Simmental
& SimGenetics Cattle
Data Driven.
Member Focused.
Announcements
Happy Holidays
The ASA and ASA Publication offices will be closed on December 24-26.
Merry Christmas from the American Simmental Association
This Christmas season, we are grateful for the commitment, innovation, and stewardship shown by our members and partners across the beef industry. May your holidays be filled with peace, time with family, and hope for a strong year ahead.
ASA's Board Meeting & 58th Annual Meeeting
ASA's Annual Membership Meeting will be held January 10 at 6:00 PM CST at the Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City, One Park Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
If you can't join in person, join us online. Watch the ASA website homepage at simmental.org for the meeting link.
Following the Annual Meeting will be the Chairman's Reception at 7:30 PM CST.
All are welcome to attend.
ASA Board Meeting and Committee Meetings January 8-10
January 8, 2026
Simbrah Committee: 3:00 PM
Policy & Procedures Committee: 6:00 PM
Growth & Development Committee: 6:00 PM
January 9, 2026
Activities & Events Committee: 8:00 AM
Breed Improvement Committee Meeting: 8:00 AM
ASA Board Meeting: 11:00 AM
January 10, 2026
ASA Board Meeting resumes 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ASA 58th Annual Meeting: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Chairman's Reception: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Meeting links will be posted here.
Results of the ASA Board of Trustees Election Announced
The American Simmental Association is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Board of Trustees election. These individuals will begin their three-year terms following the 2026 Annual Meeting held in January.
Elected to the Eastern Region:
Dr. Brandi Karisch
Scott Trennepohl
Elected to the North Central Region:
Chris Effling
Chris Nicholson
Winning by acclamation:
South Central Region, Greg Burden
Western region, Quin LaFollette
Recorded at Fall Focus 2025: IGS New Trait Discussion
Newest Feature Video: "IGS Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation: New Trait Discussion" presented by Dr. Ryan Boldt
Listen to Dr. Ryan Boldt, IGS Lead Geneticist, as he provides an update on the IGS Genetic Evaluation, an overview of IGS new trait development, and concludes with a round-table discussion with Dr. Jackie Atkins and Dr. Jon DeClerck.
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.
Open Position:
Join IGS and Theta Solutions as a Genetic Data Scientist advancing innovation in livestock genetics worldwide. Help Power the World’s Largest Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluations. (Remote)
Theta Solutions and IGS seek a Genetic Data Scientist to develop and conduct livestock genetic evaluations worldwide. The role includes working across a diverse set of research and development priorities, implementing new and improved genetic models and methodologies, and supporting projects for both Theta Solutions and IGS clients. Multidisciplinary collaboration, multitasking, and stakeholder engagement will be essential.
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
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
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:
Join IGS and Theta Solutions as a Genetic Data Scientist advancing innovation in livestock gene...
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
