In Memoriam…
Brian Kitchen, Past ASA EVP, Passes
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Kitchen was hired to serve as the ASA EVP in 1991. During his tenure, the Association’s publication production was moved from Missouri to Bozeman. ASA hosted the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation gathering, as well as FOCUS 2000. Kitchen resigned as EVP in 1996.
Chloe Tolar Joins Team ASA for Summer Internship
Oklahoma State University (OSU) senior Chloe Tolar has accepted an internship with the American Simmental Association, where she will contribute to communications and youth programming. Under the guidance of Managing Editor Lilly Platts and Youth Programs and Foundation Manager Mia Bayer, Tolar is joining the team’s efforts with the Register, SimTalk, and Association communication through writing and creating content for the membership and beyond, with a special focus on expanding coverage of the AJSA and ASA’s youth programs.
Tolar is set to graduate from OSU in December 2025 with her Bachelor of Arts in English Professional Writing. Growing up between Texas and Mississippi, she has been involved in cattle raising and production her entire life through livestock showing, working with her family, and junior cattle associations. Chloe started her photography business in 2018, specializing in lifestyle portraiture, senior graduates, and weddings.
From the Spring 2025 Board Meeting
The American Simmental Association’s Board of Trustees recently met in Bozeman, Montana, to discuss key matters on behalf of ASA members and the Association. Productive discussion was held throughout the three days, and ASA would like to thank those who engaged during the committee meetings and/or other discussions. Key resolutions:
• A directive was passed to continue exploring options to restructure International Genetic Solutions (IGS) as a division of the ASA.
• Susan Russell, CMP Coordinator, reported during the Breed Improvement meeting that she is still accepting sire nominations for the Carcass Merit Program (CMP). If you or someone you know would like to nominate a sire, contact Susan at
• Resolutions were passed to approve the 2027 National Classic to be held July 17–23, 2027, in Louisville, Kentucky, and 2027 Eastern Regional Classic to be held in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, June 23–26, 2027. Minor changes to the judge selection process beginning with the 2026/2027 show season were also approved and passed.
• A directive to have staff develop a notification email system for nonmember accounts separate from the primary email address was passed.
As always, you are encouraged to reach out to a Trustee from your region or a staff member with any questions you have. This is not a complete list of the resolutions and directives passed, but rather a highlight of some of the notable discussions. .
International
Doramectin Shown as Solution for Screwworm Outbreak Threatening Cattle along Texas-Mexico Border
A resurgence of the deadly New World screwworm ( Cochliomyia hominivorax ) has prompted the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend all imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico. The parasite, whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, has been detected in southern Mexico, raising alarms about its potential spread into the United States.
The New World screwworm, once eradicated from the US in the 1960s, poses a significant threat to livestock and wildlife. Infestations can be fatal to a full-grown cow within one to two weeks if left untreated. The USDA has emphasized the severity of the threat, noting that a similar outbreak in 1976 affected over 1.4 million cattle in Texas alone.
In this critical time, Doramectin has proven to be a vital tool in combating screwworm infestations as it effectively disrupts the parasite’s life cycle by targeting larvae at multiple developmental stages.
“Doramectin targets parasitic larvae at multiple stages, killing them before they can continue their development or reproduce,” said Dr. Pete Hann, Technical Services Veterinarian and Parasitologist at Aurora Pharmaceutical. “Doramectin breaks the cycle and gives producers the upper hand in protecting their herds.”
Producers in affected areas are urged to monitor cattle closely for signs of screwworm and to consult with their veterinarians about incorporating Doramectin into their parasite control protocols.
Mexico Takes Additional Measures to Help Fight New World Screwworm
by Maggie Malson, Bovine Veterinarian
USDA has announced that Mexico agreed to additional measures to help fight New World Screwworm (NWS). The US had given Mexico a deadline of April 30 to follow protocols in place or the US would put restrictions on cattle imports.
USDA Secretary Rollins posted on X.com that Mexico has resumed efforts to help fight NWS with the following:
• Eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft
• Waive customs duties on eradication equipment
• Increase surveillance
Rollins says ports will remain open to livestock imports at this time; however, if at any time these terms are not upheld, port closure will be revisited. The secretary had sent a letter to Mexico outlining the expectations for cooperation on the issue.
Protocols had been established in February after the pest was discovered in southern Mexico in November 2024. “I am happy to share that Mexico has continued to partner in emergency efforts to eradicate the New World Screwworm,” Rollins says. “This pest is a devastating threat to both of our economies, and I am pleased to work together with Mexico in good faith to protect the livelihoods of our ranchers and producers who would have been hurt by this pest.”
Rollins reiterated that USDA is working every day to keep pests and disease from harming the agricultural industry. “I thank our frontline USDA staff and their counterparts in Mexico for their work to ensure the screwworm does not harm our livestock industry,” she adds.
