CURRENT ISSUE
Updating $API and $TI
by Dr. Elizabeth Dressler, ASA Lead Geneticist
Economic selection indexes are a valuable tool for selection and mating decisions. One major benefit is that selection indexes combine several traits into one number that estimates expected progeny profitability for a specific production system.
From the Headquarters
by Dr. Jon DeClerck, ASA EVP
The Responsibility to Improve
There are moments in an association’s history when standing still is the easier choice. This is one of them.
Trustee Viewpoint
by Chris Ivie, Eastern Region
As I try to gather my thoughts for my last Viewpoint as an ASA Trustee, thoughts are running through my head about how much I have learned over the past six years.
Rethinking Female Selection through an Economic Lens
by Rose Oie
Shifting the focus from individual cow performance to whole-herd productivity can help producers find the “best” cow for their operation.
Nominations Open for ASA Producer of the Year Awards
The American Simmental Association (ASA) is introducing two new annual awards designed to recognize producers who exemplify the practical application of performance-oriented cattle production: the ASA Seedstock Producer of the Year and the ASA Commercial Producer of the Year.
Fall Focus 2026: Reflections on the Past and Future
by Rose Oie
The American Simmental Association’s 2026 Fall Focus brought ASA members, staff, and trustees together in Bozeman, Montana, August 28 through September 1. Over the five days, attendees moved through mixed farm tours, a full day of industry education, a recognition dinner with some real breed history in the room, and the ASA Board of Trustees fall board meeting.
Staying the Course
by Rose Oie
Nebraska’s Triangle J Ranch is known throughout the country for producing cattle that perform throughout the beef supply chain. The Line family has been building this family business for seven generations, with a steady focus on the future.
Performance Advocate Program Enters Seventeenth Year
by Lilly Platts
PA Recognizes Dedicated and Driven Data-Reporting Operations
For seventeen years, the Performance Advocate Program (PA) has recognized cattle producers who maintain a commitment to data reporting. The 2026 program marked the seventh year under new guidelines, developed to identify the dedicated data reporting that fuels ASA’s genetic evaluation. A Driven Performance Advocate submits records on at least 10 of the 14 traits, and 90% of the contemporary group. A Dedicated Performance Advocate submits records on 90% of the contemporary group, and records on 8 of the 14 traits. Producers listed here are for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 calf crops. The operations featured below represent a selection of the operations that qualified as Performance Advocates.
Building a Business: Valigura Simmental’s First-Generation Journey
by Lilly Platts
Jordan and Amy Valigura are first-generation producers from central New Mexico. The young couple has been quick to pivot, learn about the business, and take advantage of the tools available to them. Valigura Simmental is dedicated to tracking and submitting data, and qualified to be an ASA Performance Advocate for the Spring 2025 season.
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