by Rose Oie Aribella Beins, Deweyville, Utah, has a long history with the Simmental breed and American Junior Simmental Association, attending her first National Classic in 2011.
Her parents, Chris and Allison, raised their whole family in the breed. Beins’s oldest sister, Britney (Francis) was the first to run for the AJSA Board of Trustees, representing the Western Region for four years. In 2015, her older sister Maddy also started her term on the Board. In 2021 Beins decided to follow in her sisters’ footsteps, and was elected to represent the Western Region. Throughout her career in the AJSA, Beins has had many accomplishments in the show ring and beyond. At home, Beins recently became herdsman at her family’s Top Hat Simmentals, and is actively involved in shaping the future of the operation. At the 2026 National Classic in Grand Island, Nebraska, Beins capped off her AJSA career by being named the Herdsman of the Year. ASA caught up with Beins after the event.
Oie:
What is your connection to the Simmental breed? Beins: My connection to the Simmental breed runs deep, rooted in a family passion for quality cattle and progressive genetics. Growing up around livestock I was introduced early on to the versatility, maternal strength, and performance edge that the Simmental breed offers to both the seedstock and commercial sectors. Seeing my family’s dedication to building a functional herd laid the groundwork for my passion for the breed.
What made you decide to step into leadership? I watched my sisters lead and grow within this amazing Association and I felt it was my calling to take that same path. In 2021, a shy girl from Utah ran for the board not knowing what was to come. My four years were filled with traveling to shows and leadership conferences, attending meetings, planning the National Classic, and most importantly, making lifelong friendships. I rounded out my last National Classic this summer and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to go out. I feel so fulfilled and appreciative of this Association and the lessons I have learned throughout the last 15 years.
Tell us about your educational endeavors? I am currently finishing my last year at Utah State University majoring in agriculture communications. My coursework centered on media production, public relations, strategic communications, and agriculture advocacy, equipping me with the tools to tell a story of modern agriculture effectively. Throughout my time at Utah State I balanced my studies with active involvement in livestock evaluation, junior breed activities, and cattle management. Studying communications allowed me to bridge the gap between technical production practices and effectiveness in messaging a skill set that directly enhances how I market seedstock genetics and promote the cattle industry.
Tell us about your role as herdsman at Top Hat Simmentals. What led you to take that position? As herdsman at Top Hat Simmentals, I oversee daily herd health, nutritional programming, breeding schedules, and donor management alongside preparing our show and sale string. My transition into this role came from a shared vision within our family operation, a commitment to disciplined genetic selection, sound functional cattle, and pushing the boundaries of what purebred and percentage genetics can achieve. Taking on the responsibility felt like the logical next step in applying my passion for seedstock management on a larger scale. My favorite part of the job is watching the results of strategic genetic planning coming to life. Being able to watch the transformation of your own planning process of these animals’ lives is truly extraordinary. Working hands-on with bulls and females of high caliber and watching them succeed whether that be in a commercial herd or on a national level is something every cattleman strives for.
What did you gain from being a member of the AJSA? Being a member of the AJSA gave me an invaluable network of lifelong friends, mentors, and industry connections, along with technical skills that extend far beyond the show ring. Through Public Speaking, Sales Talk, livestock judging, and other educational contests, the Association challenged me to become an advocate for the livestock industry. Not only that, being on the AJSA Board of Trustees for four years gave me the opportunity to have face-to-face contact with this Association. Connecting with the juniors was such an amazing opportunity to help me get to know what this Association is all about. Along the way, overcoming setbacks was part of the process. Prioritizing your time as a leader wasn’t always easy. I can’t thank my family enough for looking after the cattle all these years when I had other responsibilities going on during National Classic week. Along with that, managing livestock means facing unexpected challenges. Learning to provide under pressure, maintain composure, and keep the animals’ well-being as the absolute top priority taught me resilience that serves me daily in my role as herdsman. The biggest lesson I learned is that success is built on work ethic, and when no one is watching, the true prize isn’t the banners but the discipline you cultivate every day leading to your goals.
Why do you believe it’s important for the Simmental breed to have a strong youth organization? A strong youth organization is the lifeblood of any breed’s long-term sustainability and commercial relevance. The AJSA isn’t just training the next generation of cattle exhibitors; it is cultivating future seedstock breeders, communicators, geneticists, and industry leaders who will advocate for beef production. There is a certain loyalty within the Simmental breed that has been carried on for a while now. I may be biased but I think the Simmental breed has the best youth and junior program out there. This Association has invested in the younger generation that ensures that loyalty gets passed down through generations. When young people develop a deep pride in Simmental genetics they carry that loyalty forward into their future operations, expanding the breed’s footprint and driving innovation within the American Simmental Association.
What sets the AJSA apart from other organizations? What truly sets the AJSA apart is its holistic approach to youth development through the National Classic structure. While showing is a central component, the equal emphasis placed on educational contests—such as Sales Talk, Public Speaking, cattle judging, and quizzes—ensures that every junior leaves as a well-rounded advocate. Furthermore, the culture within the AJSA is unmatched. The spirit of community and mentorship is evident at every regional and national event. Older juniors actively set up to mentor younger members, families collaborate across state lines, and the boards and staff help make an environment that feels like a family while holding members to a high standard of excellence.
What did it mean to be recognized as Herdsman of the Year? Over the years, I have watched this award be given to people that I have the utmost respect for. Hardworking and passionate people that have spent years to make their operation succeed. Being named Herdsman of the Year in the Association that I have grown up with was such a humbling experience that I will never forget. This award pays tribute to everyone who has been in my corner. A huge thank you to every mentor, family member, and breeder who helped me throughout the years. I hope this inspires other young juniors to take part in their family operation. Study the pedigrees, watch the cattle grow and perform, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak your opinion.
Generally, what do you believe makes a good herdsman? I think being a good herdsman can look different to everybody. For me, what makes a good herdsman is having a relationship with your cattle. Being able to walk in the pasture and know who you’re looking at and what their pedigree is. Noticing shifts in their health, temperament, and behavior. Being herdsman is putting the cattle at the top of your priority list. No matter the weather, situation, or time, you are there for their care and wellbeing. You’re going to deal with hardship along the way — anything from calf loss, heat stress, negative-degree winters, drought, etc. Being able to adapt and work under pressure is your most valuable asset. Understanding what is best for you and your operation and what is going to help you succeed is what is going to make you a good herdsman.
About the Herdsman of the Year Award The Junior Herdsman of the Year award is an honor bestowed upon one AJSA member at the National Classic each summer. This award is intended for an individual who gently commands respect of both juniors and adults in the Simmental industry and upholds the honor and dignity of a future cattleman. The nominee’s pride in their cattle both in the show ring and at home should be evident to fellow members across the Simmental industry. A positive attitude, willingness to help out wherever needed, and diligent work ethic are of utmost necessity in candidates for this prestigious honor. Lindsay Phillips, Rocking P Livestock, shared about her family’s support of this award: “Sponsoring the AJSA Herdsman of the Year Award in Larry’s memory is a meaningful way for our family to honor the legacy he left behind. Larry attended the Graham School for Cattlemen, raised his children through AJSA, and believed deeply in investing in the next generation of cattlemen. He never met a stranger and was always willing to share his knowledge and lend a helping hand. We are proud to recognize young herdsmen who reflect the same hard work, humility, and passion for the beef industry that Larry exemplified every day.”
The 2026 National Classic marked Beins’s last year as an AJSA member, and she capped it off by being recognized for her years of hard work and dedication.
