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.
DNA Testing for Herdsires
Rule Amendment No. 1 passed. Effective immediately, any natural service sire born on or after January 1, 2025, must now meet the same DNA requirements (GGP-100K testing) as AI sires and donor dams before any of their progeny can be registered. This rule change does not affect current herdsires, but will impact many producers in the coming years. ASA strongly encourages members to begin planning for this change immediately to ensure no future issues. To help clarify the rule change, see the examples below:
Example Scenario 1: On April 5, 2026, Mr. Smith registers bull calf 1P. The calf is the result of natural service. The calf’s sire was born on March 20, 2021, and is not DNA tested. Even though this natural service sire hasn’t been DNA tested, Mr. Smith is able to register the calf because his sire was born before January 1, 2025. Only natural service sires born on or after January 1, 2025, are required to be DNA tested.
Example Scenario 2: In 2028, Mr. Smith applies for registration on bull calf 1S. The calf is the result of natural service; however, this time, the calf’s sire was born February 1, 2025, and is not DNA tested. Mr. Smith is not able to register bull calf 1S because the rule change requires natural service sires born on or after January 1, 2025, have the same DNA requirements as AI sires and donor dams. 1S cannot be registered until his sire meets the current DNA requirements.
ASA encourages breeders to test any bulls born after the first of this year that they anticipate will be used as natural service sires or AI sires. This proactive step will help ensure compliance with the new requirement. Contact the DNA Department at
Third-Party Vendor Designation
Bylaw Amendment No. 3 passed. Third-party vendors will now be recognized differently than authorized representatives in Herdbook. Many members utilize the services of data managers or other professionals, and for ease of communication, include these person(s) as authorized representatives on their Herdbook membership account. These third-party vendors will now have a separate designation on Herdbook, allowing them to communicate about ASA records, but separating them from authorized representatives on the account. If you have a person(s) listed on your account who is a third-party vendor (record keeper, office manager, etc.) please call the ASA office.
Additional Updates
In addition to these changes, sale managers and those submitting transfer requests will be required to provide current contact information (name, address, phone number, and email), in order to quickly and accurately address any questions.
The 2025 Western Regional application was approved, and the event will be held in Tremonton, Utah, June 19–22, 2025. The dates of the 2026 National Classic were approved, and the event will be held in Grand Island, Nebraska, July 4–10, 2026. Free DNA testing will once again be available on cattle entered and exhibited at the 2025 National Classic. More details to follow.
In addition to the printed copies, active adult members will also receive an emailed copy of the Register if an email address is on file, which will further ensure timely communication about Association news as well as the distribution of valuable advertisements. To receive your digital copy please ensure that the email address on file in Herdbook is current.
The American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program (CMP) is the beef industry’s most demanding and informative young sire test. The program is a hallmark of ASA breed improvement for economically relevant carcass traits. Commercial producers play an integral part in this project.
Participants receive:
- $200 for each AI-sired calf with carcass information
- Free semen on top young herdsires
- Free ASA Genetic Evaluation on your cow herd
- Keep any or all replacement females
Become a Carcass Merit Program test herd today
*The CMP is a structured young sire progeny test. Participating cooperator herds will random sample their cow herd with CMP semen, and the resulting male (or female) progeny will be harvested with individual carcass data gathered. ASA Staff will work with cooperator herds to provide bulls that fit the general criteria of your management program; however, only bulls nominated into the CMP program may be used. Producers are encouraged to be somewhat proficient in Microsoft Excel for accurate and consistent record-keeping.
To learm more about the CMP visit www.simmental.org, then click Carcass Merit Program under the Commercial tab.
Questions, contact
