
Troy Marple, North Central Region
What a start to a great 2025. As we approach the halfway point of the year we are experiencing record highs in nearly every sector of the cattle industry.

by Lilly Platts
The World Simmental-Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF) Golden Book Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the development of the Simmental/Simbrah breeds. Two longtime Simmental breeders have received the Association’s highest honor.

Started in 2019, the Lifetime Promoter Award recognizes those who make significant contributions to the Simmental breed. Recipients of this distinguished award are selected based on major contributions to the promotion and advancement of SimGenetics and the American Simmental Association.

by Dan Rieder
Dr. Wade Shafer, who has served as ASA’s Executive Vice President since 2013, is stepping into a new chapter in retirement.

by Lilly Platts
Current Chairman of the American Simmental Association Board of Trustees, Victor Guerra, discusses his Simmental story and leadership role.

by Lilly Platts
The Carcass Merit Program has been helping SimGenetics producers prove their up-and-coming sires for 28 years, while also adding beneficial data to the genetic evaluation.

by Kathy Shafer, Integrated Media & Technology
Advertising your business through digital platforms can be an effective way to reach customers. However, because of the number of options available and the complexity of the modern digital landscape, knowing where to start can be difficult. ASA is working to stay ahead of the curve in digital marketing, and has established tools available for you to take advantage of.

Feedlot Inventory Inches Lower
by Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension
The latest USDA Cattle on Feed report pegs feedlot inventories on May 1 at 11.376 million head, down 1.5% year-over-year. This is the sixth consecutive monthly decrease year-over-year in feedlot numbers, though the decrease has been minimal thus far.

Armatrex Spray-On Antimicrobial Now Available
Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, has announced the commercial availability of Armatrex (silane quaternary ammonium salt), an EPA-registered, spray-on antimicrobial solution, as part of a partnership agreement with Good Salt Life, LLC, the product manufacturer.

DNA Testing Requirements for Herdsires
In January, ASA membership voted to require a DNA test (GGP-100K genomic panel) on all herd bulls/natural service sires born on or after January 1, 2025. This new rule mimics the current DNA requirement for AI sires and donor dams.