by Dr. Jon DeClerck, Executive Vice President

As I prepare to step into the role of Executive Vice President of the American Simmental Association (ASA) on July 1, I’m filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of purpose.

• From the Headquarters
• Jon Declerck, PhD

Troy Marple, North Central Region

What a start to a great 2025. As we approach the halfway point of the year we are experiencing record highs in nearly every sector of the cattle industry. 

• Trustee Viewpoint

by Lilly Platts

The World Simmental-Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF) Golden Book Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the development of the Simmental/Simbrah breeds. Two longtime Simmental breeders have received the Association’s highest honor.

• Golden Book Awards

Started in 2019, the Lifetime Promoter Award recognizes those who make significant contributions to the Simmental breed. Recipients of this distinguished award are selected based on major contributions to the promotion and advancement of SimGenetics and the American Simmental Association.

• Lifetime Promoter

by Dan Rieder

Dr. Wade Shafer, who has served as ASA’s Executive Vice President since 2013, is stepping into a new chapter in retirement.

• Wade Shafer, PhD
• Dan Rieder

by Lilly Platts

Current Chairman of the American Simmental Association Board of Trustees, Victor Guerra, discusses his Simmental story and leadership role.

• Author: Lilly Platts, Editor
• Victor Guerra

by Lilly Platts

The Carcass Merit Program has been helping SimGenetics producers prove their up-and-coming sires for 28 years, while also adding beneficial data to the genetic evaluation.

• Author: Lilly Platts, Editor
• carcass merit
• Susan Russell

This list is sorted by total number of calves reported, and includes the top 51 females.

• Donor Cows

by Kathy Shafer, Integrated Media & Technology 

Advertising your business through digital platforms can be an effective way to reach customers. However, because of the number of options available and the complexity of the modern digital landscape, knowing where to start can be difficult. ASA is working to stay ahead of the curve in digital marketing, and has established tools available for you to take advantage of.

• Digital Advertising

Developing leaders through friendship, networking, and communication skills!

by Anna Webel

Fleckvieh Forum

by Larry H. Maxey, founder and superintendent, NAILE Fullblood Simmental Shows

• Author: Larry H. Maxey
• Fleckvieh Forum

JULY

6–12 AJSA National Classic — Madison, WI

Feedlot Inventory Inches Lower

by Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension

The latest USDA Cattle on Feed report pegs feedlot inventories on May 1 at 11.376 million head, down 1.5% year-over-year. This is the sixth consecutive monthly decrease year-over-year in feedlot numbers, though the decrease has been minimal thus far.

In Memoriam…

Brian Kitchen, Past ASA EVP, Passes

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Armatrex Spray-On Antimicrobial Now Available

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, has announced the commercial availability of Armatrex (silane quaternary ammonium salt), an EPA-registered, spray-on antimicrobial solution, as part of a partnership agreement with Good Salt Life, LLC, the product manufacturer.

DNA Testing Requirements for Herdsires

In January, ASA membership voted to require a DNA test (GGP-100K genomic panel) on all herd bulls/natural service sires born on or after January 1, 2025. This new rule mimics the current DNA requirement for AI sires and donor dams.

Get the Sale Results here.

• Sale Results

Hidden Hazards: Now is the Time to Rethink Gun Use in Cattle Handling

by Angie Stump Denton, Bovine Veterinarian

Millions of pounds of ground beef are thrown away each year because of foreign material contamination. This is not just about isolated incidents but a widespread practice that needs immediate attention.