Fall Focus 2023 took us to the Centennial State. Simmental enthusiasts, representing 28 states and three provinces, attended the successful gathering that was held in Denver, CO, from Aug. 25-29.
The event featured a “Ranch Gathering,” live cattle demonstrations, a day-long educational symposium, a celebration of the Golden Book and Lifetime Promoter recipients, interactive committee meetings and a productive board meeting. The Colorado Simmental Association (CSA) co-hosted the event and did a phenomenal job showcasing topics that not only provided a snapshot of issues important to Colorado’s beef industry, but that were arguably just as important to everyone else in attendance. A huge thank you to everyone with the CSA for their help organizing and hosting.
Friday morning began with Simbrah committee, SimSpecialist and ASA publication board meetings. The SimSpecialists in attendance strategized, with some of the more experienced specialists offering insight into what has worked well for them in the past. This team is unlike any other in the industry. Giving presentations at field days or answering questions at sales is no big deal to these individuals, many of whom are retired Extension professionals and researchers.
The CSA’s hard work shined brightly at the Ranch Gathering that they co-hosted with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) on Friday afternoon. The event was held at the National Western’s HW Hutchison Family Stockyards Event Center. If you haven’t been to the grounds since they’ve been updated, it’s worth the trip.
At the event center, cattle were on display from Bridle Bit Simmentals, Hill Brothers Livestock and Reflected R Ranch. Willie Altenberg, Jake Owen, and Ben Elliot also brought cattle for the demonstrations—a special thank you goes out to those individuals for bringing cattle in from miles away.
A feet and leg scoring demonstration was given by ASA geneticist Lane Giess, and a pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) test demonstration was performed by Tim Holt, DVM, of Colorado State University (CSU). The welcome rain shower deterred most from visiting the CSU Spur campus; however, the impressive nature of the campus was evident by even the craftsmanship of the Vida, Terra and Hydro buildings.
The evening concluded with a tri-tip dinner prepared by several CCA members and surprise recognition of Susan Russell, who was given a custom-made brand necklace in honor of her 25th year as the CSA secretary/treasurer. Congratulations, Susan.
Saturday’s Educational Symposium took on a new format. Dr. Jackie Atkins set the tone for the day, challenging attendees to “Walk Around the Cylinder” and consider multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions. The remainder of the morning was spent taking a deep dive into bovine heart health, focusing on bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) and PAP.
Given 20 minutes to hit the high points in “Ted Talk” style presentations, five of the topic’s experts shared their knowledge. The high-caliber speaker lineup consisted of Holt; Dr. Brian Vander Ley, DVM, of University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Dr. Mark Enns of CSU; Dr. Scott Speidel of CSU; and Dr. Justin Buchanan of J.R. Simplot Company.
Why was it important to spend all morning listening to these presenters? BCHF and PAP are perhaps two of the most pressing and economically relevant issues within the beef industry today. With the frequency of heart failure increasing in feedlot cattle, finding a solution is a top priority for many university and industry researchers, who are working diligently to identify BCHF risk factors and genetic correlations.
Bovine pulmonary hypertension is essentially critically high blood pressure in the vessels that run from the heart into the lungs. Related to PAP, it can be triggered at high elevations when lower oxygen levels are available, causing high-mountain disease and then brisket disease when body fluid pools and causes swelling in the brisket area.
Hence, the importance of PAP testing, genetics, and thoughtful breeding programs is crucial, especially to those raising cattle in high-elevation areas or providing genetics to individuals raising cattle in that setting.
Lane Giess moderated the monumental panel discussion with the heart health speakers. The audience got one-and-a-half hours to ask the experts any and all questions. Not a second was spared, with many questioning management implications, the role of genetics, and tangible steps that can be taken now to decrease the likelihood of the issues.
After an informative state of the beef industry update from Billy Schmitz with Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Steve Wooten took the stage to discuss his experience as the chair of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB). The USRSB holds a proactive mindset and believes it’s best to bring everyone from the beef supply chain to the table when discussing sustainability. A couple of Wooten’s comments resonated with the audience, such as the need to keep working lands in working hands, and the importance of being involved in the conversation to help ensure success for the next generation and future stewards.
Chip Kemp moderated the sustainability panel discussion that followed and included Wooten, Dr. Sara Place of CSU, Dr. Scott Howard of Meyer Natural Foods, and Dr. John Crowley of AbacusBio. The panelists tactfully navigated what can be a sensitive topic, recognizing that while keeping sustainability measures in mind is essential, we still have to produce food.
Furthermore, all panelists communicated their ideas for what genetics producers should be selecting for, Crowley and Place agreeing that traits like stayability and fertility are key, with Howard adding the importance of cutability and quality.
Saturday evening was a time for visiting, networking and celebration. The Golden Book Award recipients, 2023 Lifetime Promoter, retiring ASA trustees and outgoing chairman were recognized. Well-deserving Golden Book recipients Neil Martin, Jim Largess and Cynthia Conner were in attendance with their families to accept their awards.
Sunday morning started with a Town Hall meeting, which gave Fall Focus attendees the opportunity to ask questions of board trustees and staff members. These exchanges sparked discussions that continued into the committee meetings. — Callie Cooley, ASA communications coordinator
