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Steer Profitability Competition

Due to increasing interest from adult producers, the Steer Profitability Competition (SPC) is now inviting beef producers of all ages to take part in the IGS SPC program. Commercial, seedstock, and juniors alike from across the industry are invited to experience the opportunities and challenges associated with cattle feeding. The SPC will allow participants to measure and compare the profitability of their animals alongside other calves from a variety of breed types and backgrounds.

In January 2025, the American Simmental Association membership voted to approve a resolution requiring a GGP-100K genomic panel on all herd bulls/natural service sires born on or after January 1, 2025.

While it will take time for this rule to impact the membership, it is imperative that seedstock providers begin planning. A genomic test has been required on all AI sires for some time; now, any natural service sire born on or after January 1, 2025, must meet the same DNA requirements (high density genomic panel) as AI sires and donor dams before any of their progeny can be registered. The following guidelines can help members, and those applying for registration, prepare for this change.

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The ASA Board of Trustees recently met and selected their nominees for the upcoming Trustee election. Physical nomination ballots will be sent and the online voting portal on Herdbook will open on September 9. The ASA Board of Trustees nominees are as follows:

Eastern Region (2 open seats)

Dr. Brandi Karisch, Starkville, Mississippi; running for 2nd term

Scott Trennepohl, Middletown, Indiana; running for 2nd term

South Central Region (1 open seat)

Greg Burden, Canton, Texas; running for 2nd term

North Central Region (2 open seats)

Matt Aggen, Harmony, Minnesota; running for 2nd term

Troy Marple, Westmoreland, Kansas; running for 2nd term

Western Region (1 open seat)

Quin LaFollette, Powell, Wyoming; running for 2nd term

If you agree with the board’s nominees, no further action is needed. Voting is only necessary if you wish to nominate someone other than the board nominee(s). Write-in nominations must be received by October 9 at 11:59 PM MDT.

If you have opted to vote electronically, a paper ballot will not be mailed; however, even if you receive a paper ballot, any active member can and is encouraged to vote electronically. To vote online, log in to your Herdbook account and access the voting portal in the “My Account” section. If you have any questions, please contact the ASA office at 406-587-4531.

The American Simmental Association has completed a pedigree correction for the bull W/C DOUBLE DOWN 5014E (ASA 3336150) following parent-verification DNA testing on his dam, W/C MISS WERNING 5014C (ASA 3211676), which resulted in a change to her recorded sire. This adjustment has altered W/C DOUBLE DOWN 5014E’s pedigree and breed composition, which in turn affects the breed composition and pedigree of his progeny. All impacted records were automatically updated in the ASA database immediately following his dam’s pedigree change. For questions regarding affected animals, please contact the ASA DNA Department at dna@simmgene.com, or 406-587-4531.

DNA results have been uploaded to Herdbook for all animals that had samples taken during the AJSA National Classic in Madison, WI. To view your animal’s results, visit herdbook.org, log into your account, and search for the animal(s) tested in the “animal search” function. The best way to review results is through the “DNA Detail Report.” If you have any questions, please contact the DNA Department at dna@simmgene.com.

The 2026 Sire Source is expanding its reach and offers a significant opportunity to showcase your bulls. For the first time, the print edition will be mailed to all SimTalk subscribers – over 40,000 ASA members, commercial producers, universities, and industry professionals. This is an increase from the previous 8,000-member reach.

This gives your bull exposure to a nationwide audience of cattle producers actively seeking new genetics. Listings are more than just a mention; they provide direct visibility to potential buyers.

Sign up now and your bull’s listing will:

• Be live on simmental.org for the rest of 2025
• Appear in the full-color 2026 print edition
• Remain accessible online in 2026

Advertising is open to all breeders whose bulls meet the Sire Source guidelines*, regardless of ASA membership.

Contact Nancy Chesterfield (nchesterfield@simmgene.com) or Rebecca Price (rprice@simmgene.com) to get started.

*Bulls must be registered with the ASA and have all required DNA testing completed to qualify as approved AI sires.

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The American Simmental Association (ASA) is proud to announce the hire of Elizabeth Dressler, filling the role of ASA Geneticist. Dressler recently completed her doctoral degree at Kansas State University in animal breeding and genetics. Much of Dressler’s research has been focused on capturing traits that are difficult to measure in beef cattle, including gas fluxes, feed intake, and water intake. She is well-versed in novel trait collection and quantitative genetics, bringing real-world experience in the beef industry to the role. 

Held in conjunction with the 7P Ranch 50th Annual Production Sale

WHEN: Friday afternoon, October 24, 2025 (exact time TBA)

WHERE: 7P Ranch Headquarters, 10678 FM 757, Winona, TX

WHAT: Experience the F1 Simbrah Summit – an educational event held in conjunction with 7P Ranch’s 50th Annual Production Sale. Learn from top industry experts and gain proven strategies to maximize longevity, profitability, and efficiency in your herd.

Highlights:

• Expert Lineup: Insights on genetics, nutrition, and cattle markets from leading industry voices.

• Profit Through Science: Proven strategies for increasing ROI through heterosis.

• Panel & Q&A: Get answers directly from industry pros.

• Dinner & Fellowship: Sponsored by Purina.

REGISTER