Sophie Kyllonen Joins ProTECH Team at SSMC
After completing an internship with Select Sires Member Cooperative (SSMC), Sophie Kyllonen joins SSMC full-time as part of the ProTECH team in Southeast Minnesota. As a Professional A.I. Relief Technician, she will continue to implement what she learned as a 2026 Summer A.I. Intern. Sophie will provide coverage for the area technician group while managing customer routes and maintaining regular contact with producers. On these routes, she will be responsible for sales, A.I., products, and services that meet the needs of SSMC member-owners and customers.
Sophie discovered her passion for the dairy industry through her grandparents’ third-generation 90-head Jersey-Holstein cross dairy in Sleepy Eye, Minn. In high school, she became actively involved in agriculture through FFA while exhibiting dairy cattle. She worked for several family dairies in the Brown County area and was named a Brown County Dairy Princess.
Sophie recently graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) and developed a strong interest in bovine reproduction while earning her Artificial Insemination Certificate through SDSU Extension’s A.I. School in 2025. She also shadowed SSMC technicians in the Brookings area before joining SSMC as an intern this summer.
“Without a doubt, I’m looking forward to working with the cows, but what excites me most is building lasting relationships with farmers,” shared Sophie. She enjoys learning people’s stories, their passions, what motivates them, and the challenges they face. Sophie stated, “Being able to support them and make a positive impact on their operations is what makes this work so fulfilling to me.”
Anne Shoemaker, District Sales Manager at SSMC, mentioned, “Sophie's enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to learn make her a valuable addition to our team.” Sophie will be working with Anne in Southeast Minnesota.
Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing pickleball, drawing cattle, reading a good book, and continually looking for opportunities to learn and grow in agriculture.
By investing in the professional growth of its team and fostering a culture of excellence, Select Sires Member Cooperative (SSMC) provides member-owners with the industry-leading genetics, practical expertise, and people-focused service needed to strengthen their operations and achieve their goals. As a true cooperative, SSMC is committed to empowering producers, enhancing herds, and building stronger communities through collaboration, innovation, and long-term relationships. To learn more, visit ssmcoop.com.
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