Foundation Focus

Mia Bayer, director, Youth Programs and Foundation manager, answers common questions about the American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation (ASF).

What are the primary goals of the ASF? Our mission statement best sums up our goals: “The purpose of the Foundation is to encourage, by public or private contribution, and support worthwhile educational and charitable projects that are of interest and benefit to devotees of the American Simmental Association. Further, to receive, maintain, use, and apply donated funds for such purposes; and to implement such educational and charitable projects, including, but not limited to: Support of ASA’s youth program through scholarships or program sponsorship; Continuing education programs for beef enthusiasts and members of the youth program; Expanded educational programs for ASA and members of the beef industry in the areas of performance testing, leadership, and bovine management; Research grants to qualified colleges and universities for documentation of bovine performance and research into the prevention of, or cure for, cattle diseases; and Other projects or activities as may be determined by the parent association.”

Explain the four pillars of the ASF. You may designate a donation to go to any of the four pillars. They include: Research and Technology, Youth, Education, and the ASF general fund. Each of these pillars support various projects that serve and benefit the American Simmental Association, its members, and the beef industry as a whole.

How are funds utilized? After the funds have been designated to a certain pillar they are then used within that pillar to promote and develop different programs/projects. Some examples include: • The Walton-Berry Graduate Student Support Grant, which supports graduate education with an emphasis on genetic improvement of livestock. • The Steer Profitability Contest, which provides AJSA members a chance to learn about the opportunities and challenges associated with cattle feeding. • Fall Focus, ASA’s annual educational symposium, which includes speakers on genetics, breeding, and other industry-related topics. • Merit Scholarships, which help AJSA members continue their education. • National and Regional Classic support. How does this financial support influence the larger beef industry? The financial support that the ASF offers is helping develop leaders and make strides in the industry that not only benefit the Simmental breed, but the beef industry as a whole. For example, many past AJSA members have taken advantage of scholarships and leadership opportunities that have put them in positions to lead our industry. ASF-funded research projects are generating data that not only makes the Simmental breed stronger, but the industry in general.

How can producers become involved with the ASF? The Legacy Lot program is a great way for a producer to get involved. Breeders have the opportunity to donate the proceeds from an animal or genetic lot sold in their sale. More information on becoming a Legacy Lot donor can be found on the ASF website.

Can donors specify how their donation will be used? If a fundraiser is not specially designated to a certain pillar, the donor can pick which pillar they would like to donate to. If the donor does not indicate a specific pillar, the funds go into the general fund, which goes toward programs with the greatest need.

What are the main events or fundraisers throughout the year? Funds for the Foundation are raised year round. Some donations come in as memorials and other funds are generated through various events held throughout the year. Many of the Major Progress Through Performance (PTP) shows and national events hold auctions where donated items, such as hunts, equipment, and other specialty items are sold. One of the fundraising highlights each year is the auctioning off of the Foundation Female. The Foundation board is always coming up with new and fun ideas to generate funds. To learn more about the American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation, go to simmental.org and click on ASF.

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