May 2021
SIMMENTAL AND BISON GENOMES RELEASED
Bozeman, MT — The first reference-quality genome assemblies for the iconic North American Yellowstone bison and the Simmental cattle breed have been published in the Journal of Heredity. Animal genome assemblies provide genetic “blueprints” for how they develop and pass on information to their offspring.
The bison assembly will be used in conservation efforts to maintain genetic diversity, and to study bison evolution by comparing DNA obtained from fossil specimens sampled from permafrost in the Arctic Circle. The Simmental cattle assembly will contribute to an international effort to survey existing cattle breeds around the world to preserve their genetic diversity and identify variation useful for improving beef and dairy traits in different environments. The two genomes are released together because of the unusual way they were created: a single individual hybrid animal from a bison bull and a Simmental cow. Each cell of the hybrid animal contained one copy of the bison and one copy of the Simmental cattle genome.
October 9, 2020
The American Simmental Association (ASA) has designated the newly formed Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, OK as the 2020-2021 National Simmental Show
The ASA Board of Trustees met October 5th to discuss alternative plans due to the postponement of the 2021 National Western Stock Show. The Board voted to recognize the Cattlemen’s Congress, held January 2-17 as the National Simmental Show for the 2020-2021 Show Season. The Congress will serve as a Major PTP Ring of Champions points show as well. This event will showcase some of the greatest show cattle in the Simmental breed vying for the annual championships.
April 16, 2020
IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN?
The current climate breeds concern, fear, and uncertainty. But it also provides greater time and appreciation for our faith, our families, and our farms. Those are of much greater importance and will ultimately be the positives that move us forward to take advantage of new approaches and innovative ideas that make us and our businesses stronger!
April 10, 2020
November 27, 2019
November 19, 2019
Photo: Randie Culbertson.jpg
June 18, 2019
IGS Feeder Profit Calculator ™ Highlights Profit, Reduces Risk
International Genetic Solutions offers free, third-party validation on feeder calves.
Bozeman, MT — When profit-focused genetics combine with superior calf management, the producer has done the hard work. Still, that leaves little guarantee on sale day. The IGS Feeder Profit CalculatorTM seeks to minimize such risk.
Using the IGS Feeder Profit Calculator, cattlemen are able to provide sire information, regardless of breed, as well as preconditioning, weaning and health data in exchange for a Total Relative Value that compares the profit potential of their calves to the industry at large. That value, indicated on a formal certificate, can be used for producer benchmarking and buyer insight.
Superior Livestock Representative Clint Berry says such technology is in line with what he sees for buyer demand.
“We sell cattle in all capacities, all formats, but the one thing we see continued pressure on is cattle that offer flexibility to the buyer, that gives the buyer a chance to have some value-added options,” Berry says. “If he can recapture from that purchase price, he can recapture a profit on his side. Whether those are export verification programs or cattle that simply grow and grade better in the feedyard on his side of the business.”
“Producers get paid to have better cattle. It’s common to see spreads of $20-$40 at market from additional information and value-added programs,” Berry says. At present, he adds, there’s no ceiling.
“As we move forward, the genetic key in that is becoming more and more prominent for producers who are wanting to sell at the top of the market,” he says. “Being able to verify those genetics and have a record of those genetics is the key difference.”
As a third-party validation tool, the IGS Feeder Profit CalculatorTM satisfies that need. Buyers who pay a premium on a set of calves will look to recoup those and add additional profit down the road at harvest.
June 6, 2019
IGS AND THE PURSUIT OF BETTER CATTLE
A global collaboration of major beef breed associations seeks to empower commercial cattlemen with genetic insight and more powerful tools for better breeding decisions.
Bozeman, MT — Data is driving change in nearly all sectors of agriculture, and the beef industry is no exception.
Modern-day ranching requires more information to produce better animals, and International Genetic Solutions is propelling the effort across multiple breeds. The aim is to provide more accurate selection tools that allow for head-to-head comparisons and maximum profitability — regardless of breed.
April 11, 2019
First-of-its-kind branded program promises to reshape beef-on-dairy opportunities.
The American Simmental Association (ASA) and Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) have announced the formation of the HOLSim™ branded program. The program identifies elite SimAngus™ bulls with specific production attributes as mating solutions for dairy producers who breed some of their herd to beef.
The program’s objective is threefold: to provide additional revenue to dairy producers through the production of value-added terminal calves; to offer new marketing avenues for progressive beef seedstock operations; and to offer a consistent supply of high-quality calves better situated to capture market premiums.
“Holstein producers now have the opportunity to easily participate by simply selecting from the list of HOLSim bulls carried by their semen provider,” says Chip Kemp, ASA Director of Commercial and Industry Operations. “Through the International Genetic Solutions platform, we took a breed agnostic look at what type of beef bulls make the most sense to complement a Holstein female to add the most profitability to the terminal calf.”
Qualifying for the sire list is not easy, and bulls that do so represent an elite group of beef genetics. All bulls in the program will be required to include the HOLSim logo in all marketing and promotional material.
April 2, 2019
Simmental Project to Accelerate Carcass Selection
American Simmental Association launches large-scale carcass data effort.
Full story CXP logo Promo Video
February 22, 2019
ASA RING OF CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCED
Bozeman, MT — The American Simmental Association (ASA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2018-2019 Ring of Champions contest. The Ring of Champions program recognizes cattle that have been consistently successful at ASA’s major Progress Through Performance (PTP) shows, reflecting an industry reality where producers routinely balance between phenotypic evaluation and scientifically relevant EPDs and Indexes.
The PTP shows included in the Ring of Champions are: the American Royal, Kansas City, MO; North American International Livestock Exposition, Louisville KY; National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO; and Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth, TX.
February 1, 2019
ASA WELCOMES AEGERTER TO STAFF
Bozeman, MT — Darla Aegerter, Seward, Nebraska, has joined the American Simmental Association as the Youth Programs and ASF Foundation Manager. Aegerter’s main responsibilities are to coordinate the AJSA Regional and National Classics, other assigned youth events, work closely with the AJSA Board, and become immersed with the American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation as liaison with the Foundation Board and support their fundraising activities.
Aegerter has an extensive background in the purebred cattle business, including operating her own livestock photography business, managing livestock advertising sales, serving as the Nebraska State Fair Beef Superintendent, and assisting with special projects at the American Hereford Association and Hereford Youth Foundation.
January 25, 2019
NORTH CAROLINA CATTLEMAN ELECTED NATIONAL SIMMENTAL BOARD CHAIRMAN
Bozeman, MT — Gordon Hodges of Hamptonville, North Carolina, a member of the American Simmental Association (ASA) Board of Trustees Executive Committee, has been elected Chairman of the Board, succeeding Tim Smith of Giddings, TX. Hodges has served on the ASA Board of Trustees twice, elected in 1990 and 2014.
Hodges, who served on the ASA Board of Trustees for the first time from 1990 to 1996, has been breeding Simmental cattle since 1970 and operates Pineview Farms. His SimAngusTM and Simmental seedstock herd of 60 cows has operated for the past five years in a management partnership with Bradley Gibbs. Hodges has also served as a Genetic and Marketing Manager for Gibbs Farms since 2006, a SimAngus & Simmental operation of 800 cows in Ranburne, AL.
January 25, 2019
MILLER NAMED ASA’S LIFETIME PROMOTER RECIPIENT
Bozeman, MT- Ron Miller been named the recipient of the American Simmental Association’s (ASA) 2019 Lifetime Promoter Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the development of the Simmental/Simbrah breeds. The Lifetime Promotor is one of the highest awards given by the ASA.
For more than five decades, Ron Miller has been an effective voice for the beef industry, including Simmental. Growing up on a farm/ranch at Cambridge, Nebraska, his work with beef cattle began at a very early age. Immediately after high school in the 1960s, he established his own fitting and showing enterprise, exhibiting his own cattle along with those of his clients.
Janurary 25, 2019
BRUNE NAMED AS ASA 2019 GOLDEN BOOK RECIPIENT
Bozeman, MT- J.W. Brune been named the recipient of the 2019 Golden Book Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the development of the Simmental/Simbrah breeds. The Golden Book is given on behalf of the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF) and is the most prestigious award given by the American Simmental Association.
Brune and his wife, Carol Lyon Brune, DVM, are the owners and managers of White Star Cattle Company. They maintain both a spring and fall-calving herd consisting of purebred to percentage cattle marketed by a variety of means, including private treaty, bull test sales, and breeder group sales. A member of both the Missouri and Kansas Simmental Associations, Brune is also active in numerous other livestock organizations. A veteran of the US Army, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
January 25, 2019
LASSLE RE-ELECTED TO AMERICAN SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bozeman, MT — Clay Lassle of Glendive, Montana has been re-elected to the American Simmental Association (ASA) Board of Trustees and will continue to represent the Western region.
Lassle’s affiliation with Simmental cattle dates back to 1974 when the Lassle Ranch introduced the breed through AI. This past year, Clay’s daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Ryan, and their two daughters came back the ranch full-time. Clay’s wife, Marianne, keeps the books and “keeps everything running,” and their other two children, Stephanie and Travis, help as time allows. Their herd of 300 cows ranges from purebred Simmental to SimAngusTM. Genetics are sold through an annual bull sale, and held the second Thursday in February, while select females and replacement heifers are sold through various outlets.
January 25, 2019
CURRAN RE-ELECTED TO AMERICAN SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bozeman, MT — Tim Curran, Ione, California has been re-elected to the American Simmental Association (ASA) Board of Trustees and will continue to represent the Western region.
Tim Curran and his wife, Jill, maintain Circle Ranch, a herd of primarily SimAngus™ females in the foothills of California’s rugged, majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. Cattle winter at lower elevations, but summer above 5,000 feet. His cow herd is comprised of 80% seedstock while 20% are commercial females. Genetics are marketed through the Beef Solutions Bull Sale, held annually on the fourth Thursday of September in conjunction with an area Angus breeder, Bruin Ranch. Curran sells 100 SimAngusTM bulls through the sale and another 60 SimAngus bulls by private treaty.
January 25, 2019
BRUNE ELECTED TO AMERICAN SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bozeman, MT — J.W. Brune, of Overbrook, Kansas, has been elected to the American Simmental Association (ASA) Board of Trustees and will represent the North Central region.
Brune and his wife, Carol Lyon Brune, DVM, are the owners and managers of White Star Cattle Company. They maintain both a spring and fall-calving herd consisting of purebred to percentage cattle marketed by a variety of means, including private treaty, bull test sales, and breeder group sales. A member of both the Missouri and Kansas Simmental Associations, Brune is also active in numerous other livestock organizations. A veteran of the US Army, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
January 25, 2019
WALTHALL ELECTED TO AMERICAN SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bozeman, MT — Greg Walthall, of Windsor, Missouri has been elected to the American Simmental Association (ASA) Board of Trustees and will represent the South Central region.
The owner/operator of WW Cattle Company, Greg Walthall, has been active in the Simmental business for a total of 47 years. The WW cow herd currently consists of 50 head of purebred Simmental and SimAngus™ females. Through the utilization of in-vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, and artificial insemination, his focus is primarily on producing and developing low-input, forage-utilizing females. Cattle are marketed through a variety of methods, including consignment sales, online, and by private treaty.
