Tim Smith cut his teeth in the cattle business on Simmental and today he and daughter, Haley, are the owners of Smith Genetics, a registered Simmental and Simbrah outfit in Giddings, Texas. 

Smith, who grew up in Kentucky, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and worked as manager for Mt. Brilliant Farms and Achilles Cattle Co. In 1984, he left the "Bluegrass state" and moved to the "Lone Star" State to manage new Braunfels, based Parthenon Corporation. Then in 1989 he started Smith Genetics.

Smith has built the herd primarily on the influence of one maternal line, ACC Ms Savior A4P, "Granny P". Her daughter, "Little P" was a reserve grand champion in Denver and a Simbrah son, Spectrum, was an undefeated International Champion. Today both the Simmental and Simbrah cows in the program can largely be traced back to this matriarch.

Smith Genetics focuses tremendous amounts of energy on breeding good cattle, but just as importantly they focus on kids. Their interest in juniors and the incentives they provide their junior customers are recognized across breeds.

Smith was executive secretary of the Kentucky Simmental Association and some of his juniors there included Chan and Keith Phillips, successful Simmental breeders themselves, Terry Burks, a well known judge of several species; Keith and Chi Swain, whose family operates Swain Cattle Co. and Donnie Robertson, with Express Ranches, Yukon, Oklahoma.

"I take a lot of pride in having the privilege of being associated with these guys, when they were just in high school. They were awesome and very competitive on the national level, " says Smith.

The Smith junior program, includes participating in the Simbrah Sensation, the Simmental/Simbrah Superbowl, of which Smith was largely responsible for for creating and 15 years later still spearheads annually during the San Antonio Livestock Show. In addition, junior customers can use semen from Smith's herd bull battery, bring the heifers back to be bred, as well as call for advice anytime. Plus he holds a camp in May to help his junior customers and others  prepare for the state junior futurity, Simbrah Roundup, AJSA Regionals and the AJSA National Classic.

"I've always enjoyed working with youth and I feel the junior program in these two breeds is by far the best and provides a true educational experience beyond just showing. I want to help kids and through our camp we can encourage them as well as prepare them to be involved on a state and national level," he says.

Smith has bred many champions over the past 20 years, including Kara Finch's heifer that was the champion Simbrah at San Antonio in 2003, which netted her the $6,000 scholarship.

At the 2005 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo open show, Smith bred individuals were named Champion Simmental Female and Champion Simbrah bull--two breeds, two grand champions, all from one calf crop and is one of Smith's proudest accomplishments.

Smith Genetics relies on private treaty sales. In addition to their strong base of junior clientele, Smith's genetics have been purchased by breeders in Brazil, South Africa, Botswana and Mexico.

Smith Genetics was headquartered in Kyle, Texas for a number of years, but in 2004 relocated to Giddings Texas. They are just 2 miles south of Giddings just off of Hwy 77.

"We are building a new sale facility and plan to bring back our production sale in the near future. We have always and are still doing commercial embryo transfer and artificial insemination work and would be happy to discuss the services and options we can offer purebred breeders," says Smith.

He consults with Reavis Farms, Mission, Texas and McCrary's Family Farm, DeKalb, Texas. Recently Smith's brothers and sisters, who reside in Kentucky decided to enter in the Simmental cattle business as a family venture and Tim is involved in this operation also.

Haley is currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Austin College as a sophomore and is considering a career in law and archeology. She is still very active in the cattle program and was a successful TJSSA and AJSA member, competing at all levels.

Smith is an avid promoter and can be found ringside at most junior shows throughout the state as well as Simgenetic and industry events.

"We feel Simgenetics have many valuable assets for the industry and we would love to have you visit and learn more about our program, our philosophy and our cattle," encourages Smith.