BULLETINS 2018 Steer Profitability Competition Eligibility The AJSA’s inaugural Steer Profitability Competition (SPC) kicked off November 1, 2016. It’s time to begin thinking about the 2017/2018 SPC. Any steer calf January 15 - April 15, 2017, is eligible for this fall’s SPC competition. There is no breed requirement for entry. The animal requires one parent be on file with ASA as either a Simmental or Foundation animal. Youth aged eight to 21 are encouraged to retain ownership on spring steer calves for entry into the 2017-18 Steer Profitability Competition. Entries are due September 15, 2017. Please direct questions to ASA Membership Director, Chip Kemp at 406-587-4531 ext. 508 or ckemp@simmgene.com.
Classic Registration Integrated with Herdbook Services This year the Classic entry system is integrated within ASA’s membership and registration database (Herdbook.org). In order to access the entry form, a junior will be required to log in with their AJSA membership number and password. Following log in, the entry system will pull animals from the registry. If the junior is not an owner or authorized representative on the intended animal’s pedigree, the system will not allow the entry. Members are encouraged to renew or apply for AJSA membership and process animal registrations early. Waiting until the last minute may prevent entry, as issues with membership or animal registration cannot be processed without proper notice. In previous years, the deadline was pushed back by paying a late-entry fee but that option is no longer available. Any questions can be directed to ASA Youth Director, Emily Lochner at: 406-587-4531 ext. 517 or elochner@simmgene.com.
ASA Requesting Cow Weights The American Simmental Association is seeking to increase the flow of mature cow weights into its database. Cow weights provide valuable information for use in our genetic evaluation system. ASA requests that you weigh your cows close to weaning time, and, if possible, give your cows a body condition score at the same time.
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April 2017
Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle Seminar May 8-9, 2017, Bozeman, MT Best Western Plus Grantree Inn 1325 N 7th Avenue Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-5261 May 11-12, 2017; Rapid City, SD Rushmore Inn and Suites 445 Mount Rushmore Rd Rapid City, SD 57701 605-646-4690 • Group rate available until April 18. Use code “Beef Cattle”. • $300 – Includes materials, equipment, refreshments and meals. • Develop breeding objectives by identifying environmental constraints, marketing alternatives, and the economic relevancy of traits. • Decipher performance measures, adjusted data, ratios, and Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). • Understand selection accuracy, confidence intervals, and strategies for multiple trait selection. • Application of advanced genetic tools including genomically enhanced EPDs and marker assisted management in genetic advancement.
Books for Children’s Hospital of Mississippi In conjunction with the 2017 National Classic, the AJSA is inviting the membership to donate new or gently used children’s books for the Children’s Hospital of Mississippi as a part of their annual service project. The National Classic to be held in Hattiesburg, MS, is less than an hour from the hospital. States will compete against each other to see who has brought the most donations. Books may be passed onto junior state advisors or anyone traveling to the National Classic. Donations will be collected at the National Classic Opening Ceremony.
2017 Year-Letter is “E” The year-letter animal identification letter for 2017 is “E”, and will be followed by F in 2018 and G in 2019. The letter D was the year-letter designated for use during 2016.
AJSA Schedule and Deadlines April 1 — Classic entry forms available at www.juniorsimmental.org April 15 — Hotel Scholarship application deadline April 15 — Steers born Jan 15-Apr 15 eligible for Steer Profitability Competition May 15 — Regional Classic entry/ownership deadline *no late entry May 22 — National Classic entry/ownership deadline *no late entry June 1 — Photography Contest, Interview Contest, Trustee application, Silver and Gold Merit Award application deadline June 14-17 — South Central Regional Classic, Springfield, MO June 14-17 — Eastern Regional Classic, London, OH June 21-24 — Western Regional Classic, Klamath Falls, OR June 28-July 2 — North Central Regional Classic, Huron, SD July 9-15 — National Classic, Hattiesburg, MS August TBA — Summit Leadership Conference September 15 — Steer Profitability Competition Entry deadline, forms available at www.juniorsimmental.org
50% off GGPLD Pricing The ASA Board of Trustees approved a resolution to offer a 50% off rebate on Geneseek Genomic Profiler Low Density (GGPLD) testing in exchange for either feed intake and/or carcass data. Members will receive one 50% off price discount per carcass or feed intake record submitted. Records must be valid for use in ASA’s genetic evaluation system (at least two sires represented and the animals must have at least the sire identified). Animals must have been born after August 31, 2015, to qualify for the program. Please contact jatkins@simmgene.com. (Continued on page 36)