by ASA Staff
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) held their 58th Annual Symposium in Boise, Idaho, June 1–4. ASA’s Dr. Jackie Atkins and Steve McGuire were recognized by BIF for their contributions to the organization, and the genetic progress of beef cattle.
Dr. Jackie Atkins — Continuing Service Award
Dr. Jackie Atkins, ASA Director of Science, has been deeply engaged with the Beef Improvement Federation, serving two terms on the BIF Board of Directors as a breed representative. She has consistently championed research and innovation, advancing the industry’s understanding of economically relevant traits and strengthening the tools available to producers. Just as importantly, she is committed to developing people, investing her time in mentoring others and fostering both personal and professional growth across the industry.
Through her leadership within International Genetic Solutions (IGS), Dr. Atkins has been a steady advocate for collaboration across breed lines, helping align diverse organizations around a shared mission of improving the accuracy and relevance of genetic predictions. In an industry where independent interests can often compete, she has worked to foster cooperation, recognizing that collective data and shared science create stronger outcomes for all.
Dr. Atkins has played an important role in facilitating communication among IGS partners, helping maintain alignment across a broad network of associations spanning multiple breeds and countries. Her ability to connect people, navigate differing perspectives, and reinforce the broader purpose of the work has been central to the continued growth of the IGS platform.
As Director of Science for the American Simmental Association, Dr. Atkins has also provided leadership across genetic evaluation, DNA programs, and research initiatives. During her tenure, ASA has continued to advance its genetic tools and strengthen its position as a leader in multi-breed evaluation.
Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions, working on BIF guidelines and participating in other behind-the-scenes activities. As BIF is a volunteer organization, it is this contribution of time and passion for the beef cattle industry that moves BIF forward.
Atkins, and incoming BIF President, Dr. Ken Odde.
Steve McGuire — Pioneer Award
In 1973, Steve McGuire was hired by Don Vaniman to computerize ASA’s growing data system. Still in school at Montana State University, McGuire worked part-time for two years until he graduated with a degree in engineering, and became a full-time employee. In 1975, McGuire was placed in charge of databasing, registrations, and computer systems. McGuire went on to have a 46-year career at ASA, where he was involved in every major technical advancement in the Association's genetic evaluation program, from its inception through the evolution of International Genetic Solutions.
Early in McGuire’s career, ASA was one of the first to begin using computers. Punch cards were flown to Boeing Aircraft weekly to process, which was a major undertaking for McGuire and the ASA staff. Under Earl Peterson’s leadership, the computer system was moved in-house. McGuire led these efforts, which positioned ASA as a leader in data management.
McGuire continued keeping ASA’s data management and genetic evaluation efforts at the forefront of the industry, leading a team and guiding critical decisions for decades. Before retiring, McGuire was at the helm of moving the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) evaluation to a pooled weekly analysis. With IGS partner breeds in the evaluation, this process involved developing a universal numbering system, and a portal to automatically upload data from each association every week.
The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle and honors those who have had a major role in acceptance of performance reporting and documentation as the primary means to make genetic change in beef cattle.
McGuire and BIF President, Gordon Hodges
