The American Simmental Association (ASA) hosted its 2026 Fall Focus August 28 through September 1 in Bozeman, MT, bringing together 200 breeders, industry professionals, and ASA members for education, recognition, and Association business.
The Montana Simmental Association hosted tours of Montana State University’s Bozeman Agricultural Research and Teaching (BART) Farm, and a dinner at the ASA Headquarters. The Association hosted a day-long educational symposium, covering topics relevant to the breed and beyond. The event also included a town hall session and the ASA Board of Trustees Fall meeting.
The Educational Symposium on Saturday, August 29, included presentations from Drs. Dale Woerner, Andrew Griffith, Ryan Boldt, Elizabeth Dressler, Ryan Rathmann, and Troy Rowan, covering red meat yield, beef demand, genetic evaluation, new trait development, female selection, and cow efficiency. Panel discussions throughout the day provided additional opportunities for discussion around each topic.
A highlight of the symposium was “A Reflection on Defining Moments in Simmental History,” moderated by Dr. Jerry Lipsey, past ASA EVP. The interactive discussion had pioneers of the Simmental breed speak on turning points throughout ASA’s history.
The Recognition Dinner was held Saturday evening, honoring recipients of the World Simmental-Fleckvieh Federation Golden Book Awards and Lifetime Promoter Awards. Golden Book recipients included John B. Collier of Stephenville, Texas, and Gibbs Farms of Ranburne, Alabama. The Lifetime Promoter Awards recognized Doug Parke of Paris, Kentucky, and Jim Butcher of Lewistown, Montana, honoring their significant contributions to the promotion and progressive enhancement of the Simmental breed.
The ASA Board of Trustees held their fall meeting following the educational program. The Town Hall began Sunday, August 30, at 8:00 am, followed by committee meetings and the full Board meeting. Fall Focus 2027 will be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, August 20–24. Visit fallfocus.org to learn more.
