Dr. Wade Shafer Joins 701x Board of Directors

We're thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Wade Shafer to our Board of Directors. Dr. Shafer had this to say about coming aboard:

Wade Shafer was raised on his family’s Shoestring Ranch near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where his interest in genetics and the cattle industry began. As the oldest of five children—and the only boy—Wade grew up deeply involved in the day-to-day workings of the ranch.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from nearby North Dakota State University, then went on to Colorado State University where he completed both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics. His academic focus was on quantitative genetics and bio-economic simulation modeling.

Upon completing his education, Wade returned to the family ranch, transforming what had started as a hobby operation into a herd of 500 head, with an additional 500 head represented through cooperators. At its peak, the program marketed up to 200 bulls annually before the herd was dispersed in 2001.

Wade’s deep scientific curiosity, combined with his practical ranching experience where he built economic selection indexes for his herd, led him to the American Simmental Association (ASA). He joined the team in 2003 under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Lipsey. When Lipsey retired in 2013, Wade stepped into the role of Executive Vice President. In that capacity, he continued to champion the use of cutting-edge science to strengthen and evolve the organization.

In 2010, the American Simmental and Red Angus Associations  co-found what would become International Genetic Solutions (IGS). At the time, data sharing among breed associations was virtually unheard of, but Wade had a broader vision. That bold initiative has grown into the largest genetic evaluation system of beef cattle in the world, now encompassing more than 23 million animals across 25 breed organizations in four countries.

In an industry long divided by surface traits like coat color or the presence of horns, Wade prioritized science over tradition and ego. His commitment to advancing genetics across the entire cattle industry has been unwavering, grounded in the belief that sound, credible science is the foundation for long-term commercial success.

During his tenure, Wade also led the development of two comprehensive whole life cycle economic indexes, implemented a whole herd reporting system, and restructured ASA’s field staff model to better support its mission.

Wade and his wife, Kathy, are the proud parents of four children and five grandchildren.