by Greg Burden, South Central Region
As I sit down to write this update, we find ourselves nearing the close of a mild summer here in Texas. The cooler weather has been a welcome change, and with it, fall calving is well underway across much of the region. State fairs are winding down, and with them, another busy show season draws to a close. It’s been a full and productive year for the American Simmental Association (ASA), marked by impressive participation and continued momentum in both the commercial and purebred sectors. Simmental cattle continue to draw strong interest across the board, consistently setting records in both the show ring and the marketplace.
One of the most significant developments for the ASA this year has been the appointment of our new Executive Vice President, Dr. Jon DeClerck. Although he officially stepped into the role in July, Dr. DeClerck has been actively involved since January, hitting the ground running and putting in countless hours during his first 90 days. He’s taken part in several major industry events, including Fall Focus, meetings with the Canadian Simmental Association, and the Red Angus Convention. Some might ask why he’s taken such an aggressive approach to his introduction — why the urgency? The answer is simple: to build relationships, to foster trust, and to give people the opportunity to get to know him beyond any preconceived notions or past perceptions.
And from the feedback I’ve received, that effort is already paying off. Many — if not most — who have met with Dr. DeClerck have come away with a strong impression of his professionalism, knowledge, and vision. He has demonstrated a deep understanding of International Genetic Solutions (IGS) and its significance to the broader beef industry. Dr. DeClerck brings a wealth of experience and a well-rounded perspective to his role, and I am confident that he is the right person to lead both ASA and IGS forward for years to come.
There’s often a misconception floating around that half the ASA Board is made up of “just show guys,” as if we’re somehow divided in our priorities. Let me be clear: that couldn’t be further from the truth. Regardless of whether our backgrounds lie in showing, commercial cattle, or seedstock production, we are united in our purpose. We are all working toward the same goal — to advance the American Simmental Association and promote the breed we believe in. We are cattlemen and women committed to the betterment of Simmental genetics and the long-term success of our industry.
What many of you may not know is that, behind the scenes, the board has spent several months — and a significant amount of financial and legal resources — exploring the idea of restructuring IGS with its own independent board of governance. While there was broad agreement that some change is necessary, the proposed path forward raised serious concerns. Specifically, the idea of altering our Articles of Incorporation in a way that would relinquish ASA’s control over IGS did not, in our judgment, align with the best interests of our members. There was a strong push to make this happen by July 1, coinciding with Dr. DeClerck’s formal start date — a move I believe was misguided and ill-timed.
At the end of the day, our responsibility as a board is to serve the membership — not to prioritize individual brands, agendas, or egos. It’s time for all of us to come together in support of Dr. DeClerck and to focus on what truly matters: the future of the ASA and the strength of our breed. We’ve weathered challenges before, and we’ve always come out stronger on the other side — when we remain united.
As we head into the election season, I encourage each of you to participate in the process. The write-in period has taken place, and the general election is currently underway. Take the time to talk to the candidates. Ask questions. Share your concerns. And most importantly — vote. Your voice matters, and your vote helps shape the future of this Association. As board members, we do listen. We are here to represent your interests, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Thank you for your continued trust, your engagement, and your passion for the Simmental breed. Together, we can ensure a strong, unified path forward. .
