ASA FALL FOCUS

Registration for Fall Focus is free; however, we ask that you do your best to accurately indicate which events and meals you will or will not be present for. If your plans change, please send an email to Nancy at nchesterfield@simmgene.com. Thank you!

Best Western Plus Gran Tree Inn
1325 N 7th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715

The GranTree Inn will serve as the official host hotel and the main location for most Fall Focus sessions. The group rate and room block expire on July 24, so be sure to make your reservation early. An additional room block is available at My Place Hotel.

Shuttle to & from Yellowstone Bozeman International Airport is available.

An additional room block is available at My Place Hotel

A Reflection on Defining Moments in Simmental History

Dr. Jerry Lipsey was raised on a small cattle and grain farm in Charlotte, Michigan. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University and a doctorate in meat science from Kansas State University. He started his career in 1978 as the director of junior activities for the American Angus Association. In 1982, he began what would be a 15-year tenure as a University of Missouri (MU) meat science professor. Then, in 1996, he accepted the position of Executive Vice President at the American Simmental Association (ASA), which he held until 2013. Lipsey provided visionary and effective leadership to the ASA at a critical time in the organization’s life. Lipsey has had a significant effect on the beef industry, as a highly respected animal scientist and college professor, diligent and skilled breed association executive, innovator, and loyal friend. A devoted family man, Lipsey and his wife of 43 years, Peggy, have two children, Jason and Amanda, and one grandchild, Max.

“Stacking Gold on the Hoof” — Today’s beef consumer, demand, and industry outlook

Dr. Andrew P. Griffith is a Professor and Extension Livestock Economist with the University of Tennessee. He started serving Tennessee producers in May 2012 after completing his PhD at Oklahoma State University. Prior to earning his terminal degree, he earned a B.S. degree in Agriculture from Tennessee Tech University and a M.S. degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Tennessee. He is originally from Hampshire, Tennessee where he and his family produce soybeans, corn, stocker cattle, and have a cow-calf operation. His program has focused on price risk management strategies for both the input and output markets of stocker and feeder cattle. In addition, his program has included livestock production economics and forage production economics.

More Than Just a Weight: The complex challenge of breeding more efficient cows

Dr. Troy Rowan is an assistant professor and state Extension specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Genomics Center for the Advancement of Agriculture. He holds dual appointments in the Department of Animal Science and in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department. His research uses genomic and computational approaches to understand the biology that underlies a wide range of complex traits in beef cattle. He is particularly interested in local adaptation, heterosis, novel phenotype creation, and genomic approaches to increasing beef cattle sustainability. His work aims to deliver tangible solutions to US beef cattle producers while answering fundamental biological questions. Additionally, Dr. Rowan serves as the state Extension beef cattle genetics specialist, performing producer education and outreach in Tennessee and nationwide.

An Economic Perspective on Female Selection

Dr. Ryan Rathmann is a professor at Texas Tech’s animal science department. Rathmann teaches an array of classes in introductory animal science, animal breeding and genetics, management of beef production systems, artificial insemination in cattle, and multiple animal evaluation courses. In addition, Rathmann coordinates numerous judging related and leadership activities for 4-H and FFA students that serve as key recruiting tools for the college. He also serves as a professional livestock judge at livestock events both internationally and domestically. Rathmann is the all-time winningest coach in the 100 plus year history of collegiate livestock judging. In addition, Rathmann has coached four national champion meat animal evaluation teams at Texas Tech. Rathmann received his bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s degree in beef cattle reproduction from Texas A&M. His doctorate in ruminant nutrition is from Texas Tech. Awards for Rathmann include the CASNR Instructor Award (2009); Albert Usener Award (2009); and CASNR Outstanding Professor Award (2010). He joined the Texas Tech faculty in 2009 as an assistant professor.

Red Meat Yield: A New Era

Dr. Dale R. Woerner is the Cargill Endowed Professor of Sustainable Meat Science in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University. He earned both his BS (2003) and MS (2005) degrees in Animal Science from Texas Tech University, followed by a PhD in Animal Science with a focus on Meat Science from Colorado State University in 2009. Dr. Woerner served as a faculty member at Colorado State University for nine years before joining the faculty at Texas Tech University in 2018. Over his career, he has secured more than $15 million in industry-funded research and has published over 300 scholarly works, including peer-reviewed manuscripts and technical reports in the field of meat science.

Lead Geneticist, International Genetic Solutions

Ryan Boldt is a native of northern Colorado, where he grew up on a small family farm. Boldt attended Texas Tech University, earning a BS in Animal Science. After graduation Boldt attended Colorado State University (CSU), where he earned a MS and PhD. While he was attending CSU his research focused on genetic relationships between fertility and other commonly recorded phenotypes, as well as Bovine Respiratory Disease. Currently, Boldt is the Lead Geneticist for International Genetic Solutions.

Lead Geneticist, American Simmental Association

Dr. Elizabeth Dressler grew up on a small cow-calf operation in Berryton, Kansas, just south of Topeka. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at KSU, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout her studies. In her graduate work, Dressler conducted genetic evaluations, managing phenotype and genotype datasets. By working directly with cooperator herds, Dressler gained valuable experience working one-on-one with beef producers. Dressler’s research has been presented in a number of formats, from academic journals to industry events. In June of 2025, she received a Baker/Cundiff Award from the Beef Improvement Federation. Dressler joined the American Simmental Association staff after completing her studies at KSU. She is well-versed in novel trait collection and quantitative genetics, bringing real-world experience in the beef industry to her role at ASA. Dressler and her husband, Chase, reside in Manhattan, Kansas, with their miniature Australian Shepherd, Pepper. When she isn’t evaluating beef cattle genetics and gathering valuable data, Dressler enjoys kayaking, reading, country music concerts, and walks with Pepper.

Producers success was at the heart of the 2025 Fall Focus in Columbia, Missouri, where Simmental breeders, commercial cattle producers and industry experts gathered for education, networking and tours. See why nearly 300 people attended in this report, and visit Simmental.org for more information.