RELEASE: Immediate CONTACT: E. TROENDLE
DATE: January 16, 2017 PHONE: 406.587.4531
UPDYKE RE-ELECTED TO AMERICAN SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bozeman, MT -Gary Updyke, Checotah, Oklahoma, has been re-elected by the American Simmental Association (ASA) membership to the Board of Trustees and will represent the South Central Region.
In July 2015, Updyke was appointed to the ASA Board to fill the unexpired term of Blake Nelson, who had resigned. He is the owner-operator of Updyke Simmentals, a family-owned cow/calf operation that includes 120 breeding age females. Updyke genetics are marketed in a variety of ways from bull test consignment sales to state sales to private treaty.
A Simmental breeder for 36 years, Gary has been involved in NCBA, the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, served as president and a member of the board of the Oklahoma Simmental Association, and is currently president of McIntosh County Cattlemen's Association. In addition, he is a member of the American Legion, the county conservation board and the Community Action Foundation.
A Marine Corps veteran, Updyke earned his Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree and Educational Doctorate from Oklahoma State University, then served on the staff of OSU, Lamar Community College, and Vice President at Connors State College. Updyke and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of two children: Christina Amundson and the late Greg Updyke.
Updyke was formally seated at ASA's 49th Annual Meeting held January 15, in Denver. Also seated were newly elected, Randy Moody, New Market, Alabama; Steve Eichacker, Salem, South Dakota; and former trustee Tom Nelson, Wibaux, Montana; and re-elected, Gordon Hodges, Hamptonville, North Carolina, and Erika Kenner, Leeds, North Dakota.
Founded in 1968, the American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, MT. ASA is committed to leveraging technology, education and collaboration to accelerate genetic profitability for the beef industry. In keeping with its commitment, ASA, along with its partners, formed International Genetic Solutions - the world's largest genetic evaluation of beef cattle.
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