Katy Holdener
The Source
American Angus Association hired Christopher Engel to lead new Angus Association feeder-calf program.
The American Angus Association announces the hiring of New Jersey native Christopher Engel as the director of Angus Link™, the new Association feeder-cattle program, which is set to be unveiled this summer.
Engel will be instrumental in leading the development of business strategies; managing the Angus Link field staff; developing relationships with Angus breeders, commercial producers and the fed-cattle sector; and executing key tactics for the program. The director of Angus Link will work closely with the CEO, director of commercial programs and Certified Angus Beef LLC vice president of production.
The ultimate goal of the feeder-calf program is to strengthen the link between the Association and commercial cattlemen, a strategic priority set by the Board of Directors in 2016. Establishing a feeder-cattle program built on the use of quality registered Angus genetics provides a direct connection between quality feeder calves and the registered Angus bulls that sire calf crops.
“As the Association looks to the future of our feeder-cattle marketing initiatives, we are extremely excited to have Chris at the helm of the innovative and groundbreaking platform — Angus Link,” Association CEO Allen Moczygemba said. “With Chris’s leadership and cattle industry expertise, the Angus Link program will bring extra dollars to Angus producers’ bottom line.”
Engel is a 2011 Clemson University graduate who holds a bachelor’s degree in animal and veterinary science. After graduation, he served as a sales representative for Helena Chemical Co. In 2015, he made the transition to Merck Animal Health as a territory manager and was quickly promoted to a brand specialist. His status upon leaving Merck was as a senior brand specialist in cattle marketing.
“I am really excited to join the Angus family and lead the Angus Link program,” Engel said. “The Angus breed is synonymous with quality cattle in pastures and at the packer. I am eager to extend the Angus Link message to our commercial and fed-cattle industry partners.”
Engel began his new role at Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., April 16.
Editor's Note: Katy Holdener is the digital content manager for the American Angus Association.