Education Session Speakers:• Brian DeFreese, Chairman, American Simmental Association Board of Trustees

• Greg Lardy, Ph.D., Animal Science Department Chair,North Dakota State University

• Lauren Hanna, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Livestock Genetics,North Dakota State University

• Rick Funston, Ph.D., Professor, Reproductive Physiology,West Central Research & Extension Center University ofNebraska – Lincoln

• Bill Zimmerman, Regional Representative Manager,American Simmental Association

• Chip Kemp, Director of Membership and Industry Operations,American Simmental Association

• Lauren Hyde, Ph.D., Lead Geneticist,International Genetic Solutions

• Mahdi Saatchi, Ph.D., Lead Genomicist,International Genetic Solutions

• Matt Spangler, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Extension BeefGenetics Specialist, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

• Mitch Abrahamsen, Ph.D., Past Vice President, Research and Development, Cobb-Vantress

Ramkota Hotel • Bismarck, North Dakota

Sunday, September 17• Educational Session• Lunch is provided• Social and dinner at Black Leg Ranch,transportation provided. Hosted by NorthDakota Simmental Association.

Monday, September 18• Interactive Committee Meetings and staffpresentations — Join the ASA Trustees todiscuss critical issues in each of the fiveStanding Committees and hear staff reportsin various areas.

• Lunch is provided with welcome fromNorth Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

• Dinner on your own

Tuesday, September 19• Board Meeting continues — all are invited to stay

• Lunch is provided• Dinner on your own

Wednesday, September 20 • Board Meeting — voting on resolutions• Adjourn by 10:00 am

General Schedule

Level IV: GeneSeek®North Dakota Simmental Association

Level III:Begger’s Diamond V RanchGateway SimmentalKenner Simmental RanchMcDonald FarmsPine Ridge Ranch, LLCSRF Simmentals

A special thank you to Bill McDonald and the Foundation Board for their continuedsupport of educational programs and securing sponsors for Fall Focus.

Level II:GenexTM

Gibbs FarmsMiller SimmentalsSelect Sires® Inc.Mandan Lake Creek Simmental Ranch

TNT Simmental Ranch

Level I:Lehrman Family SimmentalsMatheson Farms, LLCQuissell’s A.I. Service

Pledges received by 6/19/17

11:15 am – 12:15 pmNew Developments with InternationalGenetic Solutions (IGS)Feeder Profit Calculator — Chip Kemp,Director of Member and IndustryRelations, ASA

Genetic Evaluation using BOLT — Drs. LaurenHyde and Mahdi Saatchi, ASA/IGS

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch in the Lamborn Room With 10-minute Sponsor Spotlight fromGeneSeek

1:30 pm – 2:30 pmMootopia: An Animal Breeder’s Wish listfor the Beef IndustryDr. Matt Spangler, Associate Professor,Extension Beef Genetics Specialist University of Nebraska — Lincoln

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Animal Breeding Programs to Support an Ever-Changing World Dr. Mitch Abrahamsen, Past Vice President Research and Development Cobb-Vantress

3:30 pm – 4:00 pmBreak — Courtyard

4:00 pm – 5:00 pmUsing Selection Indexes Panel of breeders and speakers

5:00 pm – 5:10 pmWrap up

6:00 pmEvening dinner and social at Black LegRanch, transportation provided. Hosted bythe North Dakota Simmental Association.

Educational Session Schedule“Select for Success”

7:30 am – 8:00 am Packet pick-up and Registration — Courtyard

8:00 am – 8:15 am Welcome to Fall Focus 2017 Brian DeFreese, Chairman of the ASA Board of Trustees

8:15 am – 8:30 am Opening CommentsDr. Greg Lardy, Department Chair AnimalSciences, North Dakota State University

8:30 am – 9:30 am Animal Breeding in a NutshellDr. Lauren Hanna, Assistant Professor,Livestock Genetics North Dakota StateUniversity

9:30 am – 10:30 am Increasing Productive Efficiency in Beef CattleDr. Rick Funston, Professor, Reproductive Physiology West CentralResearch & Extension Center University of Nebraska — Lincoln

10:30 am – 10:45 am Introduction to ASA RepresentativesBill Zimmerman, Regional RepresentativeManager, American Simmental Association

10:45 am – 11:15 amBreak — Courtyard

Moderators: Jackie Atkins, Wade Shafer,Lauren Hyde, Bert Moore, Russ Danielson

Sunday, September 17Grand Pacific/Patterson Ramkota Hotel

The North Dakota Simmental Association is proud to host the Sunday September 17, 2017, evening social and prime rib supper at the Black Leg Ranch located 25 miles southeast of Bismarck, ND. Bus transportationwill be provided from the Ramkota Hotel for attendeesbut you must pre-register at fallfocus.org.

Join us for a social hour and prime rib supper catered by the North Dakota State University Meats Lab catering team; “Carnivore Catering”. Look forwardto a fun-filled evening with the opportunity to visit with the membership of the North Dakota SimmentalAssociation, as well as many industry leaders and officials from the great state of North Dakota.

Welcome address from the North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, Doug Goehring.

North Dakota Simmental Associationto host ASA Fall Focus Social and Supper

Sunday, September 17, 6:00 PM

Dining room at Black Leg Ranch

Black Leg Ranch

Banquet room at Black Leg Ranch

Pre-registration for the social and supper is required.

Registration deadline is September 6.

www.fallfocus.org

Mitch Abrahamsen, Ph. D.Past Vice President Research and Development Cobb-Vantress

Until recently, Dr. Abrahamsen was the Senior Vice President Research andDevelopment for Cobb-Vantress, wherehe led the company’s research and devel-opment effort, and global internal andexternal strategic programs for bringinginnovation and new technologies to the poultry industry.He has held faculty positions at Montana State University,and in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the Universityof Minnesota where he was a recognized internationalauthority on animal genomics, animal health, and molecu-lar bases of infection diseases. He earned his B.Sc. degreeat the University of Minnesota and his Ph.D. in biochem-istry at the University of Washington, Seattle WA. Prior to Cobb-Vantress, he served as Vice President of Researchfor Hill’s Pet Nutrition for Colgate-Palmolive Co. Dr. Abrahamsen currently serves on the board of directors for Recombinetics in the United States, Genome Prairie, aCanadian not for profit organization that supports researchin agricultural genomics and related biosciences, andpreviously with Breed 4 Food, a Netherlands-based private/public partnership focused on multispecies issues facing the breeding industries.

Lauren Hanna, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Genetic Improvement of Livestock North Dakota State University

Dr. Lauren Hanna is an Assistant Pro-fessor focusing on genetic improvementin livestock at the North Dakota StateUniversity Department of Animal Sciences since June of2013. She is from Navasota, a small town about 25 milessouth of College Station, Texas. Lauren was active in 4-Hand FFA while growing up in Navasota, including raisingand showing pigs for county and state fairs. After highschool, Lauren attended Texas A&M University in CollegeStation for her bachelor, masters, and doctoral degrees.Her bachelor’s degree focused on Animal Science, with anemphasis on science curriculum and a minor in business.She then focused on animal breeding and genetics for her graduate studies, particularly research in quantitativegenetics with beef cattle. Lauren teaches undergraduateand graduate courses related to animal breeding andgenetics and research design and statistical analyses in theanimal sciences. She also conducts research, currently onidentifying data collection methods that are effective fordifficult-to-collect traits (e.g., temperament, longevity, etc.)and how different methods may impact genetic associationresults and evaluations of merit.

Meet Your Speakers Greg Lardy, Ph.D.Animal Science Department ChairNorth Dakota State University

Dr. Greg Lardy was raised on a farmand ranch near Sentinel Butte, NorthDakota. He received his B.S. degree fromNorth Dakota State University, his M.S. from the Univer-sity of Missouri, and his Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska. He joined the faculty at NorthDakota State University in 1997. Since 2009, he has served as department head in Animal Sciences providingleadership for over 60 faculty and staff. Since 2015, he hasserved as Associate Vice President for Agricultural Affairsat NDSU while continuing to maintain his departmenthead duties. In 2013-2014, Dr. Lardy also served as president of the American Society of Animal Science, a scientific society with approximately 6,000 members.

Rick Funston, Ph. D. Professor of Reproductive PhysiologyWest Central Research & Extension Center University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Dr. Funston is a professor and Repro-ductive Physiologist at the University ofNebraska. He received his BS from NorthDakota State University, MS from Montana State University, his Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming, and completed a Post Doc at Colorado State University inReproduction/Biotechnology. He divides his time betweenextension and research. His research on lighter heiferdevelopment is receiving national attention/adoption;research on fetal programming effects on postnatal calf performance including carcass characteristics andreproduction has received national and internationalrecognition; and he is a team member of nationally recognized beef systems research. In the extension capac-ity, he provides leadership and subject matter expertise foreducational programs in cow-calf production managementfor the West Central District and statewide expertise inbeef reproductive management programs.

Chip KempDirector of Membership and Industry OperationsAmerican Simmental Association

Chip Kemp, graduated from the Uni-versity of Missouri (MU) with a Mastersof Science in Animal Science in 2001.While at MU, Chip coached livestock judging teams alongside various teaching responsibilities, including thecoordination of the Animal Science Internship Program.During his tenure at MU, Kemp was the recipient of the

Missouri Department of Agriculture Livestock LeadershipAward, the University’s CAFNR Outstanding AdvisorAward, and the Outstanding Educator Award.As Director of Member and Industry Relations for

ASA, Kemp works within public relations to support andpromote ASA membership services, assists in programsdesigned to educate and encourage the integration oftechnology, as well as working with ASA Progress Through Performance program.

Matt Spangler, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Extension Beef Genetics Specialist University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Matt Spangler grew up on a diversifiedcrop and livestock farm in Kansas. Hereceived degrees from Kansas State Uni-versity (BS; 2001), Iowa State University (MS; 2003), andthe University of Georgia (Ph.D.; 2006) and is currently anAssociate Professor and Extension Beef Genetics Specialistat the University of Nebraska. He works as part of a teamwith colleagues at UNL and US MARC to improvegenetic/genomic selection tools and methods.

Brian DeFreeseASA Chairman of the Board

Brian DeFreese of West Point, Indiana,is the owner of Shawnee Cattle Companyat West Point, Indiana. In addition to hisown herd of Simmental, he serves asmanager of the Purdue University BeefUnit, which produces commercial females and feedlotsteers from a cowherd of 300 SimAngus™ cows and 100replacement heifers.After attending the University of Indiana for three years,

he graduated in 1974 from Purdue, then spent nine yearstraveling the US and Canada, working for several purebredcattle operations. He farmed and raised cattle for morethan 30 years before accepting his present position atPurdue in 2007. In addition to serving his second three-year term on the

ASA Board of Trustees, DeFreese has also been active inthe Hoosier Beef Congress, the Indiana State Fair and theIndiana Performance Tested Bull Sale. He’s also a memberof the Indiana Beef Cattle Association and served as presi-dent of the Tippecanoe County Cattlemen's Association.

Lauren Hyde, Ph.D. Lead Geneticist, International Genetic Solutions

Lauren Hyde earned a Bachelor’sDegree in economics from the Universityof Colorado in 1981; and, several yearslater she returned to the university sys-tem to pursue a Master’s of Science and a Ph.D. in animalbreeding from Colorado State University (CSU), graduatingin 2000.During her graduate studies, Hyde worked as a research

assistant at CSU’s Center for Genetic Evaluation of Live-stock (CGEL). Her experience at CGEL running nationalcattle evaluations positioned her for roles as Director ofPerformance Programs at the North American LimousinFoundation, Genetic Evaluation Specialist at the AmericanSimmental Association (ASA) and currently as LeadGeneticist at International Genetic Solutions (IGS). As one of the members of the ASA/IGS genetic evaluationteam, Lauren has helped develop and implement multi-breed calving ease and genomically enhanced EPDs and is currently assisting in the development and testing of a state-of-the-art genetic evaluation computer system.Dr. Hyde is very active in the beef industry, having

served as a reviewer for the Journal of Animal Science, as chair of a cooperative extension research group onnational beef cattle genetic evaluation, and as a boardmember of the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF). In2013, Hyde received the BIF Continuing Service Award in recognition for her significant contributions.

Bill Zimmerman Regional Representative ManagerAmerican Simmental Association

Bill Zimmerman is responsible forscheduling and coordination of ASArepresentation at member sales andevents, state association sponsored meet-ings and events, and other requests for ASA presence atstate and regional cattle industry events. Prior to coming to ASA in 2013, Bill spent nearly 20 years as an extensioneducator in Utah, Nevada, Minnesota, and Poland. Hisrecent efforts in the beef industry include planning andconducting national conferences on beef quality, work as acattle genetics specialist/regional sales manager, and free-lance writing focused on genomics and feed efficiency inbeef cattle. Bill earned BS degree at Arizona and Utah StateUniversities, MS degree from Utah State and MBA from St. Cloud State University. Zimmerman has a long historywith ASA, beginning in the early 70s. Both Bill and his wife, Penny, are also very active in NCBA. Penny is the 2017 President of American National Cattle Women(ANCW). The Zimmermans raise Simmental and Charolaisseedstock on their “One Penny Ranch” near Foley, MN.

Mahdi Saatchi, Ph.D.Lead Genomicist International Genetic Solutions

Mahdi Saatchi, who holds a B.S.degree in Animal Science, an M.S. degreein Animal Breeding and Genetics, and aPh.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics,joined the American Simmental Association (ASA) staff asLead Genomicist for the International Genetics Solutions(IGS) program. IGS is a collaborative effort focusing onmulti-breed genetic evaluation involving 12 different beef breed associations.During a three-and-a-half year period spanning 2010 to

2014, he studied and worked as a Postdoctoral ResearchScientist at Iowa State University (ISU). While at ISU, hedeveloped and implemented genomic selection technologyinto genetic evaluations for several US beef cattle breedassociations, including Simmental, Hereford, Red Angus,Gelbvieh and Limousin in collaboration with the NationalBeef Cattle Evaluation Consortium.Dr. Saatchi joined the ASA team and began his duties

on January 1, 2016. The previous 18 months, he had been employed as a genomic research scientist for the Pork Improvement Company (PIC), located at Henderson-ville, Tennessee.

Open ASA Board MeetingMonday September 18 — Wednesday September 20

Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck, ND

“The success of the American Simmental Association is dependent on thesuccess of our members. In turn, our members’ success is dependent ontheir cattle making an important and significant contribution to the beefindustry. Our highest priority is to maintain and nurture services and products which bring value to ASA members’ customers.”

The American Simmental Association believes the best way to serve its members, its members’ customers and the beef industry is through contin-ual improvement and use of genetic and associated technologies. As such,the Association will continue to be a worldwide leader in the developmentand integration of these technologies for the beef industry. The Associationwill initiate and foster relationships with like-minded entities to enhanceour ability to achieve this objective. The Association will be widely recog-nized as having an unyielding commitment to scientific principles and as a hub for the industry’s most progressive seedstock producers — an organi-zation that is extremely cooperative with all facets of the industry andtirelessly devoted to the success of its members and its members’ customers.

1. Development, registration and promotion of SimGenetics. 2. Offer services relating to all beef production segments. Be leaders.

Step outside the traditional services and offer opportunities for our members to grow in the industry.

3. Commitment to science and development of the most effective selection tools. Advance ASA in the industry.

4. Commitment to partnerships with industry leaders and universities to advance research and science. Advancing selection tools, DNA-enhanced EPDs, and monitoring genetic defects.

5. Promotion and marketing to enhance our members’ market share.Ensure that SimGenetics continue to appeal to the commercial industry.

6. Offer the most advanced genetic evaluation services with the largestdatabase regardless of breed.

7. Financial stability using sound business practices. ASA will maintainsufficient financial reserves to assure leadership in the beef industry,funds for continued research and development, and a thriving breed association.

8. Support junior programs. Guide the junior membership and their programs to learn life skills, science and use of technology, and financial responsibilities. Involve the Foundation.

9. Education for members’ advancement and profit.10. Membership and data growth.

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

Core Policies

Monday, September 18General Session: Grand Pacific/Patterson

• Welcome ASA Board Chairman, Brian DeFreese and EVP, Wade Shafer

• Approval of the Agenda• Announcement: 2018 Fall Focus Location• Feeder Profit Calculator Report • Stats & Measurements — How are We Doing?• Breed Improvement Committee • Lunch is provided — Guest speaker, Doug Burgum, North Dakota governor

• Break out Session I: u Policy & Procedures Committee —

Dakota Ballroom

u Feeder Profit Calculator Demonstration – Dakota Ballroom

• Break out Session II: u Activities & Events Committee —

Dakota Ballroom

u Growth & Develop Committee — Dakota Ballroom

• Simbrah Committee will meet Mondaymorning over breakfast.

• Wrap-Up Session — Dakota Ballroom

Tuesday, September 19Missouri Ballroom

• Board meeting continues with the financialreport, committee reports and staff updates

• Lunch is provided• Dinner on your own

Wednesday, September 20Governor's Room

• Board meeting continues with voting ondirectives and resolutions

• Adjourn by 10:00 am

Lunch is provided on Monday and Tuesday in the Lamborn Room but dinners are notincluded.

Front row left to right:Jon Willis, Tim Curran, John Irvine, Dr. Gary Updyke,Erika Kenner, Claye Kaelberer, Mike Forman and Gordon Hodges.

Back row left to right: Fred Schuetze, Randy Moody, Clay Lassle, Tom Nelson, Tim Smith, Brian DeFreese, Dale Miller, Barry Wesner and Steve Eichacker.

2017 ASA Board of Trustees

All are welcome to join the ASA Board of Trustees and staff during the interactive committee meetings andreports. Come hear the committee reports, staff updates,voice your own thoughts, and learn first-hand what eachcommittee is accomplishing. Please feel welcome to joinus during all or part of these sessions.

Activities & Events Review and recommend to the Board any new Associa-

tion activities and events or changes to existing programs.An Association program is defined as any event that issponsored in whole or in part by the Association in termsof financial support, staff time and effort, or the use of theAssociation name. It shall include, but not be limited to,such items as sales, contests, programs and membership in other organizations.

John Irvine, Chairman Tim SmithFred Schuetze Jon WillisGary Updyke Steve EichackerBarry Wesner Randy MoodyStaff Contacts: Emily Lochner and Chip Kemp

Breed Improvement All activities which would have a bearing on the

improvement of the breed will be the responsibility of this committee. Performance guidelines, research, geneticmonitoring, DNA analysis, and regulations for new technology, are examples.

Tim Curran, Chairman Tom NelsonFred Schuetze Clay LassleMike Forman Steve EichackerGordon Hodges John IrvineStaff Contacts: Wade Shafer and Jackie Atkins

Growth & DevelopmentReview and recommend to the Board of Trustees new

programs or activities which will foster and promote thecontinued growth and development of the breed and theAssociation. Functions such as promotion, public rela-tions, member relations, advertising, and the role of theAssociation within the beef industry will be addressed by this committee.

Mike Forman, Chairman Gordon HodgesErika Kenner Claye KaelbererClay Lassle Tim CurranTom Nelson Dale MillerStaff Contacts: Chip Kemp and Luke Bowman

Policies & Procedures This committee shall be responsible for the aspects of

Association life that require an interpretation of policy orprocedural questions or the formulation of proposals thatwill have a bearing on the membership of this Association.

Erika Kenner, Chairwoman Barry WesnerJon Willis Gary UpdykeClaye Kaelberer Tim SmithRandy Moody Dale MillerStaff Contact: Steve McGuire

Simbrah The objectives of this Committee are to review policy,

rules, regulations, activities, promotional methods andmaterials which pertain to the Simbrah breed.

Jon Willis, Chairman Fred SchuetzeGordon Hodges Tim SmithRandy Moody Gary UpdykeStaff Contacts: Wade Shafer and Chip Kemp

Finance This committee shall monitor the investment program

of the Association on a periodic basis, review the incomeand expense reports monthly, prepare and submit to theBoard of Trustees for approval an annual operating budget,and review proposed capital expenditures for approval orrecommendation to the Board.

Fred Schuetze, ASA Treasurer Erika KennerBrian DeFreese, ASA Chairman Mike FormanTim Smith, ASA Vice-ChairmanStaff Contact: Linda Kesler

Executive CommitteeBrian DeFreese, Chairman Tim Smith, Vice-ChairFred Schuetze, TreasurerGordon HodgesBarry WesnerWade Shafer

Interactive Committee Meetings

u For each agenda item:

v Review of Reference Material

v Committee Discussion on agenda item.

v Staff presentation(s) if any relating to the agenda item.

v Attendees: Open the floor for general discussion onagenda item.

v Close floor.

v Resolution or Directive Needed — Move and Second by committee members only. Vote by committee members only.

v Please use microphones when speaking.

u Moderated by Committee Chair

u Meetings will follow Roberts Rules of Order

u Review of previous meeting’s minutes

Guidelines forCommittee meetings:

Level I (Under $500):u Name listed in Fall Focus programu Name included on sponsor posteru Name on fallfocus.orgu Group photo at the event

Level II ($500-$999):In addition to the above perks, donors will also receivethe following: u Banner ad on fallfocus.orgu Your business brochure included in the registrationpackets

u Designed poster — 20 inches wide x 30 inches tallu eNews banneru Tabletop space by registration desk for business promotion

Become a sponsor of future ASA’s Fall Focus events and enjoy the following:

Level III ($1,000-$3,499):In addition to the above perks, donors will also receivethe following: u Slide show promotion during breaks

Level IV ($3,500 and above):In addition to the above perks, donors will also receivethe following:u Ten minutes to address attendees

For more information about sponsoring Fall Focus,please contact Bill McDonaldat 540.230.6225 or byemail at info@mcdonaldfarms.com

Thank you to the North Dakota Simmental Association for co-hosting the 2017 Fall Focus

u Applications accepted through state association affiliation.

u Preference given to locations tied to a university and/orindustry for the educational session

u Event spans 3.5 days between August 20 and September 10

u State association is responsible for the cost of the dinner following the educational symposium (typically 200 atten-dees). Dinner and evening program at the discretion of thestate association officers, ASA Board Chairman and the Executive Vice President

u Committees and board meetings are under the direction of the ASA Board Chairman and Executive Vice President.

u Go to fallfocus.org for more information.

NDSA Board of Directors:Tim Clark, PresidentTodd Finke, Immediate Past PresidentDusty Kunkel, Vice PresidentKim Myers, Secretary/TreasurerDerik SamuelsonTyler Kinn

Doug BichlerJR AufforthDavid DollPat ThorsonJeff Thomas (Fall Focus Coordinator)

Interested in hosting 2019 Fall Focus?

Questions about Fall Focus, contact Nancy Chesterfield at 406-587-2778.

Hotel Information:Ramokota Hotel (Headquarters)800 South 3rd Street, Bismarck, ND 58504701-258-7700Rate: $109.00Cut Off Date: September 4, 2017www.bismarck.bwramkota.comGroup Code: Fall Focus

Travel Information:Bismarck, ND Airportwww.bismarckairport.comFree shuttle to and from the airport — use the courtesy phone in luggage area.

Area Information:The Bismarck and Mandan area provides a varietyof activities for the entire family. The North Dakotastate capitol is a beautiful site to see. It is locatednext to the Heritage Center, which includes a vari-ety of artifacts and pieces of North Dakota’s history, dating back 600 million years. The Missouri Riverseparates Bismarck and Mandan and offers a varietyof recreational activities. Fort Lincoln, just south of Mandan, is a fascinating historical site offeringmilitary and Native American history. Tour throughthe On-A-Slant Indian Village with reconstructedearth lodges or walk through Custer’s house to step back in time. The North Dakota Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park lie west of Bismarck/Mandan about 90 minutes by car.North Dakota has elite fishing, golfing, rugged biking, fine shopping, dining, and so much more!

For more area information: www.ndtourism.com/cities/bismarck-mandanwww.ndtourism.com

North Dakota State CapitolTheodore Roosevelt National Park

On-A-Slant Indian Village

Headquarters Hotel

Northern Lights Atrium welcomes visitors to the North DakotaHeritage Center & State Museum.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park