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Announcements
ASA Trustee Election Update: Action Needed if Vote Submitted Online before Oct. 1
A letter from ASA EVP, Jon DeClerck, PhD:
It has come to our attention that the software used for the Trustee write-in elections experienced a technical malfunction. Unfortunately, this issue prevented online votes submitted prior to the correction from being properly recorded.
We sincerely regret this error and the frustration it may cause. The ASA has been in direct contact with our third-party election provider, who identified and resolved the software glitch. Online voting has been fully operational and recording ballots as intended since 8:00 AM MST on October 1.
If you voted electronically prior to 8:00 AM MST on October 1, 2025, we ask that you please log in and cast your vote again. The process remains unchanged:
Log into your Herdbook account
Under My Account > Click the Vote button > follow link to nomination ballot
Click “Confirm” to submit your write-in nominee.
If you have questions, please call the ASA office at 406-587-4531 or watch the voting tutorial video.
After voting and confirming, your nominee will appear on the ballot list with a “Nominated” label in RED; that is your confirmation that the write-in was recorded. If you do not receive confirmation of your vote, notify Luke Bowman (lbowman@simmgene.com) or Sheldon Ross (sross@simmgene.com) immediately. Only votes made after 8:00 AM MST on October 1 will be included in the new write-in vote tally.
Please note: Paper ballots have not been affected by this issue. Only those members who voted online before the correction need to resubmit their vote.
If you agree with the board’s nominee(s), no action is needed. Voting is only necessary if you wish to nominate someone other than the board nominee(s). To ensure fairness and adequate time for all members to participate, the ASA Executive Committee has voted to extend the election period to the maximum time allowed under the ASA Bylaws — through October 12 at 11:59 PM MST.
We will continue working closely with the election provider to actively monitor the system and safeguard the accuracy of this election process.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly or to a Trustee from your region. We appreciate your patience, understanding and commitment to the ASA.
Come one, come all!
Steer Profitability Competition
Registration is now open for the IGS Steer Profitability Competition (SPC).
Due to growing interest from adult producers, the SPC is now open to beef producers of all ages. Whether you’re a commercial or seedstock producer, or a junior, this is your chance to step into the feed yard and experience the real-world opportunities and challenges of cattle feeding. The SPC gives participants the chance to measure and compare the profitability of their animals against calves from a wide variety of breeds and backgrounds, making it one of the most unique learning opportunities in the beef industry.
For details and to register, visit: www.internationalgeneticsolutions.com. The registration deadline is October 15.
New Herdsire DNA Testing Requirement
In January 2025, the American Simmental Association membership voted to approve a resolution requiring a GGP-100K genomic panel on all herd bulls/natural service sires born on or after January 1, 2025.
While it will take time for this rule to impact the membership, it is imperative that seedstock providers begin planning. A genomic test has been required on all AI sires for some time; now, any natural service sire born on or after January 1, 2025, must meet the same DNA requirements (high density genomic panel) as AI sires and donor dams before any of their progeny can be registered. The following guidelines can help members, and those applying for registration, prepare for this change.
Trustee Elections: Board Nominees Announced
The ASA Board of Trustees recently met and selected their nominees for the upcoming Trustee election. Physical nomination ballots were sent and the online voting portal on Herdbook is now open. The ASA Board of Trustees nominees are as follows:
Eastern Region (2 open seats)
Dr. Brandi Karisch, Starkville, Mississippi; running for 2nd term
Scott Trennepohl, Middletown, Indiana; running for 2nd term
South Central Region (1 open seat)
Greg Burden, Canton, Texas; running for 2nd term
North Central Region (2 open seats)
Matt Aggen, Harmony, Minnesota; running for 2nd term
Troy Marple, Westmoreland, Kansas; running for 2nd term
Western Region (1 open seat)
Quin LaFollette, Powell, Wyoming; running for 2nd term
If you agree with the board’s nominees, no further action is needed. Voting is only necessary if you wish to nominate someone other than the board nominee(s). Write-in nominations must be received by October 9 at 11:59 PM MDT.
If you have opted to vote electronically, a paper ballot was not mailed; however, even if you received a paper ballot, any active member can and is encouraged to vote electronically. To vote online, log in to your Herdbook account and access the voting portal in the “My Account” section. If you have any questions, please contact the ASA office at 406-587-4531.
W/C Double Down 5014E Pedigree Update
The American Simmental Association has completed a pedigree correction for the bull W/C DOUBLE DOWN 5014E (ASA 3336150) following parent-verification DNA testing on his dam, W/C MISS WERNING 5014C (ASA 3211676), which resulted in a change to her recorded sire. This adjustment has altered W/C DOUBLE DOWN 5014E’s pedigree and breed composition, which in turn affects the breed composition and pedigree of his progeny. All impacted records were automatically updated in the ASA database immediately following his dam’s pedigree change. For questions regarding affected animals, please contact the ASA DNA Department at dna@simmgene.com, or 406-587-4531.
National Classic DNA Results Uploaded
DNA results have been uploaded to Herdbook for all animals that had samples taken during the AJSA National Classic in Madison, WI. To view your animal’s results, visit herdbook.org, log into your account, and search for the animal(s) tested in the “animal search” function. The best way to review results is through the “DNA Detail Report.” If you have any questions, please contact the DNA Department at dna@simmgene.com.
Updates to 2026 Sire Source
The 2026 Sire Source is expanding its reach and offers a significant opportunity to showcase your bulls. For the first time, the print edition will be mailed to all SimTalk subscribers – over 40,000 ASA members, commercial producers, universities, and industry professionals. This is an increase from the previous 8,000-member reach.
This gives your bull exposure to a nationwide audience of cattle producers actively seeking new genetics. Listings are more than just a mention; they provide direct visibility to potential buyers.
Sign up now and your bull’s listing will:
- Be live on simmental.org for the rest of 2025
- Appear in the full-color 2026 print edition
- Remain accessible online in 2026
Advertising is open to all breeders whose bulls meet the Sire Source guidelines*, regardless of ASA membership.
Contact Nancy Chesterfield (nchesterfield@simmgene.com) or Rebecca Price (rprice@simmgene.com) to get started.
*Bulls must be registered with the ASA and have all required DNA testing completed to qualify as approved AI sires.
Attention:
Hydrops Information Center
ASA Welcomes Dr. Ben Crites
The American Simmental Association is excited to welcome Dr. Ben Crites to the team as the ASA and IGS Director of Commercial and Industry Relations. Ben grew up in southwest Michigan where his family owns a Christmas tree farm. He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and completed his master’s and PhD at the University of Kentucky in Reproductive Physiology.

F1 Simbrah Summit
Held in conjunction with the 7P Ranch 50th Annual Production Sale
WHEN: Friday afternoon, October 24, 2025 (exact time TBA)
WHERE: 7P Ranch Headquarters, 10678 FM 757, Winona, TX
WHAT: Experience the F1 Simbrah Summit – an educational event held in conjunction with 7P Ranch’s 50th Annual Production Sale. Learn from top industry experts and gain proven strategies to maximize longevity, profitability, and efficiency in your herd.
Highlights:
Expert Lineup: Insights on genetics, nutrition, and cattle markets from leading industry voices.
Profit Through Science: Proven strategies for increasing ROI through heterosis.
Panel & Q&A: Get answers directly from industry pros.
Dinner & Fellowship: Sponsored by Purina.
SIMGENETICS NEWS DESK
ASA Trustee Election Update: Action Needed if Vote Submitted Online before Oct. 1
A letter from ASA EVP, Jon DeClerck, PhD:
It has come to our attenti...
ASA Welcomes Dr. Ben Crites
The American Simmental Association is excited to welcome Dr. Ben Crites to the team as the ASA and IGS Director of Commercial and Industry Relation...
Golden Book Award Winners & Lifetime Promoters 2025
Congratulations to all of the well-deserving award recipients whose achievements and contributions to the American Simmental Association were recen...
August Board of Trustees Meeting Update – Columbia, MO
The American Simmental Association Board of Trustees convened in Columbia, Missouri, August 24-26, with five commit...
Join Us in Missouri: Fall Focus 2025 Registration Now Open
Registration is NOW OPEN for Fall Focus 2025! VisitContinue reading
Updated PAP EPD Available on Limited Number of Animals
An updated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) expected progeny difference (EPD) is now available on a limited number...
ASA Releases DMI and $Gain - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Simmental Association has officially released the $G...