American Simmental Association Introduces Two New Producer of the Year Awards

The American Simmental Association (ASA) is excited to introduce two new annual awards recognizing producers who exemplify the practical application of performance-driven cattle production: the ASA Seedstock Producer of the Year and the ASA Commercial Producer of the Year.

These awards are designed to recognize Simmental breeders and commercial cattle producers who use objective information, genetic selection and sound management decisions to create value within their own operations and throughout the beef industry.

The new awards will complement ASA's existing Golden Book and Lifetime Promoter awards, which will continue to recognize individuals for their longstanding commitment to the betterment of the Simmental breed and the greater beef industry.

ASA Seedstock Producer of the Year
The ASA Seedstock Producer of the Year award will recognize an ASA Performance Advocate whose operation demonstrates excellence in genetic selection, performance evaluation, breeding decisions, record keeping, marketing and continued improvement.  Special consideration will be given to how producers incorporate tools and data from ASA and International Genetic Solutions (IGS), including EPDs, selection indexes, DNA technology and genetic evaluation, into their breeding and management decisions.

ASA Commercial Producer of the Year
The ASA Commercial Producer of the Year award will recognize a commercial cattle producer utilizing Simmental genetics who demonstrates excellence in cattle production, genetic selection, management, efficiency and profitability. This award will highlight producers who use performance information to make informed decisions and effectively integrate Simmental genetics into a productive and profitable commercial beef operation.

Nomination and Application Information
ASA is now accepting nominations for the inaugural 2027 awards. Producers may be nominated for either award by individuals familiar with their operation and contributions to the beef industry. Each application includes a letter of recommendation and questions designed to highlight the nominee's production practices, management philosophy, use of performance information and contributions to the beef industry.

Completed application packets must be submitted to ASA by December 18, 2026.
Applications should be submitted electronically to Ben Crites at bcrites@simmgene.com

Download the ASA Seedstock Producer of the Year Application

Download the ASA Commercial Producer of the Year Application

2027 Award Recognition
The inaugural ASA Seedstock and Commercial Producers of the Year will be selected in 2027. Recipients will be recognized during the 2027 Fall Focus Banquet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and will serve as the Association's preferred nominees for the national Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Producer of the Year awards.

If you know an ASA member or commercial cattle producer who exemplifies these principles, we encourage you to nominate them for one of these inaugural awards.