Field Day May 19, 2012! Western Regional Classic June 24-27!
Sim Bulletin May 2012 Sim Bulletin Feb 2012
For directions, see the Events page.
Dear Simmental Enthusiasts:
It’s hard to believe that 2012 is already upon us. Each new year brings new challenges, but it also brings forth new opportunities. I honestly believe, there has never been a better time for Simmental!
We are so fortunate to have such a progressive national breed organization as the American Simmental Association. From comprehensive EPD reporting to proactive monitoring for genetic defects, we have a world of resources available to us at the click of a mouse.
The beauty of this is that we can easily plan complementary matings, improve specific traits, and create a calf crop that is superior to the one from the previous year. As an example, in the last three years I have focused on and selected for low birth weight, high indexes, and carcass traits. In 2011, I did not have to assist a single birth. Also in 2011, I expanded my beef business and began to sell grass fed beef to the local food co-ops and other customers. I found consistently that my Simmental and Sim-influenced cattle had superior marbling over the cattle of other breeds that I had purchased as calves. Several of our WSA members bred winning Market Class steers and Carcass of Merit steers – including one Grand Champion Carcass of Merit steer that was a purebred Simmental. Our Simmental bulls are being used extensively in crossbreeding programs to capitalize on hybrid vigor and the advantages that Simmental offer. Commercial cattlemen are using our hybrid females and bulls in their programs because they know that they work!
Add to the list of opportunities that the price of cattle has likely never been higher. However, if we don’t actively market our cattle, we aren’t going to make the kind of money we should be getting. If marketing is your weak link, then study how to improve your marketing skills or find someone who is passionate and skilled in that area. When Carlos Guerra from La Muneca Ranch in South Texas spoke at our WSA field day last May, he said something like “No see, no tell, no sell! (A calf ate my notes – seriously – so I’m relying on memory here.)The point is, we have to get our cattle seen and tell people about them. We can’t sell them if nobody knows they exist.
The board of the Washington Simmental Association is dedicated to promoting the Simmental breed, providing opportunities for our youth, creating educational events for Jr. and Sr. members as well as potential members, encouraging fellowship among our breeders, and working together to put on a sale that will get our cattle out of our pastures and into the hands of youth, registered breeders, and commercial programs.
I encourage you to get involved in our state association this year. We will be hosting a field day on May 19 and the AJSA Western Regional in June. There will be many youth activities as well as educational opportunities for all. And of course, it’s a chance to get out and meet some new friends and swap a few cattle stories. Oh, and MARKET. In October we will have our annual Western Harvest Showcase Sale. The consignors and buyers make or break the sale. Help us make this year the best one ever!
So here’s to 2012 – the year of the Simmental and opportunity!
Sincerely,
Sandra M. Matheson
President
AJSA Western Regional
The Washington Simmental Association will host the AJSA Western Regional Classic this summer. It will be held June 25-27 2012 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake WA. The entries are now closed. The first of the Heifer Futurities will be held following the Western Regional heifer show. Any heifer purchased in the 2011 Western Harvest Sale by a junior is eligible to compete. We will be posting the schedule of events and other information soon.
WSA Loses One of its Own
We are sad to report that long time WSA member and former board member Jon “Dave” Ryals has passed away. The Ryals family has had a positive influence on the Simmental breed and on youth in the northwest. Jon will be greatly missed.
The Western Harvest Showcase Sale was a Success!
The annual WSA Western Harvest Showcase Sale was held on October 1, 2011 at the Trinity Farms location near Ellensburg, WA. We had a good crowd and plenty of excellent cattle to choose from. It takes a great deal of work to put on an event like that. Thanks to the many members, the board, consignors, bidders, and buyers. Your support was greatly appreciated!
2011 Western Harvest Showcase Sale Catalog
The WSA Western Harvest Showcase Sale 2011 prepares for the first lot in the ring.
Please check our Events page for the full story and photos!
WSA Dues may be paid through the Store .
Simmmental Steers are Winners!
Congratulations to Jaymee Graves on her recent wins with her Simmental steer “Chinook”. He was the Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer at the Island County Fair and best of all, he was the Grand Champion Carcass of Merit steer and the top gaining steer in the contest. Chinook is a purebred Simmental purchased from Matheson Farms out of well known Legacy bull and a Hart’s Sub Zero Bonina cow . Jaymee, one of our Jr. members, did an excellent job raising and showing her steer. Once again, congratulations Jaymee! Your hard work has paid off.
Jaymee Graves and Chinook
Congratulations to another of our junior members Quinn McHie on exhibiting the 4-H Grand Champion Market Steer at the 2011 Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days. The steer, WGC J45 Stetson 021X out of Ebonys Grandmaster, was purchased from Starling Simmentals/Cambra Livestock in our 2010 Western Harvest Showcase Sale. Stetson posted an average daily gain of 3.76 lbs!
Quinn McHie and his Grand Champion Market Steer
Are you looking for a Market Steer project for 2012? Simmental and Sim influenced genetics are making a positive impact on the Market Steer scene. Please check our Members page to contact breeders. WSA had several outstanding club calves consigned this year at our Western Harvest Showcase Sale!
Field Day
The Washington Simmental Association hosted a Field Day Saturday May 21 in Yakima. Watson Simmentals offered their ranch for the event.
The day included guest speaker Carlos Guerra on marketing, practice contests for the Junior members to prepare for regionals, lunch, and a Junior Simmental show.
More details are posted on the Events page!
We hope you enjoy our new website. Please feel free to contact one of the officers or board members if you have questions or simply wish to talk “Simmentals”.
Sincerely,
Sandra M. Matheson
WSA President