managing hoof problems without heavy metals, harsh acids or formaldehyde. Healmax contains a unique blend of germicides that remain effective in either hot or cold weather.
“Healmax has been on the market for several years, and dairy operations throughout the country have sung its praises as a safer and more environmentally conscious alternative” …said Rob DeMarco, President of AgroChem USA. “The results of this study further cement Healmax as an indispensable tool in the fight against hoof disease, with the science to back it up.”