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David Gazda David Gazda

Association Perspective

The eyes and ears of the Association are a valuable resource.

The American Angus Association is recognized as the nation’s largest breed organization, having a membership of more than 25,000 breeders who, in fiscal year (FY) 2016, registered in excess of 320,000 head of cattle.


The Association also holds the distinction of having the largest field staff of any beef breed organization, employing 13 full-time regional managers who travel extensively in their respective territories throughout the year representing the American Angus Association and its membership. These individuals are not only knowledgeable of the Angus breed, they possess a thorough understanding of the Association and its four entities, rules and policies, and all programs and services offered by the organization.


The American Angus Association prides itself in being a service organization, and the regional manager team plays an important role in the educational process of the membership. The Association and its entities have developed numerous programs to assist both the new and veteran breeder in achieving their production goals and objectives and building a profitable program.


With more than 20 million records in its database, the Performance Programs Department provides the membership with cutting-edge genetic selection tools and programs such as Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) and MaternalPlus®.


Through the national cattle evaluation (NCE), weekly updated expected progeny differences (EPDs) provide the most up-to-date and accurate performance information available in the industry. Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and academia have teamed together to incorporate single-step methodology and, along with industry partners, have created the first Angus-specific genomic test, two advancements that will further enhance genetic selection capabilities of Angus breeders and users of Angus genetics. AAA Login and the Angus Mobile app further add to the Angus experience by providing 24-hour access and capabilities to record, submit and view all information relevant to herd management and marketing.


Finally, Angus Productions Inc. (API) continues to provide the most progressive, effective and cost-efficient marketing platforms available in the seedstock industry with few individuals having more experience and insight to advise on this aspect of the business than the regional manager. From conception to sale time, the job knowledge and responsibilities of the regional manager’s are as diverse as the membership that they serve.


With 70% of the nation’s commercial cow herd being influenced by the Angus bull, the Association takes its responsibility to this industry sector seriously. In 2016, while developing its Long Range Strategic Plan (LRSP), maintaining Angus relevancy in the commercial sector was labeled as a high priority by the Association’s Board of Directors.


With tools in place such as the Beef Record Service (BRS) and commercial DNA tests, GeneMax® Focus™ and GeneMax Advantage™, the organization has demonstrated its commitment in providing programs and technology that allow cattlemen to make informed breeding and selection decisions.


In addition, the existing AngusSource® and AngusSource Genetic programs provide marketing platforms to capture the added value of Angus-sired feeder calves and replacement females. This past November, the Association’s acquisition of Verified Beef and its proprietary Reputation Feeder Cattle® Program further solidified its commitment to the commercial cattlemen in capturing full value of Angus-sired genetics.


In closing, the Association’s regional managers are often called the “eyes and ears” of the organization. Their knowledge of the breed, the Association programs and services, and marketing expertise are an invaluable resource to its membership and users of Angus genetics. Regional managers are accessible by phone or email and readily available to advise cattlemen regarding genetic selection tools, marketing options and assist in procurement of quality Angus genetics. For more information regarding the American Angus Association’s programs and services and how to contact the regional manager nearest to you, visit www.angus.org.


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Editor’s Note: Director of Field Services David Gazda also covers Region 2, including the states of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.













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