March 1, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Carrie Gilliam, communications coordinator, at 816-383-5100 or cgilliam@angus.org

Kurt Kangas, regional manager, at 661-706-2041 or kkangas@angus.org

Photo available at prphotos@angus.org

View an interview with Kangas here.

Kurt Kangas Joins the American Angus Association^®
New regional manger for the far Western region.

The American Angus Association welcomes Kurt Kangas of Bakersfield, Calif., as the new regional manager for Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.

“There’s nothing better than a herd of Angus cattle out on pasture,” Kangas says. “I have a real appreciation for the cattle in the Angus breed, but it’s the people behind the cattle that I really enjoy.”

Expect to see Kangas at Angus events, as well as at sales throughout the region. He says his main goal is to visit with members and commercial producers, get-to-know their herds and see how he can assist in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

"Kurt will be a great asset to our team as we continue look to the future of the business breed,” says Bryce Schumann, the Association’s chief executive officer. “It’s an exciting time to be in the Angus business, and it’s a privilege to work with talented people like Kurt.”

A native of California, Kangas is a graduate of Montana State University in Bozeman with a bachelor’s degree in range science. He has previously served as a rangeland consultant for HartCo. Environmental Services in Gallatin Gateway, Mont., and worked at Basin Angus Ranch for more than a decade until the herd dispersed in 2010.

Just prior to joining the Association, Kangas was a representative for Country Sweet Produce and remained involved with area cattle operations.

“I feel very fortunate to be part of the Association and look forward to getting to know our members and other ranchers in the Western region,” Kangas says.

Contact Kangas at kkangas@angus.org or 661-706-2041 for help locating Angus seedstock or to answer questions about Association programs and services.

The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef organization, serving nearly 30,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on the power of Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org.

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