Spring ASA Board Meeting Highlights

The American Simmental Association (ASA) Board of Trustees met April 20–23 in Bozeman, Montana, for a productive spring board meeting. Continue reading for some of the key highlights. If you have any questions about the meeting, contact a Trustee from your region.

Activities & Events

The ASA Board of Trustees approved enhancements to the Progress Through Performance (PTP) program, including GGP-100K testing for all champions and plans for increased staff support of national PTP shows. The addition of a Fullblood division at the American Royal was also approved, pending approval by American Royal show management.

Breed Improvement

A key outcome from the board meeting was a reduction in DNA testing costs, effective May 4, 2026. Pricing for the GGP-100K panel and several add-on tests will decrease, allowing ASA to pass laboratory savings on to membership. As part of this update, the GGP-uLD panel will be discontinued, streamlining genomic testing and ensuring consistency across evaluations.

The Board also reviewed ongoing progress within International Genetic Solutions (IGS), including updates to the docility, stayability, and backfat, and marbling evaluations, along with continued refinement of the $API and $TI indexes. 

Growth & Development

The Board reviewed updates to ASA’s marketing and outreach efforts, including expanded digital advertising opportunities and Herdbook tutorials available to members. Staff were also directed to explore additional ways to promote SimGenetics-influenced feeder cattle, helping strengthen demand and create added value for commercial and seedstock producers.

Policy & Procedures

Actions included approval of an updated DNA access policy, granting both the original sample owner and current animal owner access to genotype. Members can also expect a new registration certificate format designed to better display expanded EPD information.

Simbrah

The Board approved a Simbrah-focused October issue of the Register, with plans to build toward regular dedicated coverage.