Dr. Heins received his M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He worked with seven dairy farms (organic and conventional) in California that were crossbreeding, and followed the progress of cows, measuring their performance, health, and longevity. Currently, Dr. Heins conducts his research at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC). The Center has a 100-head herd in a certified organic system, and a 130-head herd in a conventional grazing system. Besides Holsteins, WCROC has been crossbreeding cattle with Jersey, Swedish Red, Norwegian Red, Montbeliarde, Normande, and New Zealand Friesian. He also serves on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force.