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 2023 registered in excess of 300,000 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, but they also 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 established breeder in achieving their production goals and objectives, thereby 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^®), Inventory Reporting, and MaternalPlus^®.
• Through the National Cattle Evaluation (NCE), weekly updated expected progeny differences (EPDs) provide for the most up-to-date and accurate performance information available in the industry.
• In 2017, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and industry partners created the first Angus-specific genomic test 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 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 your regional manager.

From conception to sale time, the knowledge and responsibilities of regional managers are 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 identified as a priority by the Association’s Board of Directors. With tools in place such as the Beef Record Service (BRS) and commercial DNA test, GeneMax Advantage™, the organization has demonstrated its commitment in providing programs and technology that allow cattlemen to make informed breeding and selection decisions. In January 2023, the Association’s AngusLink^SM program joined forces with IMI Global to provide more value-based opportunities, further strengthening 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, Association programs and services as well as marketing expertise are an invaluable resource to the 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 assistance in procuring quality Angus genetics. For more information regarding the American Angus Association’s programs and services or to find the regional manager nearest to you, visit www.angus.org.

Editor’s note: David Gazda is a regional manager for the American Angus Association. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.