DENVER- Fall Focus 2023 brought about 200 eager-to-learn cattlemen to
Denver. Simmental enthusiasts and commercial cattlemen, representing 28 states and 3
Canadian provinces, attended the successful gathering on August 25-29, 2023.
The event featured a gathering with live cattle demonstrations and displays; a
day-long educational symposium; a celebration of the Lifetime Promoter and Golden
Book recipients; interactive committee meetings; and a productive American Simmental
Association board meeting.
Colorado Simmental and Colorado Cattlemen’s associations co-hosted the
kickoff event on Friday, Aug. 25.
The “Ranch Gathering” kickoff included live cattle demonstrations for pulmonary
arterial pressure (PAP) testing by Dr. Tim Holt and feet and leg scoring by Lane Giess.
Willie Altenburg, Jake Owens, and Ben Elliott provided cattle for the two
demonstrations. CSA members Bridle Bit Simmentals, Hill Brothers Livestock and
Reflected R Ranch provided display cattle in the new National Western’s Stock Yards
Events Center.
Despite the rain, a few participants enjoyed exploring the nearby CSU Spur
campus’s educational displays.
During the evening, CSA leaders surprised Susan Russell. Willie Altenburg, CSA
president, and Chad Cook, ASA trustee, presented Russell with a personalized brand
necklace to commemorate her silver anniversary – the 25 th consecutive year of serving
as the CSA Executive Secretary.
The evening concluded with tri-tip steaks, cooked by Merck Animal Health and
MultiMin representatives.
This was the 8 th annual Fall Focus, an educational industry event, co-hosted by the
state and the American Simmental Association.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, education became the focus, showcasing a snapshot of
issues important to the entire beef industry. An attentive audience quizzed the speakers
and panelists on PAP, Congestive Heart Failure and on Sustainability.
Breed-specific awards and meetings finished out the annual Fall Focus event, which
rotates around the U.S.