The American Simmental Association is delighted to announce that registration for Fall Focus 2025 is free. However, it is essential for planning purposes that all attendees register in advance. To ensure a smooth event experience, we kindly ask that all attendees register by August 8.
Those planning to attend may register at any time by visiting www.fallfocus.org. A link to book accommodations at the host hotel will be emailed upon completing registration. Please note that the group rate and room block expire on July 29, so we encourage you to register and make your reservations early.
Questions about Fall Focus?
Contact ASA’s Events Team at 406-587-4531 or visit www.fallfocus.org.
The Show-Me State Showcase
Friday, August 22
Attendees of Fall Focus 2025 can look forward to an engaging and educational experience centered around the latest advancements in the beef industry and Missouri’s contributions to those advancements.
Morning
Trowbridge Livestock Center, University of Missouri Campus
Tentative tour highlights and presentation topics to include:
Demographics of Missouri’s beef industry
New Meats Research Laboratory
Animal Science research updates including beef-ondairy and fescue tolerance
Cooperative marketing seedstock
Afternoon
Cattle Visions Bull Collection Facility
Tentative tour highlights and presentation topics to include:
Mizzou’s contributions to heat synchronization protocols
Show-Me Select Bred Heifer Marketing Program
KC Animal Health Corridor
Live cattle evaluation in the “Information Age” and cattle display
Evening
Warm Springs Ranch
Dinner at Warm Springs Ranch; breeding farm for the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales
*Schedule is subject to change.
Educational Symposium and Recognition Dinner
Saturday, August 23
Held at the Hilton Garden Inn, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from topic experts as they discuss various aspects influencing the beef industry. The Educational Symposium will take a deep dive into the cow-calf sector, focusing on the balance between genetic efficiency and industry demands. Receiving positive feedback from past years’ panel discussions, the panels and opportunity to engage with the experts will again be incorporated into the day.
This year’s lineup will feature several faculty members from University of Missouri’s well-known Animal Science department, including:
Dr. Bryon Wiegand
Dr. Jamie Courter
Dr. Jordan Thomas
Dr. Alison Meyer
And others, including:
Dr. Randie Culbertson, Iowa State University
Dr. Charley Martinez, University of Tennessee
The IGS Science Team
And more!
In the evening, the 2025 Lifetime Promoter and Golden Book award recipients will be recognized at the Recognition Dinner and Celebration. The Golden Book award is the Association’s highest honor, and each year is awarded to three individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the development of the Simmental and Simbrah breeds. All are welcome to attend dinner and celebrate those being recognized.
The American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation will also hold their annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the fundraiser support future Fall Focus events. A huge thank you to those who participate.
Committee and Board Meetings
Sunday–Tuesday, August 24–26
Interested attendees are invited to stay and join the ASA Board of Trustees to discuss critical issues within the Activities and Events, Breed Improvement, Growth and Development, Policies and Procedures, and Simbrah Committees. Throughout these meetings, attendees will gain insights from staff presentations and committee reports. The board meeting continues on Monday and Tuesday.
Accommodations
The conference headquarters are located at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3300 Vandiver Drive, with a block of rooms available August 20–26. The special room rate will be available until July 29, or until the block is sold out, whichever comes first. A link to book your hotel room will be emailed upon completion of your registration.
The Hilton Garden Inn does not offer shuttle service to and from the airport; however, several rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, are available in Columbia.
Local Attractions
Bring the family and extend your trip to visit some of the great local attractions including:
Boone County History & Culture Center
“The Big Tree” – a 90-foot-tall Bur Oak, over 350 years old
MKT Nature and Fitness Trail
Historic home of John William “Blind Boone”
Local Farmers Markets
The Stockyards & Arcade District
Rock Bridge Memorial and Finger Lakes State Park Check out www.visitcolumbiamo.com for more ideas and information.