FROM THE HEADQUARTERS

Trustee Viewpoint

by Victor G. Guerra, South Central Region

As I write this, I am still reflecting upon the recent American Junior Simmental Association National National Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which in my mind was one of the most successful to date. I was in attendance for the duration of the much-anticipated event, and had the opportunity to support various events throughout the week, including the American Simmental Simbrah Foundation Breeders Cup Golf Tournament, assist in exhibiting the Simbrah heifer class in the judging contest, and also helped line up cattle for numerous shows. I want to thank the ASA staff (and their families as well), sponsors, and volunteers for their efforts in creating numerous opportunities for the AJSA members throughout the week. Last, but certainly not least, a big, hearty thanks to the families who attended the Classic in Tulsa.

This year, the ASA teamed up with Neogen and offered a free DNA clinic in Tulsa, as well as the option for AJSA members to have their cattle’s DNA collected for parentage at no charge. This program was a success with hundreds of samples collected — we appreciate everyone who participated or made it possible. As I took in the week, in particular at the awards banquet, I was inspired by the energy and constructive collaboration from the AJSA Board of Trustees down through the members who enthusiastically received their award(s) for the work they had put in to prepare for these various leadership-oriented contests. I am a proud product of the AJSA program and credit the experience — as well as those who made it possible — for much of my success. If you have not made it to an AJSA Regional or National Classic, I encourage you all to do so in 2025.

As I write this, we’re looking ahead to staying in the South Central region for Fall Focus in Amarillo, Texas, August 23–27, 2024. Fall Focus is also one of ASA’s premiere events and is shaping up to be another fun and educational gathering for beef producers in the setting of the Texas Panhandle. ASA Board of Trustee meetings are also scheduled after the conference, and we invite you to stay and join us as we discuss the business of the Association. Speaking of business, the demand for SimGenetics appears to have remained strong since my last Trustee Viewpoint as sale reports trickled into the Register from across the country. Personally, I attended the Back to Grass Sale in Henderson, Texas, this past spring and the diverse SimGenetic offering was well received by an enthusiastic crowd. Congratulations to y’all on creating this strong consumer demand for SimGenetics that we are currently experiencing, and I wish your operation continued success.

Finally, I would like to thank my fellow members who have given me this opportunity to serve the ASA, as it is an honor to give back to an organization that introduced me to one of my key pursuits in life, which is breeding SimGenetics. I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Wade Shafer for his commitment to SimGenetics and all that he has accomplished along with his team during his tenure with ASA. As we progress, we will work diligently to sustain ASA’s success to this point while pursuing innovative ways to expand SimGenetics’ thumbprint in the beef industry. Take care and I hope to see you at Fall Focus or an ASA event soon. .

From the Headquarters

by Dr. Wade Shafer, ASA EVP

This is my first Register writing assignment since announcing my upcoming retirement back in May. Since then, I’ve had several people wish me well in future endeavors. I certainly appreciate the sentiment. I also had one fellow send an email stating “it’s about time.” I appreciate that sentiment too!

As I’ve said many times in the past, growing up in Minnesota with Simmental (ASA #1740), coming to work for ASA was like being drafted by the Minnesota Twins — with the main difference being that ASA consistently wins! I’m also fond of saying that when I moved from my old job to my current job at ASA it was like transitioning from playing for the team to coaching it; I’ve never felt comfortable with the designation of boss, I’ve always seen myself as more of a coach.

I don’t know how beneficial my tenure has been for ASA, but I can tell you I feel greatly blessed for the opportunity to have served my home team. After dispersing my cow herd and seriously considering opportunities outside the cattle industry, I came out to Bozeman at the request of my old coach, Jerry Lipsey. (Jerry never liked the word boss either.) In the beginning, it was just going to be a temporary gig to do some “science stuff.” In the end, ASA would encompass the last half of my career. I will be forever indebted to Jerry for convincing me to join team ASA. It’s fair to conclude that ASA has been blessed — blessed in too many ways to enumerate in this short blurb. Since I’m restricted on space, I’ll cut right to what I feel to be ASA’s greatest blessing: the service of the most loyal and dedicated staff in the history of breed associations. As testament, over our relatively short existence ASA has had eight employees who have served us for 30-plus years. I suspect that level of commitment to be unprecedented in our industry. The employees are Steve McGuire, Linda Kesler, Dan Rieder, Marilyn Roth, Nancy Chesterfield, Linda Harris Bakken, Jim Largess, and Cynthia Conner. (Between full- and recently part-time service, Steve McGuire has contributed for over 51 years!) It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have worked with all of them. In honor of their length of service, these employees will have their portraits hung at ASA headquarters. Certainly, many others have given “hall of fame” level contributions, but we would run out of wall space if we honored all who were worthy.

Understandably, only two of those longtime employees are still working full-time for ASA. Fortunately, we have had a large and stellar draft of young people fill ASA’s ranks over the last decade. Given our outstanding staff, I am very confident that ASA will continue to be a leader in the seedstock industry — I look forward to cheering on my home team for years to come!