Category: Press Releases

American Shorthorn Association Releases 150th Anniversary Commemorative Painting

Posted on by Cassie Reid

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (February 8, 2022) – “America’s First-Shorthorns Across America”, a limited-edition painting by renowned livestock illustrator and artist C. J. Brown has been released for public purchase. The painting was commissioned by the American Shorthorn Association to celebrate the 150th year of the American Shorthorn Association and will be treasured by many Shorthorn enthusiasts for years to come.

To commemorate each year of Shorthorns in the past, 150 limited-edition prints have been commissioned and released. The original painting will hang indefinitely in the American Shorthorn Association headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.

During the 2022 National Shorthorn Sale, The Summit at Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the first six artist proofs were sold as a donation for $20,000. These profits, and all print sale profits will benefit the Shorthorn Youth Development Fund Foundation (SYDF). The purpose of the SYDF is to provide financial support to sustain and expand the National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference held annually.

Also sold during The Summit Sale as a unique registration number to the American Shorthorn Association of Registration Number: ‘1872’, representing the beginning of the American Shorthorn Association. With profits benefiting the SYDF, this special registration number sold for $5,500 to Paint Valley Farms of Millersburg, Ohio.

“It was exciting to see the breed rally around the 150th Celebration while supporting the youth of the breed.” comments Montie D. Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association.

C.J. Brown remarks that she “was honored to be commissioned to create this piece by the American Shorthorn Association in celebration of their 150th anniversary. This is a great keepsake to remember the 150th anniversary of the Shorthorn legacy for all involved in the breed.”

To purchase your print before they are sold out, contact the American Shorthorn Association.

National Western Stock Show Catch-A-Calf Program Features Shorthorn Steers

Posted on by Cassie Reid

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (January 24, 2022) – The Catch-A-Calf program at the National Western has welcomed nearly 3,000 steers to 4-H families throughout the western United States in its 80-plus years. The American Shorthorn Association is honored to announce that the 2021-2022 program featured Shorthorn steers provided by Peak View Ranch of Fowler, Colorado. This involvement aligns perfectly as the American Shorthorn Association celebrates its 150th Anniversary as a breed association in America.

“The American Shorthorn Association is the oldest beef breed association in the US. As a result, Shorthorns pulled the wagons, provided milk and beef as the west was settled. Today we are proud to have a long history with the NWSS and provide Shorthorn cattle for the youth of our industry to gain this experience,” explains Montie D. Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association. “Marking our 150th year with 40 Shorthorn steers being raised by 4-H members across the western United States, exemplifies the strength in our breed as it continues to excel today.”

“Shorthorn cattle are the beginning of cattle in America. They are integral in many of the breeds that exist today, and we are celebrating that this year,” comments Trish Leone of Peak View Ranch on the importance of ASA’s 150th Celebration.

Each January participants gather in Denver, Colorado to catch a calf; if successful, members continue to feed and raise the steer throughout the coming year and return one year later with a market-ready animal to exhibit at the National Western Stock Show. Participates are judged on showmanship, record books and a personal interview; steers are judged on production and carcass quality.

The American Shorthorn Association sponsored more than 70 individual awards and prizes for the program in categories from interview, production, record book, sponsor relations, live evaluation, showmanship and overall champions.

Rick Leone of Peak View Ranch adds, “Shorthorns have such an advantage in terms of docility, gain and yield grade. With such a rich tradition of family involvement, Shorthorn’s are great first project for kids.”

The 2022 Grand Champion Catch-A-Calf steer was exhibited by Cami Miller of El Dorado, Kansas, congratulations to all participants! Individual interested in participating in future years can find applicant information at nationalwestern.com.

Best of the Barns Recognizes Shorthorns in Two Award Categories

Posted on by Cassie Reid

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 21, 2022) – The most prestigious awards in the livestock industry, the Best of the Barns recognizes the American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) in two 2021 award categories.

The National Junior Shorthorn Show held in Louisville, Kentucky received 10,735 votes, winning the ‘Most Enjoyable Junior Nationals’ award for the second year in a row. This past National Junior Shorthorn Show set records for entries with over 900 entries from 28 states. The AJSA strives to engage its members in opportunities that develop character, promote valuable skills and build life-long friendships.

“We call ourselves the family friendly breed, and if you know the people in the breed, you know it is true. It is what makes us really special and keeps families coming back.” says Shelby Diehm, AJSA Director of Youth Activities. “It is very exciting to win most enjoyable junior national for the second year in a row”.

Going above and beyond, Diehm was recognized in the Best of the Barns awards as the Best Jr. Activities Director, receiving an impressive 11,731 votes.

“It is an honor to win best junior activity director this year. I am coming up on six years with the ASA and AJSA and I love my job more and more each day.” As Director of Youth Activities, Diehm oversees the annual Junior Nationals and serves as the AJSA Junior Board Adviser.

Diehm goes onto say she is “truly blessed to be surrounded by the best junior board who make my job even better. The Shorthorn youth and their families are what make my job and junior national the best”

The Best of the Barns nationwide awards program recognizes the best of the best within the livestock industry. For a complete list of award winners visit pulse.sullivansupply.com.

The 2022 National Junior Shorthorn Show is June 19-25 in Kansas City, Mo. Visit www.juniorshorthorn.org for more information.

American Shorthorn Association Elects New Board Members and Officers

Posted on by Cassie Reid
  • ASA Board of Directors pose for a photo
Front row (l to r): Dave Greenhorn Executive Director, Waynesville, Ohio; John Sonderman, Vice President, Columbus, Neb.; Joe Bales, President, Morristown, Tenn.; John Russell, Caldwell, Texas. Back row (l to r): Montie D. Soules, ASA Executive Secretary/CEO, Skiatook, Oklahoma; Jerrell Crow, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Lee Miller, Millersburg, Ohio; Toby Jordan, Rensselaer, Ind., Jeff Bedwell, Isabella, Okla. Not Pictured: Mark Gordon, Middletown, Ill.

During the American Shorthorn Association Annual Meeting on October 23, delegates from across the country gathered to elect new ASA board members and officers at the Hilton Kansas City Airport.

The nominating committee submitted three candidates for the available positions. Jeff Bedwell of Isabella, Okla., Toby Jordan of Rensselaer, Ind. and John Sonderman of Columbus, Neb. All three will serve a three-year term; Bedwell will serve his first term, Jordan and Sonderman will serve their second term.

The board elected new officers for the nine-member board. Joe Bales of Morristown, Tenn. was elected president and John Sonderman of Columbus, Neb. was elected Vice President. Dave Greenhorn of Waynesville, Ohio was appointed as the Executive Director. They serve alongside Board Members Toby Jordan of Indiana, Jerrell Crow of Oklahoma, Lee Miller of Ohio, John Russell of Texas, Mark Gordon of Illinois and Jeff Bedwell of Oklahoma.

During the meeting, the association recognized Hugh Mooney of Calif. for his six years on the Board of Directors. Most recently, Mooney served as President following his time as a director and Vice-President.

American Shorthorn Association Announces Release of “Shorthorn and the American Cattle Industry”

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

“Shorthorn and the American Cattle Industry” will be released Saturday, October 23rd as the American Shorthorn Association kicks off their Sesquicentennial year as America’s First beef breed association. Written by Dr. Bob Hough and Dr. Bert Moore, this coffee table style book is unique without a doubt. 

“Writing this book was a labor of love for Dr. Bert Moore and me.” Said Dr. Bob Hough, “We had the time, curiosity and backing of the Association to dig deep into all aspects of the breed and our industry to reveal the important, but often forgotten events and people that have made the cattle business what it is today.” 

Comprised of 26 chapters, 270 pages and over 800 photos, the commissioned book exemplifies the American Shorthorn Association’s prestigious position in the history of the animal breeding industry. 

Andy Frazier, author, livestock historian and host of the Podcast, “Top Lines and Tales” of the United Kingdom was “amazed at the depth of research the authors have gone to in order to underpin the origins of the Shorthorn Breed.” He adds, “the opening chapters of this book are as equally fascinating to the non-agriculturist as they are to the cattle enthusiast in general.” 

“This book depicts not only Shorthorn, but the American cattle industry as a whole.” states Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, Montie D. Soules. Soules goes onto say “This becomes a must read for anyone who has ever had an interest in the purebred cattle industry. I doubt there will ever be another book written with as much detail as Dr. Hough and Dr. Moore have done. The authors did a great job.” 

Limited-edition books are available now at shorthorn.org for ordering, with multiple pickup or shipping options to meet your needs.

American Shorthorn Association Participates in Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (May 26, 2021) – The American Shorthorn Association’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Montie D. Soules presented on a panel of industry leaders at the 2021 Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College’s Second Session last week in Kansas City. 

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College (MCLC) identifies the next great leaders of the beef industry and cultivates their knowledge during the year. In their second session, attendees gathered in Northwest Missouri to hear from program sponsor, Merck Animal Health, meet with beef breed associations, including the American Shorthorn Association and visit member operations of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. 

“It is a pleasure to invest in the future of the beef industry.” Said Montie Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of ASA. “Our breed has a strong history in the United States. We strive as an association to assist our members in providing a profitable beef product.” 

On the panel, Soules shared with attendees the role he serves at the ASA, the impact the association has on the industry and the progress of the Shorthorn breed. As America’s first beef breed association, the American Shorthorn Association celebrates 150 years beginning this fall. 

Attendees to the MCLC will convene again this fall and graduate at the 53rd Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. 

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National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference Reports Record Breaking Entries

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

The American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) will host the “Shorthorn Safari” National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference June 20-26, 2021, at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Ky. 

This year, a record breaking 932 entries will be exhibited in Louisville. Over 450 Junior Members from 28 states have entered Junior Nationals. In totality, these numbers are a significant increase over previous years. 

“The NJSS is such an important event for the youth and future of the agricultural industry, so it is exciting to see how our show grows each year”, says Shelby Diehm, Director of Marketing, Communications and Youth Activities. “In the last five years we have more than 100 additional youth participating, and cattle numbers have risen even more. I can’t wait to see where it continues to go.” 

The AJSA strives to engage its members in opportunities that develop character, promote valuable skills and build life-long friendships. The National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference promotes these goals by bringing members together to participate in shows and educational contests. 

This year, junior members will participate in the following contests in addition to the Shorthorn Show: Art & etc., beef cook-off, career development, cattleman’s written test, digital photography, graphic design, herdsman quiz bowl, junior herdsman, livestock judging, photography, promotional poster, showmanship, speech, state basket, state cook-off/tailgate party, team fitting and team salesmanship contests. High Point Awards will be presented based on participation and placing in these contests. 

In addition, $18,500 in scholarships will be presented to AJSA members through the Shorthorn Foundation. 

Election of four new AJSA Directors will occur during the Junior National Youth Conference. Three of the elected directors will serve a three-year term and one will serve a one-year term to make up the nine-person board. The election process is based on application, interview, and delegation vote.

US Beef Breeds Council Elects ASA Executive Secretary/CEO as President

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (May 17, 2021) – The US Beef Breeds Council (USBBC) met in late May electing new officers to preside over the organization and discuss upcoming goals. The American Shorthorn Association’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Montie D. Soules was elected President and will serve a two-year term. 

The USBBC is comprised of United States beef breed executives and oversees the appointment of the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) executive director and board of directors. Past-President, Wade Shafer, PhD., of the American Simmental Association oversaw the meeting and election of new officers. 

“Using the strength of all beef breeds in a united way allows us to show our elected officials wrongful claims in our industry can hurt the income and longevity of our members of all US Beef breeds.” said Montie Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of ASA and President of the USBBC. 

Robert Williams, PhD. of the American Wagyu Association was elected Vice President of the USBBC. “This is a great organization bringing together strong breed executives representing the purebred cattle industry that will have the abilities to carry forward our goals.” 

During the May meeting, the USBBC discussed goals moving forward and plans to unite all US beef breeds as a strong front against those opposing the animal agriculture and meat industry by attempting to advertise non-beef products as beef products. 

Soules adds, “All of our members are affected in the same way. If we unite, we will be able to use all of our strengths in multiple ways.”

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American Shorthorn Association Announces 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress as Super National Shorthorn Show

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (April 8, 2021) – The American Shorthorn Association Board of Directors met to discuss the Shorthorn breed participation at the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress and 2022 National Western Livestock Show.

The Board of Directors unanimously approved the 2021-2022 ASA Point Show System recognizing the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress as a super national and the 2022 National Western Livestock Show as a regional show. The National Shorthorn Summit Sale will be held at Cattlemen’s Congress.

The approved show system will recognize five regions, each having two regional shows, one super regional show and one national show. Regional Awards for the five regions will use the four shows in each region for point calculations. The American Shorthorn Association will recognize one national show within each region and two super national shows for a total of seven shows used for National Award calculations.

“We are excited to announce Cattlemen’s Congress as a super national show for our membership,” said Montie Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of ASA. “Our new show system expands the available point shows to allow more breeders to exhibit across the country. We look forward to seeing our show participation grow for the 2021-2022 show season.”

The complete ASA Point Show System will be announced to our membership in the May/June issue of Shorthorn Country and will be available at shorthorn.org. The announcement will include participating shows for the 2021-2022 show season and point distribution for each show level.

About ASA

The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members and enhance the value of the Shorthorn breed by managing data, maintaining the integrity of the herdbook, educating members and communicating the value of Shorthorn cattle resulting in the expanded use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit www.shorthorn.org to learn more.

American Shorthorn Association : 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151: Phone 816.599.7777

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2019 ASA National Sire Test Performance Review

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

The National Sire Test (NST) program has been a valuable tool for testing the ability of Shorthorn genetics to perform in a real-world setting. The third and final year of the NST and our partnership with the University of Illinois provided us with more data on a genetically diverse bunch of Shorthorn sires. Once again, we were able to collect a full set of data on Shorthorn-influenced cattle from birth to rail. The NST provides breeders the opportunity to test the genetics in their breeding program in a real-world setting while gaining more progeny data on their sires. From a big picture standpoint, the NST gives ASA more information on the breed to show to the industry that our cattle have the capability to be used as a profitable piece of their breeding program.

As was the theme with just about every walk of life in 2020, the National Sire Test experienced some unexpected hiccups and changes to plans. With the Tyson plant in Joslin, IL having capacity cut due to Covid-19 restrictions, the cattle had to stay on feed longer than anticipated before they were able to be harvested. Like previous installments of this program, the ten enrolled sires were bred to 200 U of I cows at their Dixon Spring research farm in December 2018 for these fall-born 2019 calves. After weaning, the calves were moved to the beef farm on campus for the feeding trial and finishing phase. The cattle were on feed for a slightly longer time period than in the past. You will see this longer feeding period reflected in weights on these animals. Below are data compilations of all the sires from the 2019 calf crop. Data is broken down into steers and heifers by sire.

I want to thank all the breeders that participated in this program over the past three years. It has been very rewarding to see Shorthorn-sired cattle perform to industry standards and validate that this breed deserves a chance to play a role in the commercial cattle industry in the United States. Without the help and cooperation of Dr. Dan Shike at the University of Illinois, we wouldn’t have been able to make this project happen. Special thanks to him and his team for all their work, data collection, and being a gracious host and partner over the years of the NST.