KANSAS CITY, Missouri (November 1, 2023) – During the American Shorthorn Association Annual Meeting on October 22, 2023, more than 100 members from 24 states gathered at the Hilton Kansas City Airport to elect new ASA board members, learn about the state of the association and receive awards.
The event kicked off on October 21 at the ASA office with a social for breeders to gather and enjoy the company of new and old friends.
The next morning, delegates convened to listen to Montie D. Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of ASA, share the State of the Association. This included Key Performance Indicators, finances, and other association updates.
“The ASA had a really great year,” Soules said. “The association continues to grow, and we are headed in a positive direction. We couldn’t do it without all the people of the breed.”
After the report, the nominating committee submitted three candidates for the available board positions. Tyler Cates from Ind., Cory Bollum from Minn., and Mark Gordon from Ill. All three will serve a three-year term; Cates and Cory will serve their first term; Gordon will serve his second term. The board elected new officers for the nine-member board. The new president of the board is Toby Jordan of Ind. The vice-president is Lee Miller of Ohio and the executive director is John Sonderman of Neb. They serve alongside Jeff Bedwell of Okla., John Russell of Texas, and Rick Osterday of South Dakota.
Following the election of board members, attendees heard updates from junior activities, the Shorthorn Youth Development Fund Foundation, the Shorthorn Foundation, and several other committees.
After the meeting adjourned, attendees enjoyed a steak luncheon and listened to motivational speaker Matt Booth who encouraged positivity in daily life.
The final event was the awards presentation. Breeders who registered more than 100 head in a fiscal year were given the Century Club Award. Next animal owners received certificates for Performance Animals that met certain qualifications. The National and Regional Show Winners for 2022-2023 were recognized with leather banners and metal awards. The final presentations of the evening were special recognition awards. This year the Heritage Awards went to Mary Hinton Bass and Bryan & Marti Warner. The Merit Award recognized Alan K. Sears. The Builders of the Breed were Ward Bakenhus, Bill Bales & Joe Bales, and Rick Leone & Family.
In 2024, the ASA Annual Meeting will be October 26 in Kansas City, Missouri.
About ASA
The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members, protect the integrity of the herdbook and database; enhance and communicate the value of the Shorthorn breed, and expand the use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit shorthorn.org to learn more.
American Shorthorn Association :: 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151:: 816.599.7777
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