The American Angus Association^® is calling for applicants for the 2025 Angus Ambassador of the Year and Young Breeder of the Year awards. The awards, established in 2023, highlight impactful individuals helping to drive the breed forward. 

This year’s recipients will be recognized at Angus Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct. 31 – Nov. 2.  

Angus Ambassador of the Year Award 

The Angus Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes someone who goes above and beyond to promote or aid Angus efforts and broadens the influence of Angus cattle in the beef industry.  

Applicants for this award can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Nominees do not need to be members of the Association and can be businesses or allied industry members. 

Nominate an Angus Ambassador of the Year by March 15.
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Young Breeder of the Year Award 

The Young Breeder of the Year Award recognizes a young, registered Angus breeder for their leadership within the Angus breed, participation in Angus programs and innovation within their herd.  

Applicants for this award can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Applicants must be between 25 and 45-years-old and an active member of the Association. Couples or business partners can be nominated if they meet age requirements. Herd ownership and/or management responsibility is required of each individual applicant. 

Nominate a Young Breeder of the Year by March 15. 

Our 2024 Award Recipients  

Mike McGuire, 2024 Angus Ambassador of the Year 

Mike McGuire is the second person to be recognized as Angus Ambassador of the Year. The 2024 recipient’s passion for the Angus breed and more importantly its breeders has been steadfast over his lifetime. McGuire, who calls Waverly, Alabama home, has been pivotal in the Alabama Angus Association’s recognition as one of the most active state associations in the country. He has organized over 50 association sales, led annual field days and helped establish the Alabama Angus Family of The Year and Alabama Progressive Breeder of the Year awards.  

Listen to McGuire reflect on his time in the breed in this award video or read more about his contributions in the Angus Journal.  

Cody Quam, 2024 Young Breeder of the Year 

A third-generation Angus breeder, Cody Quam takes a boots-on-the-ground approach to the family operation. At Marda Angus Farms, Quam leads genetic selection and the donor/ET program as well as sales and marketing. Under his stewardship, the Lodi, Wisconsin operation has earned multiple top honors at the Midland Bull Test. Off the farm, the young breeder stays involved in the cattle industry, as a long-time delegate to the national convention, a graduate of the Beef Leaders Institute, and president of the World Beef Expo board. 

Listen to Quam reflect on the opportunity of the breed in this award video or read more about his involvement in the Angus Journal.