Pages 36-37.qxp_11_Livestock Services_FP+66v 7/16/18 4:58 PM Page 3
NEWSMAKERS Willis Sisters Win Carcass Contest Alli and Maddi Willis, Marietta, Oklahoma, won first and second place in the Noble Research Institute Junior Beef Excellence Program carcass contest. A total of 56 steers from 12 counties were entered in the 23rd annual contest. Alli’s SimGenetics steer topped the contest, winning the senior in high school $2,000. Her younger sister, Maddi, was a close second winning $1,500 with a steer raised by her family’s Simmental operation. Alli and Maddi are the daughters of Jon, former ASA Board of Trustee member, and Wilma Willis.
Maddi and Alli Willis.
Giess Joins ASA Staff
Centralized Ultrasound Processing Lab Data You Trust, Service You Deserve!
Craig and Becky Hays 27577 State Hwy CC • Maryville, MO 64468 Phone: 660-562-2074
www.uicuplab.com
Semen Available on Today’s Hottest AI Sires 866-356-4565 www.cattlevisions.com
Lane Giess, who was raised near Pierz, MN, on a diversified cattle operation that includes registered South Devon and commercial cattle, has joined the American Simmental Association (ASA) team as Director of Commercial and Nontraditional Data Programs. He brings to ASA a background ranging from hands-on cattle production experience to developing novel phenotypic scoring methods in cattle. As Director of Commercial and Nontraditional Data Programs, Giess will work with commercial cattle producers assisting them in taking advantage of the many commercial-oriented programs offered by the association, assist in educational and promotional programs, and focus on the collection of nontraditional data. “I am extremely excited to be working with the ASA staff and membership,” says Giess. “I really admire the mission behind the American Simmental Association and International Genetic Solutions. The commitment to science, the commercial cattle industry, and youth development are second to none in this industry.” Giess graduated from Kansas State University (KSU) where he earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Industry and an M.S. in Animal Science with a focus on Animal Breeding and Genetics. He was advised by Dr. Bob Weaber, and worked with the ASA and the Red Angus Association of America, developing a feet and leg scoring method and genetic evaluation to help the industry identify animals with feet and leg structure problems earlier in the animal’s life. During his time at KSU, Giess participated on the livestock and meat judging teams, and as a coach for the 2017 Reserve National Champion Meat Judging team. He also studied abroad in more than five countries focusing on food science and beef industry topics. Wade Shafer, ASA’s Executive Vice President, offered this comment: “We are Lane Giess and his fiancé, Kate Hagans. extremely pleased to bring Lane onto the ASA team. He is an impressive young man who brings a lot to the table — in both his formal training and ‘real world’ experience.” ◆
July/August 2018
37