The Shorthorn Bull Pen

What risks exist from the emerging threat of the New World screwworm? In this latest episode of The Bull Pen, Montie Soules, CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, visits with Dr. Jason Cleere of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Dr. Cleere discusses the need for industry awareness and preparedness, drawing on his expertise in beef cattle health, nutrition, and extension education at Texas A&M. Cleere explores how and why cattle moving into and out of Texas and other states are free of the parasite, which does not exist in the U.S., and currently represent no threat to herds in other states.

Season 3 of "The Shorthorn Bull Pen” kicks off with Kenny Stauffer from Neogen. This episode dives into the scale and scope of Neogen’s global genomics business, its deep ties to breed associations, and how DNA technology continues to shape beef production. Stauffer also addresses the company’s transition to new ownership and what that means for customers, data integrity, and innovation moving forward. Enjoy this candid, forward-looking conversation that sets the tone for what’s ahead.

This episode of The Shorthorn Bull Pen takes you inside the boardroom as Montie Soules visits with all nine members of the 2024–2025 American Shorthorn Association Board of Directors. The conversation offers a unique look at the leadership guiding the breed forward. Each director reflects on their time serving the ASA, the experiences that have shaped their perspective and the shared commitment that unites them in working for the betterment of the Shorthorn breed, even with differing opinions.

In this episode of The Shorthorn Bull Pen, Montie Soules sits down with newly appointed National Western Stock Show CEO Wes Allison on the grounds of the renovated complex. With the 2026 show set to debut all-new facilities, Wes shares what exhibitors and attendees can expect from the next era of this iconic event. Montie calls it “a new ballgame,” as the upgrades promise unmatched opportunities for breeders, associations and buyers alike. Plus, Wes reveals an exciting change to the Supreme Junior Heifer Drive you won’t want to miss.

Mark Anderson, Executive Director of the North American Limousin Foundation and President of the U.S. Beef Breeds Council, sits down with Montie Soules to discuss the critical role of accurate carcass data and certified ultrasound in advancing beef genetics. With decades of feedyard experience and leadership in breed collaboration, Anderson explores how genomics, data integrity and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming cattle breeding and production. This forward-thinking conversation reveals how the industry is leveraging innovation to boost efficiency and profitability for the next generation of cattle producers. 

Outgoing ASA President Lee Miller sits down with Montie Soules to reflect on six years of progress and the road ahead for the American Shorthorn Association. From expanding commercial relevance and improving genetic tools to building a united board focused on strategic growth, Miller shares how the Association is positioning itself for long-term success. With a firm grasp on both tradition and innovation, this conversation highlights how Shorthorn breeders are aligning with industry demands — delivering the kind of maternal strength, carcass quality and data-backed value today’s producers are looking for. 

Katrina Huffstuttler, immediate past president of the Livestock Publications Council and part of the Grant Company team, joins Montie Soules to explore the evolving landscape of agricultural communications. Drawing on her leadership in one of ag media’s most influential organizations, Katrina shares valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities facing PR professionals—from mastering social media’s fast pace to navigating artificial intelligence’s role in storytelling. This episode offers a unique inside look at how ag communicators are shaping the future of beef industry messaging and advocacy. 

As the face of R.A. Brown Ranch’s growing social media presence, sixth-generation rancher Tucker Brown is reaching millions of viewers each month, sharing the realities of ranch life and advocating for the beef industry. In this episode, Tucker joins Montie Soules to discuss the power of connecting with the public, the responsibility of producers to engage with consumers, and how he balances advocacy with the ranch’s commitment to raising high-quality bulls for commercial cattlemen.

Join Montie Soules for this exclusive conversation with Jon DeClerk, the incoming executive vice president of the American Simmental Association. With a background spanning livestock judging, academia and consulting, Jon brings a deep industry perspective to his new role. He and Montie talk about the value of multi-breed genetic evaluation through International Genetic Solutions, the importance of accuracy and transparency in EPDs, and why collaboration across breeds matters more than ever as the nation's cow herd shrinks and beef demand rises.

In this episode of The Shorthorn Bull Pen, host Montie Soules visits with Brian Bertelsen, vice president of field operations for U.S. Premium Beef. Brian shares insight into USPB’s producer-owned model, its long-standing partnership with National Beef, and how the value-based grid system works to reward producers for high-performing cattle. Tune in to learn more about how USPB’s data-driven approach helps producers optimize genetics, nutrition and management to market fed cattle in today’s value-focused beef landscape.

Tom Schultz of Neogen joins us for an insightful conversation on DNA testing and genetic evaluations. This episode covers key differences between seedstock and commercial DNA testing, why DNA sample processing takes time, and how genetic research is helping select against major health issues like bovine congestive heart failure. Tune in for a deep dive into the science behind smarter, data-driven decisions for your herd!

Season 2 of the Shorthorn Bull Pen kicks off with Chandler Mulvaney, director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Host Montie Soules talks with Chandler about the vital role of industry advocates, whether they come from multi-generation ranching families or are just starting in beef production.They discuss why having “boots-on-the-ground” spokespersons is critical for the industry’s future and highlight the benefits of junior beef breed associations in preparing young leaders to be confident, effective communicators. Tune in for an insightful conversation on shaping the next generation of beef advocates!

Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of The Shorthorn Bull Pen! To celebrate the season's success, we’re bringing back a fan favorite—our very first episode. In this special re-air, host Montie Soules sits down with Congressman Frank Lucas, a proud Shorthorn breeder and passionate advocate for rural America. Congressman Lucas shares his insights on representing agricultural communities in Washington, D.C., and the critical role of educating congressional leaders about modern agriculture practices. Let’s revisit this inspiring conversation that started it all!

In this episode of the Shorthorn Bull Pen, we sit down with Ryan Sproul, the community relations manager for Oklahoma Natural Gas. With a background advising politicians such as former U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma, Ryan brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. Outside of his professional career, Ryan operates a cow-calf business, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of ranching. Tune in to hear about his journey, his insights on bridging industries, and how his passion for agriculture influences his work.

In the latest episode of The Shorthorn Bull Pen, host Montie Soules sits down with Kevin Biffert and Sam Fisher from 701x to explore the future of ranching through innovative technology. 701x is pioneering autonomous ranching with smart ear tags, designed to simplify herd management and provide cattle producers with real-time data. Kevin and Sam dive into the ways these tags are transforming livestock management, the benefits they bring to ranchers and the game-changing potential this technology holds for the industry.

The discussion with Dr. Bob Weaber continues as he and host Montie Soules dive into the whirlwind of evolutions in genomics. See what’s in store for genetic evaluations in the face of technologies like artificial intelligence and low-pass sequencing data, and how these revolutions pave the way for seedstock and commercial producers to make exponential progress. He also shares his vision for using digital labor to gather phenotypic data, and how it can help the next generation stay in business. 

No stone is left unturned in this two-part episode featuring Kansas State University Research and Extension’s Dr. Bob Weaber. “We are now at a spot in genomics technology where if you’re a seedstock producer and you’re not using it you’re going to get left way behind in terms of genetic merit and genetic progress,” he shares. Tune in to learn about what he calls “minding the gap” in forming your genetic destiny. 

In this special episode of the Shorthorn Bull Pen, guest Jackie McClaskey, President and CEO of the American Royal, unveils plans for the organization's monumental move to a new facility coinciding with its 125th anniversary. McClaskey discusses the significance of this transition in furthering the American Royal's mission of education and preserving consumer confidence in agriculture, including innovative connections between the stock show and the iconic American Royal World Series of BBQ series.

Dive into the world of the beef supply pipeline with special guest Clint Walenciak, Vice President of Product Services at Certified Angus Beef®. Clint challenges conventional supply wisdom with a simple question: “Is there demand for Select product and the characteristics that brings? Or is there demand for a price point?” Sit down with Clint and host Montie Soules as they explore this topic, highlighting the importance of ensuring high-priced products deliver on consumer expectations and what it takes to meet those demands.

Join host Montie Soules as he visits with Dr. Troy Rowan of the University of Tennessee. Considered the new kid on the block for beef cattle genetics, UT is quickly transforming into a hub for industry research under Troy’s leadership. His research is bringing together phenotypic and genomic forms of “big data” to understand the genetics behind economically relevant traits. Find out what’s new in Knoxville in this latest episode of the Shorthorn Bull Pen! 

Are you ready for the Summer Symposium? Just a few months away, this can’t-miss event is filled with insights to prepare for future industry trends. In this episode of the Shorthorn Bull Pen, host Montie Soules visits with a couple friends who share our excitement — Chip Kemp from the American Simmental Association and Jay Carlson of Carlson Media Group. Tune in as they highlight the expansive itinerary, including a tour and tasting at a bourbon distillery, a visit to a Thoroughbred breeding farm and a tour of Boyd Beef Cattle. Join the American Shorthorn Association in Lexington, Kentucky, for the first ever Summer Symposium, July 18-20, 2024. Register and learn more at https://shorthorn.org/symposium-by-asa/. See you in the Bluegrass State! 

Join us for a lively discussion with your 2023 American Shorthorn Association President Toby Jordan. A fifth-generation Shorthorn breeder from Indiana, Toby brings his family's commitment to pride and fun to his leadership on the Board of Directors. An example of his initiative is the upcoming Summer Symposium, a producer-focused, no-bull event boasting top geneticists, agronomists, marketers and many more. Tune in for Toby’s perspective about what’s in store for the Symposium — and the promising future of the Shorthorn breed. Listen next week for a Special Edition of the Bull Pen featuring more details about the Summer Symposium.

Host Montie Soules is back at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 2024 CattleCon for an exciting roundup of conversations with industry leaders. Up first is a visit with Norman Voyles about the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, a 101-member board appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to oversee the Beef Checkoff. Listen along to find out how your dollars are growing beef demand worldwide. 

Georgia native Josh White has lived and breathed the beef industry his entire life. Described as “cattle crazy” by his family, Josh now leads efforts at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s as Senior Executive Director of Producer Education and Sustainability, overseeing programs like the Beef Quality Assurance program. Learn more as he outlines the many opportunities for producers to learn about connecting with beef consumers — a skill needed for the survivability of the industry.  

In the latest episode of the American Shorthorn Association's Bull Pen, Eric Grant of Grant Company joins host Montie Soules to discuss invaluable insights on seedstock marketing techniques — from tried and true avenues to emerging technologies. Grant explores the intricacies of promoting superior genetics, providing a must-watch discussion for breeders looking to elevate their strategies and thrive in a competitive market.

Serving the beef industry, the Ultrasound Guidelines Council sets the standards for testing and certifying ultrasound technicians. UGC Executive Director Patrick Wall, also a beef Extension specialist with Iowa State University, unpacks the efforts and technology that make modern ultrasounds more reliable.

Steve and Julie French of Little Cedar Cattle Company sit down with ASA CEO Montie Soules in this episode of The Shorthorn Bull Pen. They discuss topics like the Shorthorn Youth Development Fund, supporting youth programs and opportunities available to help young people mature into thriving adults.

In the latest episode of the Shorthorn Bull Pen, the spotlight shines on newly elected board members Tyler Cates of Indiana and Cory Bollum of Minnesota. Learn about their visions to drive progress in the breed as they share experiences and goal, and discuss the challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

A record 530 exhibitors headed to Des Moines, Iowa, for the 2023 Shorthorn Junior National Show & Youth Conference. Jill Cords, a career consultant with Michigan State University, explores how every participant is already several steps ahead in possessing the skills employers seek in new hires.  

On this episode of The Shorthorn Bull Pen, Shelby Diehm — ASA director of youth activities, marketing and communications — recaps the 2023 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference with a deeper dive into special contests, the newly elected AJSA board and the many benefits of youth participation.

The American Junior Shorthorn Association board of directors take us behind the scenes of the making of this summer’s Shorthorn Junior National Show & Youth Conference — the breed’s largest event of the year. Host Montie Soules visits with each of the directors as they share how the AJSA has shaped their lives.

In this nostalgic episode of The Shorthorn Bull Pen, join five former presidents of the American Junior Shorthorn Association as they take a trip down memory lane, uncovering how the organization has grown throughout the years. Though each tenure was unique, all past presidents share this sentiment: involvement in the AJSA shaped their journeys into adulthood, inspiring them to give back to the next generation.

Montie Soules, ASA Executive/CEO sits down with John Sonderman, ASA President. 

In this session of “The Shorthorn Bull Pen,” we visit with Dr. Wade Schaffer and Chip Kemp from International Genetic Solutions — the largest multi-breed evaluation in the beef industry. Learn more about how this cutting-edge collaboration benefits beef producers around the world, and specifically how it makes the American Shorthorn Association’s database stronger. 

Join Pennsylvania Shorthorn breeder and recently elected NCBA Region 1 Policy Vice President Frank Stoltzfus in this second episode of The Shorthorn Bullpen. Stoltzfus sits down with ASA CEO Montie Soules to discuss how he will help lead policy discussion and represent his region at the national level. Plus, learn how he works directly with consumers to market his family-raised Shorthorn beef in an urban-dense area. 

Montie Soules, ASA Executive Secretary/CEO, interviews Shorthorn breeder and US representative, Frank Lucas. The episode features Lucas sharing about his operation and time as a US representative.