by Ryan Thorson, Western Region

“Change is inevitable, misery is optional.” These are words that a mentor of mine always used to say, and a favorite quote of his. It was a guarantee that it would be brought up any time we were discussing changes that might be taking place. Although he is no longer with us, this quote still sticks with me because it is just as applicable today as 15 years ago, and one could argue that we see more and faster change today than we ever have in our lifetimes. How we accept and adapt to change will be a critical driving force as it relates to our operations at home, as well as the American Simmental Association.

Developing leaders through friendship, networking, and communication skills!  “It’s okay, Cecillia, stand up, dust yourself off, and grab ahold of the halter.” These words are some of the earliest memories I have with my father. I was seven years old and taking on the largest challenge I had ever faced—breaking my bucket calf to lead. Looking back now, this doesn’t seem like such a challenge, but it seemed impossible for the three-foot-eight girl in her t-shirt, athletic shorts, and mud boots.

by Dr. Jonathan DeClerck

In today’s seedstock business, standing still is equivalent to moving backwards. Whether flipping through sale catalogs, analyzing genetic trait trends, or admiring show ring champions, one thing is clear: Simmental cattle have made extraordinary progress over the last decade. The American Simmental Association has long been the home of progressive breeders who leverage science and technology to drive genetic advancements.

by Dan Rieder

A prominent Texas cattleman who was among the earliest in the US to utilize Simmental genetics, Tom Risinger, has passed away at age 84. He had been among the leaders of the breed in the US following a 1965 chance meeting with Canadian Simmental legend Travers Smith, who led the effort to establish the Swiss breed in North America.

The following list including ASA’s leading breeders, on the basis of Simmental (including fullblood, purebred, percentage, and Simbrah) registrations during the calendar year 2024. Within each state, province, or country, the top five breeders are shown in descending order, beginning with the breeder who registered the most animals. The minimum requirement for inclusion on this list was reporting five animals during the year.

Junior Show

Date: January 13, 2025

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Judge: Dave Allan, TX

Elanco Launches Pradalex for Treatment of Livestock Respiratory Diseases

by Jennifer Shike, Bovine Veterinarian

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced the availability of Pradalex (pradofloxacin injection) for the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

Retained Placenta in Beef Cattle

by Mark Z Johnson, Bovine Veterinarian

Retention of fetal membranes, or retained placenta, in cows usually is defined as failure to expel fetal membranes within 24 hours after parturition. Normally the expulsion occurs within eight hours after delivery of the calf. The placenta is retained when the cotyledons on the placenta do not detach from the caruncles on the uterus during parturition. Retained placenta is rare in most cow herds.

Genvax Technologies Takes New Step Toward USDA Approval of its Vaccines

by Jennifer Shike, Bovine Veterinarian

Genvax Technologies, a startup bringing advances in RNA vaccine production to animal health, announced recently that it has closed its Series Seed Plus funding. This funding will accelerate the company’s path toward USDA approval of its vaccines, enabling rapid response to foreign animal disease outbreaks and improving livestock health and profitability, the company said in a release.

by Larry H. Maxey, founder and superintendent, NAILE Fullblood Simmental Shows

Our Pioneers — Old Cattlemen of the Southern California Deserts: Trail Justice or Was It Murder?

The historic Empire Ranch was about 40 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona. In 1876, Walter Vail and Herbert Hislop established the ranch. It grew from a 160-acre homestead to over 100,000 acres.

Gibbs Farms’ Annual Bull and Female Sale

Auctioneer: Ron Kreis, OH

Representing ASA: Ashby Green

Comments: Cattle sold into 21 states, including AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WV.

Cattle and Bison Imports from Mexico to Resume Under New Protocols

by Maggie Malson, Bovine Veterinarian

On February 1, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced cattle and bison imports from Mexico will resume utilizing new preventative measures.

Rule Changes and Updates from the 57th Annual Meeting

ASA recently held its 57th Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, during the National Western Stock Show. Many ASA members attended virtually as well as in person. The Board and ASA leadership shared a summary of the last year’s work for each committee (page 24 of this issue). The membership also voted on several amendments, which are outlined below. To see full voting results please visit simmental.org.

MARCH
 11 True West Genetics’ Production Sale — Moro, OR
 13 Brink Fleckvieh’s Spring Bull and Heifer Sale — Elkader, IA
 14 Powerline Genetics’ March Edition Bull Sale — Arapahoe, NE