Association Perspective
Regional managers and Association serve as resource for commercial cattlemen.
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) 2018 registered in excess of 327,000 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 on being a service organization, and the regional manager team plays an important role in the educational process of members and their customers. The Association and its entities have developed numerous programs to assist both the new and veteran breeder in achieving production goals and objectives and building a profitable program.
With more than 22 million records in its database, the Performance Programs Department provides the membership cutting-edge genetic selection tools and programs, such as Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) and MaternalPlus®. Its National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) tabulates expected progeny differences (EPDs) weekly, providing the most up-to-date and accurate performance information available in the industry.
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.
In 2017, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and academia teamed together to incorporate single-step methodology, and along with industry partners, also created the first Angus-specific genomic test. These are two advancements that 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 Media 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 managers is as diverse as the membership they serve.
With 70% of the nation’s commercial cow herd being influenced by the Angus bull, the Association takes its responsibility to this sector of the industry 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), commercial DNA tests and the newly released Angus Black Book, the organization has demonstrated its commitment to providing programs and technology that allow cattlemen to make informed breeding and selection decisions. In addition, AngusSource® and the new Angus LinkSM program provide marketing platforms to capture the added value of Angus-sired feeder calves and replacement females. With these programs, the Association further solidified its commitment to the commercial cattleman in capturing the 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, knowledge of Association programs and services, and marketing expertise are invaluable resources 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 and marketing options, and they assist in procuring quality Angus genetics. For more information regarding the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org.
Editor’s note: Director of Field Services David Gazda covers Region 2, including the states of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.
