In Memoriam…
Jim Berry Hanover, Illinois
James Osie Berry, 84, of Hanover, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025. He was born on December 15, 1940, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Paul and Kathryn (Kirn) Berry. Jim grew up in Barrington, Illinois, and graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1959 and Northwestern University in 1963. Jim began his professional career with Procter and Gamble in Chicago before joining the Chicago Board of Trade in 1966, where he founded Berry Trading Corp.
In 1967, he married the love of his life, Ann Schmid, and together they shared 58 years of marriage, raising three children: Robert (Lara) Berry, Christine (Joe) Lillie, and Elizabeth Berry. Jim was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Andrew Lillie, Kate Lillie, Vija Berry, Matt Berry, Mike Lillie, Charlie Berry, and Paul Berry. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Loupee and Susan Skarecky. From 1970 to 1999, Jim and Ann raised their family in Crystal Lake, Illinois. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Jim was an innovator long before “side hustle” became a trend, owning and operating a Radio Shack in Crystal Lake, becoming Illinois’s first licensed hot air balloon pilot, and raising buffalo before switching to cattle.
In the late 1970s, Jim began building a cattle operation with just 16 head. Jim started Wildberry Farms, a vision that grew into a nationally respected Simmental breeding program. After retiring from the Board of Trade in 1997, he moved Wildberry Farm to Hanover and Scales Mound, Illinois. His annual March sale attracted buyers from across the country, and he became a leading figure in the industry, earning numerous honors. Jim cared deeply for the land, knowing that its stewardship was key to his success, and was grateful for the loyal employees who shared his dedication. Jim’s devotion extended beyond his work; he was committed to giving back to his community, always leading with humility, generosity, and quiet strength. He never complained, worked tirelessly, and was guided by a heart of gold.
ASA Hires Dr. Elizabeth Dressler as ASA Geneticist
The American Simmental Association (ASA) is proud to announce the hire of Elizabeth Dressler, filling the role of ASA Geneticist. Dressler recently completed her doctoral degree at Kansas State University in animal breeding and genetics. Much of Dressler’s research has been focused on capturing traits that are difficult to measure in beef cattle, including gas fluxes, feed intake, and water intake. She is well-versed in novel trait collection and quantitative genetics, bringing real-world experience in the beef industry to the role.
Dressler grew up on a small cow-calf operation in Berryton, Kansas, just south of Topeka. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at KSU, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout her studies. In her graduate work, Dressler conducted genetic evaluations, managing phenotype and genotype datasets. By working directly with cooperator herds, Dressler gained valuable experience working one-on-one with beef producers.
Dressler’s research has been presented in a number of formats, from academic journals to industry events — she is skilled in communication, understanding the importance of sharing research and findings with real-world producers. In June of 2025, she received a Baker/Cundiff Award from the Beef Improvement Federation, and also presented her research during the educational breakout sessions.
“Dr. Elizabeth Dressler is exactly the kind of forward-thinking geneticist we want at ASA — accomplished, innovative, and passionate about applying science to advance the cattle industry,” Dr. Jon DeClerck, ASA Executive Vice President, shared. “ASA’s progressive producers have always embraced technology to drive progress, and Elizabeth’s gift for turning complex breeding and genetic principles into practical solutions will help them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving beef industry.”
Dressler and her husband, Chase, reside in Manhattan, Kansas, with their miniature Australian Shepherd, Pepper. When she isn’t evaluating beef cattle genetics and gathering valuable data, Dressler enjoys kayaking, reading, country music concerts, and walks with Pepper.
ASA Welcomes Alexis Avila and Karolina Perkins
Alexis Avila recently joined ASA’s Frontline Customer Service team, assisting with member jobs. She is originally from Eureka, California, and attended UC–Davis, where she received a BS in Animal Science and Management. During her time in college, Avila became deeply involved in the university’s beef operations, and became a live-in resident at the beef barn for two years. Upon graduating in June 2024, she worked for Harlan Family Ranch, a local row crop farm and hay cubing operation. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking outdoors with her boyfriend and dog, and operating her Western lifestyle photography business.
Karolina Perkins joined ASA’s DNA Department in June of 2025. She is originally from Woodland, California, and moved to Laramie, Wyoming, to attend the University of Wyoming. She received her degree in Animal Science in 2024, and during her studies, was involved in the sheep production program, participating in wool judging. She became interested in DNA technology and the improvement of beef cattle efficiency during her animal breeding classes. Perkins currently lives near Bozeman, where she enjoys hanging out with her dog, Clyde, watching hockey in the winter, and hiking in the summer. .
To learn more about the CMP visit www.simmental.org, then click Carcass Merit Program under the ASA Programs tab.
Questions, contact
The American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program (CMP) is the beef industry’s most demanding and informative young sire test. The program is a hallmark of ASA breed improvement for economically relevant carcass traits. Commercial producers play an integral part in this project.
Participants receive:
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$200 for each AI-sired calf with carcass information
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Free semen on top young herdsires
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Free ASA Genetic Evaluation on your cow herd
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Free genotyping on terminal progeny
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Keep any or all replacement females
Become a Carcass Merit Program test herd today
*The CMP is a structured young sire progeny test. Participating cooperator herds will random sample their cow herd with CMP semen, and the resulting male (or female) progeny will be harvested with individual carcass data gathered. ASA Staff will work with cooperator herds to provide bulls that fit the general criteria of your management program; however, only bulls nominated into the CMP program may be used. Producers are encouraged to be somewhat proficient in Microsoft Excel for accurate and consistent record-keeping.
