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🏆 Call for Nominations: Tennessee Simmental Association Membership Awards & Recognition
It’s that exciting time of year again! The Tennessee Simmental Association (TSSA) is proud to announce that nominations are now open for our Membership Awards & Recognition Program. Each year, we take time to celebrate outstanding members who go above and beyond in promoting Simmental cattle, supporting our association, and strengthening the Tennessee agricultural community.
These awards will be presented during the annual meeting held in conjunction with the Tennessee Beef Agribition, traditionally the second weekend of March.
đź“ť How to Nominate
Nominations for the 2026 awards must be submitted by TSSA or TJSA members in good standing January 31 of the current year.
Nominees should be members who demonstrate excellence, commitment, and passion for Simmental cattle and the betterment of our association.
All nominations should include:
A brief biography or background of the nominee
Contributions to the Simmental breed and/or the TSSA
Reasons this individual or family deserves recognition
You can submit your nominations by email to info@tnsimmental.org or to any TSSA board member.
🌟 Award Categories
tHE Pioneer Award
Recognizes a distinguished seedstock producer who have maintained a membership with ASA and/or TSSA and has made significant contributions to the promotion of the Simmental breed in the state. The canadite should have had a profound effect on his or her peers in both the purebred and commercial sectors.
Criteria: Must be a current ASA and/or TSSA member. Must be a Tennessee resident.
Seedstock Producer of the Year
Recognizes a purebred or percentage Simmental breeder who has made a significant contribution to the breed and is actively involved in improving Tennessee and regional Simmental genetics.
Criteria: Must be a current ASA and/or TSSA member. Must be a Tennessee resident.
Commercial Producer of the Year
Honors a producer who has successfully incorporated Simmental genetics into their commercial herd and demonstrated outstanding performance and support for the breed.
Criteria: Must be a Tennessee resident.
Junior Herdsman aWARD
Acknowledges a junior that has actively supported and promoted TSSA/TJSA and Simmental cattle across the state someone who embodies the spirit of cooperation and teamwork.
Criteria: Must have received or be a candidate to receive the AJS Bronze Merit Award. Must be a current member of AJSA and/or TJSA. Must be a resident of TN or must be actively involved in a recognized Tennessee youth program pursing livestock interest (4H, FFA, livestock project group in Tennessee, etc.)
Junior Rookie of the Year
Recognizes an individual in his or her first, second, or third year of involvement who demonstrates great enthusiasm and commitment to the Simmental breed through participation in Simmental activities. This award is selected by the Junior Advisor, no nominations will be accepted for this award.
Criteria: must be a current AJSA/TJSA member. A resident of Tennessee
Tennessee Simmental Futurity – Breeder of Champions
Presented to breeders whose cattle have excelled in the Tennessee Simmental Futurity.
🌾 Why These Awards Matter
These honors highlight the hardworking individuals and families who make our association stronger year after year. Whether it’s through mentorship, innovation, youth involvement, or promoting superior genetics, each nominee helps ensure a bright future for Simmental cattle in Tennessee.
📬 Submit Your Nomination Today!
Don’t wait—take a few minutes to recognize someone who deserves it!
Send your nominations by January 31 to any TSSA board member. Let’s come together this year to celebrate excellence within our Simmental community!