by Dr. Jon DeClerck, Executive Vice President
As I prepare to step into the role of Executive Vice President of the American Simmental Association (ASA) on July 1, I’m filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of purpose.

This transition period, working alongside ASA’s retiring EVP Dr. Wade Shafer and COO/CFO Linda Kesler, has been a masterclass in leadership and dedication. Wade and Linda have been the backbone of the ASA for years, steering our organization through challenges and opportunities with wisdom and grit. Their contributions to ASA and the cattle industry are immense, and we owe them a profound debt of gratitude. Wade’s strategic vision and Linda’s operational expertise have elevated Simmental’s prominence, and their willingness to serve as consultants post-retirement ensures their legacy will continue to guide us. I’ve gained invaluable insights from their ability to balance innovation with tradition, and I’m honored to build on their foundation.
A key factor that drew me to this role is ASA’s unwavering commitment to scientific principles and its focus on prioritizing the cattle industry’s needs. Our core values and mission statement are unique, and they’ve been instrumental in driving the remarkable success of SimGenetics. This strong foundation positions ASA for continued growth as innovation accelerates, and I’m excited to be part of an organization so deeply rooted in purpose and progress.
That same commitment is clearly reflected in the people behind the mission. Working with ASA’s incredible staff has been one of the most rewarding parts of this transition. This team is a powerhouse of talent — executing at a high level and living out our shared commitment to advancing the industry and serving producers. Their professionalism and passion make it easy to see why ASA is a leader in genetic evaluation, youth development, and breed advancement. I’m truly thrilled to collaborate with them as we chart ASA’s next chapter.
I’ve also had the privilege of leading the planning for Fall Focus 2025, ASA’s flagship educational event. It’s shaping up to be a great opportunity — not only to connect with many of you in person — but to dive into a timely and complex topic: the cattle industry’s paradox. On the one hand, moderate-framed cows have proven to be efficient, sustainable, and well-suited for many production environments. On the other hand, feedlots and packers are increasingly pushing for larger, heavier cattle to meet consumer demand for more beef. This issue sits at the intersection of two areas I’m passionate about — science and economics — and has significant implications for the future of our industry. Simmental genetics have already shown the ability to bridge this gap, offering both brood cow efficiency and feedlot performance. But as leaders and innovators, we have the opportunity to go even further. At Fall Focus, we’ll explore the genetic tools and management strategies that can help close this divide — and I look forward to the conversations that will emerge about using our cattle to drive long-term profitability.
Stepping into the EVP role is the culmination of a lifelong dream. I’ve been immersed in the cattle industry all my life — working on ranches, conducting research, and gaining experience across different regions and sectors of the beef business. Throughout every stage of my career, one constant has been the standout performance, adaptability, and quality of Simmental cattle. Their impact on commercial and seedstock operations alike is nothing short of staggering, and I’m deeply honored to serve our membership by leading an association that has been instrumental in the remarkable success and continued evolution of SimGenetics. It’s been a pleasure meeting many of you at events, shows, and sales — your passion for the breed is truly inspiring. I’m looking forward to connecting with even more of you, as your insights and experiences are the driving force behind the Association’s success.
My goal is to expand the reach of Simmental genetics. We have a powerful story to tell of cattle that combine efficiency, growth, and market relevance. I’m committed to helping producers amplify this story through data-driven tools, innovative marketing, and partnerships that showcase Simmental’s value.
This is an exciting time for ASA. With Wade and Linda’s guidance, a talented staff, and a passionate membership, we’re poised to accelerate our momentum. Thank you for your support. I’m honored to serve you and look forward to working together to advance the Simmental breed. See you at Fall Focus! .



