For more than 150 years, the popularity of Angus cattle has grown, making over 80% of America’s cow herd influenced by Angus genetics. Influential sires have made their mark, and during the 2024 American Angus Association Awards Dinner and Reception on Nov. 3, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, the Association recognized the sire registering the most progeny.

Connealy Craftsman owned by Select Sires Inc., Plain City, Ohio, and Sexing Technologies, Navasota, Texas, sired 4,014 calves registered into the Angus herd book, the most in fiscal year 2024.

“We were interested in this bull for a variety of reasons, but it was phenotype that set him apart for us. His $M index and foot scores were excellent, and his pedigree was something different for us,” says Brian House of Select Sires Inc. “When our team set their eyes on him, they very quickly selected him as the 'special bull,' in that sale.”

Recognizing these sires highlights the breeders dedicated to providing top-quality Angus bulls.

“Our members enjoy wide diversity in genetics to achieve whatever their breeding goals are,” says Mark McCully, CEO of the Association. “We’re thankful for these cattlemen committed to breed improvement.”

Top 10 sires  recorded from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30:

2. GB Fireball 672, ABS Global Inc., De Forest, Wis.; Goode Angus, Pampa, Texas; and Grand Bayou Farms, Ruston, La., 3.500 calves

3. Deer Valley Growth Fund, Deer Valley Farm, Fayetteville, Tenn., 3,368 calves

4. Sitz Resilient 10208, Bar J V Angus Ranch, Fairview, Mont.; Dan Ingalls, Casper, Wyo.; and Lunds B Bar Angus, Wibaux, Mont., 3,332 calves

5. Tehama Tahoe B767, Midwest Genetics, Long Island, Kan.; Tehama Angus Ranch, Gerber, Calif.; and VanDerVeen Farms, Phillipsburg, Kan., 2,411 calves

6. LAR Man in Black, ABS Global, De Forest, Wis., and Larson Angus Ranch, Sharon Springs, Kan., 2,292 calves

7. DB Iconic G95, Douglas Booth Family, Torrington, Wyo., and Genex Cooperative, Shawano Wis., 2,273 calves

8. Sitz Stellar 726D, ABS Global, Inc., De Forest, Wis., and Sitz Angus Farm, Dillon, Mont., 2,165 calves

9. Poss Rawhide, Danny Poss, Scotia, Neb., and Sexing Technologies, Navasota, Texas, 2,090 calves

10. GAR Home Town, Gardiner Angus Ranch Inc., Ashland, Kan., 2,068 calves