by Lilly Platts, Managing Editor
As a member of ASA’s communications team, much of my time is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the long list of things the ASA team is working on.
For this installment of “From the Headquarters,” I would like to bring awareness to just a few of the upcoming events, and updates that have been at the forefront for the ASA team recently.
ASA will host several events this summer and fall. First up is STYLE, or SimGenetics Training for Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs, which will be held June 23–25 in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Jackie Atkins leads the organization of this event, which focuses on educating and involving the next generation of leaders in the Simmental breed. The 2025 event, which was held in Bozeman, Montana, filled up in two weeks, so there is a good chance the same will be true for 2026. Despite that, I still strongly suggest that you look into the STYLE program. If you’re between the ages of 25–45, please consider snagging one of the last spots if available, or making plans for the next event.
Fall Focus will be held August 28–September 1 in Bozeman, and I am thrilled that this year’s event will be hosted at ASA’s home base. I have loved attending these events at locations across the country, but there is something special about sharing our national headquarters. The Montana Simmental Association will be hosting tours and educational sessions on the first day, and ASA will host a day-long educational symposium the next day. This will be followed by a Board of Trustees meeting, which gives attendees an opportunity to participate and interact with ASA leadership. I tell anyone who will listen about Fall Focus, and I am especially proud that ASA maintains a focus on providing education that applies not only to Simmental breeders, but the entire industry. ASA’s mission states that the success of our membership is dependent on our members’ cattle having a positive impact on the larger beef industry, and Fall Focus is guided by that. Most importantly, Fall Focus is FREE to attend, and many meals are provided. Registration and more information will be rolling out in the near future, so please keep an eye out.
Sire Source will be hitting your mailbox at the same time as this April issue of the Register. ASA’s design team has been hard at work putting this publication together, which features updated branding, and for the second year, a larger, more reader-friendly format. I am really proud of the changes we’ve made, and especially excited that it will be mailed to the entire SimTalk list of 40,000 subscribers, which expands advertiser reach to more commercial producers. This year’s publication includes a series of educational pieces, with a quick-reference EPD guide, information on ASA programs, and much more. If you are sourcing SimGenetics bulls, Sire Source will be a great tool, and if you want to get the word out about your bulls, please consider advertising next year.
ASA’s science team has recently released several EPD and trait updates. New EPD and changes naturally come with questions, and we have included an article by Dr. Elizabeth Dressler that explores both Mature Cow Weight (MW) and Cow Energy Requirements (CE). If you have any questions about these new EPD or just want to learn more about what all goes into an update like this, I encourage you to read Dr. Dressler’s article. If you would like to stay up-to-date on EPD updates, please visit simmental.org, and find “New EPD Updates” under the “Breeder Resources” tab.
These are just a few highlights from the long list of things the ASA team is working on. From AJSA events to internship opportunities, there is more happening than I can fit in this space. I encourage you to follow ASA on Facebook, and most importantly, sign up for our eNews!
