"I am excited to be part of the Shorthorn family," Soules said.

"As a past producer I can relate to the challenges that the membership or breeders may have. I can relate because I have been there. Because of this I bring a unique perspective to the breed and its breeders."    

Soules brings a lifetime of experience in the purebred beef cattle industry. He was the general manager for the past 34 years of Star Lake Cattle Ranch in Skiatook, Oklahoma.

During his tenure at Star Lake, they showed 13 consecutive Champion Hereford Carloads in Denver at the National Western Stock Show. The ranch was named 12-time Junior National Premier Adult Breeder.

Under his management, Star Lake had seven sales grossing over $1 million and sold cattle to 12 foreign countries.

Soules was also instrumental in starting monthly internet sales five years ago. He made it a priority to develop a commercial bull trade by reaching out with new marketing strategies.

He has judged cattle in North America at Denver, Louisville, Canadian Agribition and the Toronto Royal Winter Fair.    

—From American Shorthorn Association news release