January 2026, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The American Simmental Association held its Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, January 8–10. The following committee reports were presented, detailing the Association’s efforts in 2025.
Chairman’s Report
by Victor Guerra, ASA Board chairman
We embarked on a new calendar year at ASA at the Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, back in January of 2025. Transition of leadership was upon us as Dr. Wade Shafer retired in July of 2025, and Dr. Jon DeClerck took the helm as our new Executive Vice President. I would like to begin my report by expressing my gratitude to both gentlemen for their dedication, leadership, and vision this year.
The National Western Stock Show would set the tone for the year, as both the pen and Hill shows, as well as the sale were successful events highlighted by the strong support of the American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation (ASF) gun raffle and auction. We would be remiss not to acknowledge the membership, staff, and stakeholders who made this success possible in Denver, as well as throughout the year. Seeing the strong demand for SimGenetics while in Denver led me to believe that it would be a successful year and it most certainly was.
On the business front, much of the start of the year was dedicated to the governing structure of International Genetics Solutions (IGS) and whether change was needed at this time. At the conclusion of numerous meetings, several hours of debate, and input from interested parties, it was determined by a majority vote of the Board for IGS to continue to operate as is. This matter of business proved to be fruitful as the deep dive into IGS created opportunities for education, highlighting the strengths of the world’s largest multi-breed evaluation, as well as the value it generates for the commercial and seedstock beef industry. Most importantly perhaps, areas where improvement may be had were identified, discussed, and placed on the proper agendas.
As we progressed through the year, summer brought much opportunity for American Junior Simmental Association (AJSA) and ASA members alike with state preview shows, regional shows, and the National Classic, as well as the highly anticipated Fall Focus on the calendar. We saw great participation at these events, and I would like to thank all the sponsors and speakers, as well as the volunteers who helped make these events a success. Special thanks to the Missouri Simmental Association, University of Missouri, and Cattle Visions for putting
together an impactful and insightful tour during Fall Focus. We are already looking forward to the 2026 Fall Focus in Bozeman, Montana, and hope you will make plans to join us August 28–September 1 for this enjoyable gathering.
The AJSA National Classic in Madison, Wisconsin, was impressive to witness. The opportunities for personal growth through the leadership-oriented contests and fellowship that junior members are met with makes this week special. The annual ASF Golf Tournament, spearheaded by Nate and Carrie Horman, was once again well attended and proved to be a solid fundraiser. If you have not made the tournament, we highly consider participating in this enjoyable event. Hats off to Mia Bayer and her team, as well as the Board members who were able to attend and assist with the event, Town Hall, and DNA collection. Special thanks to AJSA Board Chairman Walker Housley and the entire AJSA Board of Trustees for all your efforts throughout the year and for being an inspiration to younger members. Be sure and circle July 4–10 on your calendar for the 2026 AJSA National Summer Classic in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Speaking of inspiration, while at Fall Focus, we had the opportunity to acknowledge some of our most successful members. Darrell Stiles of Oklahoma, and Erroll Cook with Bridle Bit Simmentals of Colorado, were both recognized with our highest honor — the Golden Book Award. Warren Garrett of Texas, and Terry Burks of Kentucky, were acknowledged for their impressive bodies of work as ASA Promoters of the Year. Congratulations to these gentlemen and those who support them for this prestigious recognition. We appreciate all that you have done for SimGenetics through the years and wish you continued success. This special night was capped off by another successful Cash Cow fundraiser headed by Cathy Eichacker and Dr. Brandi Karisch. Through the Foundation Female sold in the Bricktown National Sale at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the last Legacy Lot of the year sold or private donation to the ASF, we appreciate everyone who invests in broadening SimGenetics’ impact on the industry through the Foundation.
The fall brought what certainly was a successful sale season for several members, and our hats are off to them on the outstanding job of getting their SimGenetics marketed.
Down in Simbrah country, a F1 Simbrah Summit was cohosted with the American Brahman Breeders Association, and held in conjunction with 7P Ranch’s 50th Annual Production Sale in Winona, Texas. The event was well attended, and a dynamic set of speakers highlighted the many positives of utilizing SimGenetics in the South. Meanwhile, the start of a new ASA Progress Through Performance show season kicked off as many members will be attending numerous national shows exhibiting their SimGenetics as they vie to enter the prestigious ASA Ring of Champions. Along with an update and enhancement to calving ease, we also welcomed two new ASA trustees as Chris Effling and Chris Nicholson were victorious in the recent election, along with Scott Trennepohl and Dr. Brandi Karisch who were both elected to second consecutive terms. With that we say thank you to both Troy Marple and Matt Aggen for their service over the last three years and dedication to the ASA.
While I cannot say that my first AJSA National Summer Classic in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, feels like it was just yesterday, it has been surreal and an honor having the opportunity to give back to the Association that had such a positive impact on me as a junior member. To immediate past chairman Chris Ivie, thank you for your counsel and example. And to our incoming chairman Ryan Thorson, I wish you the best as you lead the ASA this year and I am here to assist you if needed. In closing, I want to thank all my fellow trustees: Ryan Thorson, Scott Trennepohl, Troy Marple, Quin LaFollette, Joe Hensgens, Greg Burden, Greg Walthall, Chris Ivie, Mark Smith, Dr. Brandi Karisch, Chad Cook, Maureen Mai, Tim Clark, Matt Aggen, and Loren Trauernicht for your service to the ASA this year. Special thanks to our families, friends, and crews at home who picked up the slack while we serve the ASA. To our fellow members, we thank you once again for your support and wish you continued success. Lastly, but certainly not least, to Dr. Jon DeClerck and the entire ASA staff for sharing your talents with us and being committed to our mission. May God bless you and let’s make it another successful year.
Activities & Events
by Greg Burden, committee chairman
Committee Members: Matt Aggen, Tim Clark, Victor Guerra, Chris Ivie, Brandi Karisch, Maureen Mai, Mark Smith, Greg Walthall
Staff lead: Mia Bayer
As always, it was another productive and eventful year for the Activities & Events Committee. A sincere thank you to my fellow committee members, and a huge thank
you to Mia and the staff for their continued support and for helping manage all of the A&E responsibilities throughout the year.
We oversee a broad range of events, from Fall Focus to the AJSA National Classic, and all Major PTP events, and this year brought several meaningful updates and improvements.
We kicked off the year by directing staff to develop a program that incentivizes juniors to complete DNA testing on their cattle prior to the National Classic. Additionally, we once again approved the DNA program that provides free DNA testing at the National Classic.
Several adjustments were made to our Major PTP shows. First, all Major PTP shows were designated as National Shows, and funding for host states was increased from $10 to $15 per head entered.
We also revised the judge selection process. States will continue to submit names, along with nominations for Juniors and the Herdsman of the Year. The A&E Committee then vets the list, after which names are entered into a random draw for the shows in the regular rotation.
Finally, after several years of discussion, we approved the addition of a phenotype and genotype show (PGS) beginning at the 2026 Regional Classics. This will allow us to work through any challenges before incorporating it into the AJSA National Classic.
In closing, it was a busy and productive year with several programs revamped and improved. Our meetings ran more efficiently, and we accomplished a great deal on behalf of the A&E Committee. Once again, I would like to thank my fellow board members and staff for their dedication and continued support.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for the Activities & Events Committee, and I move that it be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
Breed Improvement
by Quin LaFollette, committee chairman Committee Members: Chad Cook, Victor Guerra, Joseph Hensgens, Troy Marple, Ryan Thorson, Loren Trauernicht, Scott Trennepohl Staff lead: Jackie Atkins
The past year was a busy year for the Breed Improvement Committee. There were a number of bigger topics addressed, many of which are listed below. I really want to thank all the staff that worked hours if not days on some of these and also the committee. We had a number of extra meetings and time away from family and ranches. I really appreciated everyone’s input and work.
Hydrops
Since the spring of 2023, the ASA has been investigating a new genetic condition in the Simmental population called Hydrops. Hydrops pregnancies result in extreme fluid accumulation in the uterus, often the fetus or calf does not survive and sometimes the dam dies during delivery as well. ASA has been working closely with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) research team funding multiple projects attempting to understand this condition and find the causative mutation. In 2025, there was a breakthrough finding a long section of DNA that is inverted causing two genes to have mutations, and regulatory regions of those genes are affected as well. This causative mutation information has been shared with Neogen in order to develop a commercially available DNA test. In addition, the ASA funded another research project with UNL to complete the Hydrops exploration to understand the proteins affected by this mutation and how this condition is maternally regulated. DNA services
• Cow Herd DNA Roundup (CHR): To date, more than 64,000 mature cows were genotyped through the CHR (and more than 2,000 in 2025). ASA has paid out just more than 20,000 rebates for mature size records through the CHR, totaling more than $101,000 paid back to the membership.
• Calf Crop Genomics (CCG): 2025 was the sixth year for CCG, bringing in more than 29,000 genotypes this year and more than 132,000 genotypes total on whole birth groups of calves during that time. Members participating in CCG earned just more than 32,000 rebates for complete weight trait records submission on 90% of the birth group (birth, weaning, and yearling weights). Additionally, just more than 2,800 rebates were paid for harvest records from CCG calves. Between the weight traits and carcass records, the CCG has given back just more than $192,000 to ASA members.
The membership passed a rule change for natural service sires born on or after January 1, 2025, to match the same DNA requirements as AI sires and donor dams. Carcass programs
The American Simmental Association (ASA) offers a robust set of programs for carcass data collection. The carcass programs range from young-sire progeny testing, regional feed and gain tests, and incentivized DNA programs such as Calf Crop Genomics (CCG) and Carcass Expansion Project (CXP). In the past couple of years, ASA has seen a notable increase in the percentage of animals registered with actual carcass phenotypes. The ASA has increased the emphasis to capture carcass data on genotyped calves through these programs, and can report that more than 19,000 animals with carcass data have been genotyped.
In 2023, the BIC and the board of trustees passed increased allocation for the CXP and increased the payment for carcasses for CMP herds. Since that time, the program has recruited more herds and added a large beef on dairy operation to test CMP bulls.
International Genetic Solutions (IGS)
Many committee meetings were held to discuss the future governance of IGS. A deep dive into the finances and structure of IGS plus future designs for governing of IGS resulted in many membership, BIC, and full board meetings during the spring of 2025. In the end, the IGS governance has remained the same.
IGS remains healthy and strong with additional cattle, new partners, and improvements to the genetic evaluation. In 2025, IGS launched software and model updates to the Calving Ease evaluation, updates to beef-on-dairy genetic evaluation to make use of growth data, saw DMI and $GAIN enter into the production evaluation, as well as bringing PAP predictions in-house. In 2025 IGS released a research phase of the Mature Cow Weight and Cow Energy Requirement predictions and has a beta model working for Heifer Pregnancy. IGS added the Canadian and American Speckle Park Associations to the production run and the total number of animals in the genetic evaluation grew to more than 23.5 million head and 800,000 genotypes in 2025. The IGS collaboration met several times throughout the year — at the IGS pavilion at NCBA, BIF social, as well as monthly meetings with the collaborators.
This past year marked the retirement of Dr. Wade Shafer, a founder of IGS, and philosophical as well as technical leader for what IGS has grown into. In preparation, IGS developed an advisory committee to help make technical decisions for the genetic evaluation.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Breed Improvement Committee members and the ASA staff again for their help with a productive year and I would move that this report be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
Finance
by Scott Trennepohl, committee chairman, and Jon DeClerck, EVP
Committee Members: Greg Burden, Victor Guerra, Chris Ivie, Greg Walthall
Staff lead: Luke Bowman, Jon DeClerck, EVP
The ASA fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, in a strong financial position, continuing a long-standing record of fiscal stability and prudent stewardship in support of the Simmental breed and the broader beef industry, as reflected in the Association’s audited consolidated financial statements.
Total assets increased to $24,906,784, up from $22,998,496 in the prior year. This growth was driven primarily by higher investment balances, which rose to $18,389,650, and increased cash and cash equivalents totaling $2,656,945 at year-end. As a result, total net assets increased by $1,466,160 to $23,518,851, further strengthening ASA’s balance sheet and long-term reserves.
Operating Results
Operating revenue without donor restrictions increased to $7,441,529, compared to $7,033,274 in fiscal year 2024. Growth was led by continued expansion in DNArelated services, with DNA revenue reaching $2,258,267, up from $1,908,394 the prior year. Over the past decade, DNA revenue has increased over threefold, reflecting the Simmental breed’s long-standing commitment to leveraging science, embracing innovation, and being early adopters of genomic technology in an effort to better serve the commercial industry.
Membership fees, registrations, and herd enrollment remained solid contributors to core operating revenue, underscoring sustained member engagement and growing interest in Simmental genetics amid a strong cattle market.
Operating expenses increased to $8,080,598, compared to $6,993,478 in the previous year, reflecting higher personnel, programmatic, and technology-related costs driven by inflation and expanded service delivery. ASA has not raised registration fees since 2008, and against that backdrop of rising costs, the Association reported a net operating deficit of $586,100 for the year.
Investment Performance and Overall Results
Strong investment performance more than offset the operating shortfall. Other income totaled $2,028,408, including $1,112,194 in interest and dividend income and $916,214 in unrealized investment gains. After accounting for donor-restricted activity, ASA recorded a total increase in net assets of $1,466,160 for the fiscal year.
Financial Position and Outlook
ASA continues to maintain a conservative financial posture. The Association’s strong liquidity position, nearly $20 million in available financial assets, provides reserves equivalent to multiple years of operations and positions ASA to navigate industry volatility while continuing to invest strategically.
Despite operating expenses exceeding operating revenues in fiscal year 2025, the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee made a deliberate decision to hold fees at current levels, even while budgeting for an operating loss in fiscal year 2026. With the Association in a strong financial position and supported by a disciplined, conservative investment strategy, leadership determined that reinvesting in the growth of the breed, particularly during a period of strong cattle markets and increased interest from new breeders, was in the best long-term interest of the membership.
ASA’s diversified revenue base, growing membership demand, and strong investment performance continue to support financial sustainability while allowing the Association to invest in genetic improvement programs, youth initiatives, and member services without increasing fees.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for the Finance Committee, and I move that it be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
Growth & Development
by Brandi Karisch, committee chairwoman
Committee Members: Chad Cook, Victor Guerra, Joseph Hensgens, Quin LaFollette, Mark Smith, Ryan Thorson, Loren Trauernicht
Staff lead: Kathy Shafer
The Growth and Development Committee is tasked with reviewing and recommending new programs or activities that foster and promote the continued growth and development of the breed and the Association. The 2025 committee has focused heavily on tasks such as promotion, public relations, member relations, and advertising with updated efforts at promoting the breed and supporting our membership.
Staff support is key to the success of the Growth and Development Committee and as a new committee chair this year I was especially thankful for support from Kathy Shafer as our staff lead as well as supporting staff members like Callie Cooley and Lilly Platts, along with Dr. Jon DeClerck and Dr. Wade Shafer.
I would like to acknowledge and thank each committee member for their hard work in 2025: Mark Smith, Joseph Hensgens, Ryan Thorson, Quin LaFollette, Loren Trauernicht, and Victor Guerra.
Marketing and promotion continues to be a major highlight of this committee’s activities. The partnership with the Grant Company continues to provide highquality content that is used in a variety of campaigns to highlight SimGenetics and IGS programs. Marketing has changed in recent years and we have adapted to that change. A new format of the traditional Sire Source was launched and met with great enthusiasm by all who viewed it. The Register expanded its digital reach in 2025, with junior membership now primarily receiving digital copies of the Register each month, which reduced costs.
A new Live Animal Specification for characteristics of cattle eligible for approved programs claiming Simmental influence was approved by the board in 2025, brought forth by membership working toward a Simmentalinfluenced branded beef program.
State associations continue to grow their use of cost share and check-off dollar programs with 20 states participating in check-off programs and $20,347 check-off dollars claimed in FY2025. The bonus program also grew participation in FY2025 with 24 states participating and $32,838.60 dollars claimed. The cost share program offers state associations an opportunity to supplement local advertising. In fiscal year 2025, 21 states claimed $46,401.42 cost share dollars.
Our web presence via the updated website and social media continues to be a major way for much of our membership to find information. In fiscal year 2025, a combined social media presence saw over 40,000 followers and increasing engagement.
The accomplishments of the growth and development committee have served to promote the breed and foster both member and public relations in 2025, and we plan to continue this success in the next year.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for the Growth & Development Committee, and I move that this be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
Policy & Procedures
Troy Marple, committee chairman
Committee Members: Matt Aggen, Greg Burden, Tim Clark, Victor Guerra, Chris Ivie, Maureen Mai, Scott Trennepohl, Greg Walthall
Staff lead: Sheldon Ross
As chairman of the American Simmental Association Policy & Procedures committee, I am pleased to report on the progress we have made in 2025. The committee spent a multitude of time and consideration to ensure that our policies are staying current and proper for our ASA members so they can continue to succeed in the cattle industry.
First, I would like to thank the committee members for all their diligent time and efforts. I’m also thankful for the work that staff contributes to our efforts; none of this would be possible without their help. A big thank you goes out to Sheldon Ross, Luke Bowman, Jon DeClerck, Wade Shafer, and Linda Kesler among others.
Beginning in January, the committee’s work considered many issues that concerned our members. A few of the topics of main discussion were the following:
• Allowing trustees to share/reallocate travel days (Res. #1 / 4-25-25).
• Adopting a new Dead Herdsire Waiver policy (Res. #2 / 8/24/25).
• Updating the email notification rules/procedures on DNA results and DNA pedigree updates.
• Implemented a system to allow prefix sharing among members.
• Updated the genetic hold policy.
• Added Bovine Congestive Heart Score as an add-on option to the DNA request form.
• In-depth review of the EVP hiring process.
• Updated the email notification system for nonmember accounts separate from primary email addresses.
We not only worked on making many of the above changes but also looked at and discussed multiple other policies that were deemed suitable as they exist. This committee is always looking at the present policies as well as trying to look at what is needed for the future.
In conclusion, we made significant progress in 2025 for the American Simmental Association. I am certainly proud of all the work this committee achieved. As always, the Policy & Procedure committee is in place to support our members’ needs and work to keep us in the forefront of the cattle industry.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for the Policy & Procedures Committee, and I move that it be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
Simbrah
by Joseph Hensgens, committee chairman
Committee Members: Greg Burden, Victor Guerra, Chris Ivie, Brandi Karisch, Troy Marple, Mark Smith, Scott Trennepohl, Greg Walthall
Staff lead: Dr. Elizabeth Dressler
The Simbrah Committee remained focused on the advancement of the Simbrah breed in 2025. One of the main topics that the committee discussed was promotion and advertising. Given the great success the Simbrah Committee had at the 2024 AJSA National Summer Classic with promotion, the committee aimed to replicate the promotional efforts in 2025. Promotional items were provided to juniors and their families at the Simbrah Junior Round-up and the AJSA National Summer Classic in Madison, WI. Thank you committee member Brandi Karisch and ASA staff members that made this project possible.
The Simbrah Committee is working to establish the Simbrah Youth, Education, and Research Fund within the American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation. The committee is excited about opportunities possible for this fund and is prepared with several fundraising ideas to support this Foundation account.
The last topic discussed related to promotion is Simbrah advertising opportunities. The committee is considering ways to more effectively promote the breed through advertisements. We encourage all Simbrah breeders to consider advertising as well as promotion of their news and events through ASA Publication, Inc.
Throughout the year, the Simbrah committee discussed and took action to provide clarity on percentage Simbrah rules for shows including PTP shows, Classics, Texas majors, and any and all other shows interested in hosting a Percentage Simbrah show. This action included staff letters and communications with shows, and creation of a concise list of Percentage Simbrah breed compositions that are within one generation of purebred Simbrah.
Likely the largest accomplishment of the Simbrah Committee in 2025 was the success of the F1 Simbrah
Summit. This event was held in conjunction with the 50th 7P Ranch Sale and co-hosted with the American Brahman Breeders Association on October 24, 2025. The F1 Simbrah Summit provided an excellent educational program from many high-quality presenters. The event received favorable feedback and was well attended.
I would like to thank the Simbrah committee members for their efforts throughout 2025. I would also like to thank Callie Cooley, Luke Bowman, and Jon DeClerck, as well as all the other ASA staff that assisted the committee.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for the Simbrah Committee, and I move that it be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
ASA Publication, Inc., Board
by Ryan Thorson, committee chairman
Board members: Scott Trennepohl (committee vicechairman), Victor Guerra, Quin LaFollette, Troy Marple, Jon DeClerck (EVP)
Staff lead: Callie Cooley, Business Manager
On behalf of the ASA Publication, Inc., Board, I am pleased to present this annual report summarizing the Board’s key discussions and actions throughout 2025. I would like to sincerely thank my fellow Board members, Victor Guerra, Quin LaFollette, Troy Marple, Scott Trennepohl, and Jon DeClerck, for their time and insight throughout the year.
2025 was a successful year for ASA Publication, Inc. The team received positive feedback from members about the refreshed layout of Sire Source, which transitioned to a full-size issue rather than the previous shorter format, and for the addition of more educational content that adds value for readers. Staff continues to work hard to identify engaging topics that both support ASA’s mission to serve the commercial beef industry and are of interest and use to members. The Publication Board maintained a strong focus on ensuring the long-term financial stability of ASA publications while continuing to provide valuable communication and marketing services to ASA members and the beef industry.
Financial Overview
Over the year, FY2025 financials were reviewed and ways to maintain a balanced and sustainable operating plan were discussed. While staff has been proactive in managing the rising costs of print production and postage, several decisions were made this year to help ease those challenges.
As part of this effort, the Publication Board recommended that the annual subscription, which hadn’t been changed for over 15 years, paid by ASA to ASA Publications for their services, be increased to reflect current operating costs. The ASA Growth & Development Committee approved this recommendation in August 2025, raising the annual subscription to $200,000 beginning in FY2026.
Membership Directory
After evaluating its financial performance, the Board voted unanimously to discontinue the print version of the ASA Membership Directory beginning in FY2026. While the directory has served its purpose well, its advertising potential is limited, and much of the content remains largely unchanged from year to year. In today’s digital environment, members have multiple online tools available to easily access the same information, and the Board emphasized continued investment in enhancing these digital platforms to ensure accessibility and ease of use. This decision can always be revisited in the future as member needs and communication methods evolve.
Sire Source Distribution Expansion
The Board approved expanding Sire Source distribution beginning with the 2026 issue. The publication will now be mailed to the SimTalk subscriber lists, which includes ASA members, commercial producers, universities, industry professionals, and others. This will increase circulation from approximately 8,000 to over 40,000 recipients, enhancing advertiser value and engagement with ASA members, bull buyers, and industry partners.
Advertising Packages
To modernize offerings and strengthen advertiser value, the Board approved three new advertising packages for FY2026. Each $2,500 package offers a different mix of print and digital advertising options, allowing advertisers to tailor their advertising needs, with package 1 focusing heavily on print advertising, package 3 focusing heavily on digital advertising, and package 2 providing a nice balance between print and digital advertising.
Catalog Services
In follow-up to discussions earlier in the year regarding declining demand for catalog services, the Board reviewed client data and service performance. While recognizing the historical value of ASA Publication’s catalog services, the Board determined that continuing the service was not sustainable long-term given rising costs and limited revenue potential. The Board voted unanimously to continue offering catalog services through June 30, 2026, allowing clients adequate time to transition to other providers. Staff and Board members discussed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with catalog clients and exploring ways to expand marketing opportunities to fill this gap in the future.
The ASA Publication Board extends its sincere appreciation to the ASA staff for their professionalism, creativity, and commitment to serving ASA members through quality communication and marketing initiatives. The Board remains focused on adapting ASA Publication’s services to meet the evolving needs of members and the beef industry.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for the ASA Publication, Inc., Board, and I move that it be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation Board
by Chris Ivie, committee chairman
ASF Board members: Chris Beins, David Clanton, Scott Cowger, Lori Eberspacher, Cathy Eichacker, Jill Harker, Carrie Horman, Kelly Schmidt, Adrianne Trennepohl
Staff lead: Mia Bayer
The ASF board continues to be dedicated to raising funds to support the American Simmental Association in the areas of education, youth, and research. Several fundraising activities are held throughout the year. Foundation members are tasked with reaching out to public and private donors as well as making funding recommendations on research projects and other endeavors to the executive committee. Highlights of the year include: Foundation Female
The year kicked off with the sale of the Foundation Female during the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Thank you to Dickson Simmentals of Ohio for their donation of the 2025 female. $30,000 was raised from the sale of the female to support the Merit Scholarship program, bringing the total to $765,000 raised since the program began back in 1997. Five Gold Merit Awards at $5,000 and ten Silver Merit Awards at $2,500 are awarded yearly to outstanding Simmental youth during the National Classic. These scholarships would not be possible without the support of breeders and donors who continue to support the Foundation Female sale year after year.
PTP Show Fundraising
The PTP show season provides many opportunities for fundraising. A variety of items were auctioned off with funds going toward the Merit Awards and youth programs. Sale items included a fishing trip, toy pedal tractor, and the ever-popular liquor and gun raffle held during the National Western at The One and Only Sale. Overall, over $29,000 was raised during these fundraising efforts.
National Classic
ASF continues to have a strong presence at the National Classic. Besides awarding Merit Scholarships, the Board also sponsors and organizes daily giveaway prizes for exhibitors. It is our hope to increase the awareness of the Foundation by being visible to the junior exhibitors and their families. The National Classic also hosts the ever-popular golf tournament, silent auction and BBQ cookoff. These great events helped to add almost $14,000 to our yearly fundraising efforts.
Supporter of the Year
The board voted to continue the supporter of the year award. In 2025 our supporter of the year award went to Val and Lori Eberspacher. Val and Lori have both been huge supporters of both Foundation and junior events over the years. Lori has also been a past and current.
Fall Focus
Funds for the general pillar of the Foundation are raised through the Cash Cow fundraiser during the Fall Focus. Ninety-five cow tags are sold throughout the conference with the final five tags being auctioned off during the annual recognition dinner. The lucky winner receives $2,000 and the remaining funds go to the general fund. This year, $14,775 was raised during this fun event at Fall Focus.
Research Funding
The board is committed to funding research projects and recently voted to help fund the Development of a Red Meat Phenotype for Use in Genetic Evaluation Programs of Beef Cattle Project. $25,000 will be donated over a three-year period.
The success of the Foundation is not possible without the hard work of its board as well as the generous donations of many supporters. Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for the American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation Board, and I move that it be accepted into the minutes of the 58th Annual Meeting.
