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The ASA and ASA Publication offices are closed today and will resume regular business hours on Monday.

Back by popular demand, SimGenetics Training for Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs (STYLE 2026) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, June 23–25, 2026. Hosted by the American Simmental Association, this leadership training program is designed for individuals ages 25–45 seeking to develop leadership skills and expand their professional networks.

Participation is limited to the first 25 registrants. Registration closes on May 1 or when full. As an added incentive, ASA members who refer a participant who registers and attends STYLE will have their 2025–2026 annual service fee waived.

ASA Releases Heifer Pregnancy EPD in Research Release Format

Update March 13, 2026

Replacement heifer development represents a significant financial investment in a cow-calf operation. A heifer that fails to conceive during their first breeding season is a significant economic investment that returns substantially less value to the operation compared to a productive female. Improving fertility in replacement females is therefore one of the most effective ways to improve long-term herd profitability. Expected progeny differences (EPD) for heifer pregnancy (HP) have been released by the American Simmental Association (ASA) in a research release format. This EPD is designed to help producers select sires whose daughters are more likely to conceive during their first breeding season as heifers.

Click to read the full update.

Mature Weight and Cow Energy Requirement EPD Released in Research Format

Update February 13, 2026

Two New Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) to Better Assess Cow Productivity and Efficiency

The release of mature weight (MW) and cow energy requirements (CER) EPD provides breeders with powerful new tools to better manage cow size, efficiency, and long-term profitability. While selection for increased growth has driven progress in weaning and yearling weights, it has also contributed to rising mature cow weights over time. These new EPD allow producers to maintain performance where it pays, while intentionally aligning mature size and feed requirements with their environment and resources. Used together, MW and CER EPD offer a more complete picture of cow productivity and efficiency, helping breeders make balanced, economically informed selection decisions that support progress across the cattle industry.

Click to read the full update.

Docility EPD Next Call for Docility Phenotypes

International Genetic Solutions (IGS) has been making planned updates to the genetic evaluation over the past two years. These updates are being completed in a series and applied to each trait complex one at a time. The Docility EPD is next to be updated, and is expected to be released in early spring 2026. Updates to several of the evaluations have already been completed, including carcass weight/ribeye area and growth, followed by calving ease in late 2025. Following docility, the update series will be completed with backfat/marbling and then stayability.

Click to learn the planned order of evaluation updates

Zoetis to Acquire Neogen’s Animal Genomics Business: What It Means for ASA Members

You may have recently seen the announcement that Zoetis entered into an agreement to acquire the animal genomics business from Neogen.

We want to clarify what this means for American Simmental Association (ASA) members. At this time, there are no changes to ASA’s DNA testing process. Testing procedures and submission protocols will continue as normal. If you have any questions, please contact the ASA DNA Department at dna@simmgene.com.

For more information about the acquisition, click here.

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Discover the faces, traditions, and cultures of Native American tribes in the early 19th century through the art of Charles Bird King, George Catlin, and others.

In this beautifully compiled volume, Dr. Hough curates these historic artistic records bringing history to life offering readers a powerful visual window into Native America during the early 19th century.

Proceeds from book sales will benefit International Genetic Solutions (IGS) research, supporting continued innovation and progress in beef cattle genetics.

Pre-order today. Books arrive at the ASA office in about 2–3 weeks.