Simmental recognizes volunteers
FT COLLINS – Leadership recognition was the focus of the Colorado Simmental Association’s annual meeting at Altenburg Super Baldy Ranch near here.
Clint Johnson of Longmont was named Youth of the Year. Johnson was outgoing Colorado Junior Simmental president and has helped with breed events at field days, regional expos, state fair and National Western Stock Show throughout his youth.
Reflected R Ranch of Sugar City was named Breeder of the Year. Curt & Susan Russell were presented embroidered coats. The honor stems from Curt Russell’s six years of service on the American Simmental Association (ASA) board, its executive committee and efforts to revamp the breed’s SimTalk and Register magazines as publication chairman. In addition, Susan has been elected as an ASA western region trustee, making them the first husband-wife team to have served on the national level, and she represents ASA and CSA on the National Western Stock Show committees.
Annual reports and elections also were held June 5. Susan Russell and outgoing Pres. Bruce German of Longmont, both term limited, were recognized for nine years on the board directors. Jerrid Brisendine of Walsh was re-elected as a director, along with board newcomers Marie Ostermiller of Johnstown, Duke Duzik of Craig and Curt Russell. New officers are James Dilka of Briggsdale, president and Roger Schager of Louisville, vice president. Susan Russell was surprised with a President’s Award from German for her 12 years as CSA secretary/treasurer and she was re-appointed to that post.
In the youth association, Chad Russell of Sugar City, was elected president; Clint Johnson of Longmont, vice president; and Clay Johnson of Longmont, secretary. The juniors also held a field day at the Altenburg ranch, with winning prizes given to Chelsea Brisendine, novice divisions, Chad Russell, junior division, and Clint Johnson, senior division.
A tour of Willie & Sharon Altenburg’s ranch and a steak fry drew breeders to the annual event.
Altenburg, German and the Russell’s then participated in the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association convention June 14-16 in Pueblo and hosted a breed booth on behalf of its CSA membership.
 

	Pres. Bruce German, left, presented Susan & Curt Russell with Breeder of the Year coats. Curt  sreved 6 years on the American Simmental (ASA) board, plus helped revamp the Register & SimTalk; Susan has begun a term on the ASA board as a western region trustee.
	Clint Johnson, outgoing CJSA president, received the Youth of the Year honor from CSA outgoing president Bruce German.
	Willie Altenburg, far right, shows off some of his cowherd during a farm tour June 5. Altenburgs Super Baldy Ranch hosted the 2010 CJSA field day and CSA annual meeting.