AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION - THE BUSINESS BREED

  • More Data, More Accuracy

    Submitting phenotypes each year is necessary to maintain a database that properly describes current Angus genetics.

  • Better EPDs, Better Insights, Better Decisions

    As a breeder, collecting and submitting data on your herd results in more accurate expected progeny differences (EPDs).
    The more accurate the EPDs, the better the insight into herd performance to make profit-minded management decisions.

  • A Community of Data for Breed Success

    Together, the data collected by past and current Angus breeders has been compiled into the largest single breed database powering the Association’s National Cattle Evaluation – calculating EPDs for you.

Angus herd improvement records

 Breeders submit data to the Association through Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®). The program provides Angus breeders with the opportunity to capitalized on performance-driven progress. The data collected through AHIR® is used to support the National Cattle Evaluation – producing insights on individual animals and herds as well as the breed as a whole. 

Ways to Submit Data 

AHIR® records can be submitted using:

  • AAA Login
  • Association Excel spreadsheets
  • AIMS or other herd management software
  • Paper forms 
Person accessing Agus.org log-in webpage on a laptop.
A producer collecting data while working cattle in a chute.

When to Submit

Records can be submitted anytime throughout the year. It is recommended to submit records once data has been collected on an entire group. The sooner the data is submitted, the quicker better-informed decisions can be made.

Herds participating in AHIR’s Inventory Reporting program will need to submit required records by either January 15 or July 15, depending on your enrollment period. 

INVENTORY REPORTING

Breeders enrolled in this program track performance through whole herd reporting rather than on an individual bases.

BEST PRACTICES

Birth records can be submitted as calves are born.

Submit birth records using AAA Login:

  • Go to Submit Data > AHIR/Performance > Calving Book 
  • Find the dam and click the “+” to create a new entry 
  • Enter as much information as you can on the calf 
  • Click “Save” to add the record to the cart for checkout 
  • At checkout, you will be asked if the calves reported are the last of the calving season.
    • Answering “yes” will close the contemporary group
    • Answering “no” will allow you to submit more calves in the same group

Collect at birth

All calves born should be reported to the Association – regardless of registration status. This allows for a complete contemporary group. Animals that are reported are assigned a BIR number, indicating they are in the system but have not been registered to receive an AAA number.

Contemporary groups

Submit data once records have been collected on the entire group.

Don’t wait. To be the most effective, data needs to be put to use. Records should be submitted soon after collection to be included in EPDs which can then be used to make selection decisions. 

If multiple sires are used and the sire is unknown at time of calf birth, it is best to use a sire group when reporting the calf until DNA can be submitted to determine the correct sire.

The day after data processes, review the AHIR® reports, which will be available in your Login account.

Submitting data electronically allows the records to process quicker.

Submitting Data, Leveraging AAA Login

Store Records online

Storing registration certificates electronically means the EPDs are never out of date and transfers can be completed quicker.

Black and white photo of an individual entering data on the computer.
A person's hand crossing off a checklist on a piece of paper.

Data collection checklists

Review the steps to collect the data you need for your operation at the right time.

An Angus cow standing strong in a desolate pasture.

Explore reports

AHIR® offers a suite of tailored reports to help you better review and analyze your data.