A primary role of the Association is to provide you with the tools you need to improve Angus genetics. Angus breeders have done a great job of advancing the breed, and we’ll continue to put tools in your hands to make sure we maintain that preferred position with cow-calf producers, feeders and packers.

Now more than ever we believe it is our responsibility to drive the research that improves the Angus breed and the bigger beef industry.

As technology advances, we need to validate our genetic predictions in commercial settings. Through our structured sire evaluation and other strategic efforts, we plan to capture more commercial data and further refine our genetic evaluation.

Our diverse membership is an incredible strength, but also a challenge as we strive to deliver tools, programs and services to meet your needs. We have breeders targeting different markets — from commercial bulls to elite breeding females to show heifer prospects — each looking to the Association for different things. Our task is to listen to those members, understand their needs and ensure our relevance to all.

Part of enhancing member success is driving demand for registered Angus seedstock. As more and more nonregistered bulls appear in the marketplace with genetic predictions and expected progeny differences (EPDs), it is imperative we drive home the message that “not all EPDs are created equally” and the prediction power of the Angus database and Angus pedigree is second to none.

It goes without saying that if our customers succeed, Angus breeders will succeed. Ultimately our goal as seedstock producers is to provide genetics that drive their business and profitability. It’s also important to provide value-added programs, like AngusLink^SM, to help them capture the added investment they’ve made in registered Angus. We believe that management and marketing systems of the future will be dependent on data and, specifically, genetic information that will direct management and marketing decisions.

Angus breeders have long been leaders in adopting science and technology in genetic improvement. It will continue to be a priority to be a resource for you and provide you with educational programming, new ideas and platforms, that fit your needs — whether you are a fourth-generation Angus breeder or someone just getting started.

Click here to download a 3.84 Mb pdf file of the long-range objectives of the American Angus Association.

We are all aware that without strong consumer confidence in our end product, we as cattlemen cannot be successful. Certified Angus Beef^® (CAB^®) brand products are in high demand around the world, and the brand gives us a great vehicle to better connect with consumers.

I am excited to present these long-range objectives to you. While fairly simple, I believe they will be effective in helping clarify our focus as an Association and what we as staff and a board will be working towards on your behalf moving forward.