Simmental
& SimGenetics Cattle
Data Driven.
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Announcements
Series of Updates to the Genetic Evaluation –
Docility EPD Next Call for Docility Phenotypes
International Genetic Solutions (IGS) has been making planned updates to the genetic evaluation over the past two years. These updates are being completed in a series and applied to each trait complex one at a time. The Docility EPD is next to be updated, and is expected to be released in early spring 2026. Updates to several of the evaluations have already been completed, including carcass weight/ribeye area and growth, followed by calving ease in late 2025. Following docility, the update series will be completed with backfat/marbling and then stayability.
Careers at ASA
ASA Customer Services Representative – FrontLine
The ASA, headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, is seeking a full-time staff member to join an established FrontLine Services team. This position plays a key role in supporting ASA members and cattle producers by serving as the primary point of contact for member inquiries. Apply
Recorded at Fall Focus 2025: Fetal Programming: Implications of Increased Cow Size by Dr. Allison Meyer.
Dr. Allison Meyer, University of Missouri, explains how cow herd management, particularly nutrition and body condition, determines a calf’s genetic potential. Learn how managing the cow from conception to calving pays off in the end.
Insights into the IGS Calving Ease Update
Why Updates Happen
Genetic evaluations evolve because science evolves. Just like your phone or computer receives software upgrades, our tools improve as new data and better methodology become available.
Past approaches weren’t wrong—today’s tools are simply more effective.
Routine updates like this are standard across breed associations and the beef industry. Every major genetic evaluation employs comparable updates as part of their ongoing efforts to remain competitive and ensure the highest degree of accuracy. Our goal with updates is always the same: To improve the predictive power of International Genetic Solutions (IGS) EPD.
New Herdsire DNA Testing Requirement
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.
Attention:
Hydrops Information Center
National PTP Show(s)
2026 National Western
Visit our ASA PTP Facebook Page for Updates
Junior and Open Simmental Show Results
Link: RESULTS
PTP Pen Bull Show and P&G Pen Bull Show: January 17 - RESULTS
2026 Cattlemen's Congress
Junior PTP Show: January 12 (Judge: Matt Claeys, IN)
Open PTP Show: January 12-13 (Judge: Matt Copeland, NM)
SIMGENETICS NEWS DESK
THE Spring Enrollment Update: Don’t Miss the Final Deadline
The December 15 Total Herd Enrollment (THE) early enrollment deadline has passed, but there is still time to enroll...
A Closer Look at the CE Updates for the Simmental Breed
Update December 20, 2025
by Dr. Elizabeth Dressler, ASA Lead Geneticist
What changed in the calving...
Insights into the IGS Calving Ease Update
by Jon DeClerck, PhD, ASA EVP
Continue reading
Mature Weight and Cow Energy Requirement EPD Released in Research Format
Expected progeny differences (EPD) for mature weight (MW) and cow energy requirement (CER) have been released by th...
Careers at ASA
Open Positions:
Continue reading
Updates to 2026 Sire Source
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.
CATTLE SALES AND INDUSTRY EVENTS
Upcoming Sales
Explore the 2025 Sire Source
