October
20, 2009
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Crystal Albers, assistant
director of communications/web editor, at 816-383-5100 or calbers@angus.org
Angus
Remains Industry Leader
The
American Angus Association® remained at the top of the beef cattle
industry in 2009, with the number of registrations far outpacing those of any
other breed.
“Our
year-end statistics continue to demonstrate strong demand for Angus genetics
and solidify our long-held position as a leader in the beef cattle industry,”
Bryce Schumann, American Angus Association CEO, said. “These results underscore
our members’ commitment to providing genetic solutions to the beef cattle
industry, and record-breaking sales for Certified
Angus Beef®
further substantiate Angus demand.”
Despite a
sagging U.S. economy, 282,911 animals were registered during fiscal year 2009,
which ended Sept. 30, 2009. Transfers —
representing sales of cattle to new owners — reached 176,199, indicating
continued demand for Angus genetics. Embryo transfers accounted for 11.3% of
registrations, and more than 52% of registered calves were a result of A.I.
The
number of members storing registrations electronically increased slightly
during 2009, and breeders continued to utilize Angus Herd Improvement Records
(AHIR®) and Beef Improvement Records (BIR). Breeders submitted a
total of 845,633 weights, bringing the database to more than 16 million weight
records.
Certified
Angus Beef LLC (CAB) saw its third consecutive sales record in 2009, selling 663
million pounds, an increase of more than 24 million pounds, over last year.
Approximately 14.1 million head were identified, and nearly 2.87 million head
certified — an 8% increase over the previous year. Acceptance rates climbed to
19.8%.
AngusSource®
— a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Process Verified Program (PVP)
documenting age, source and Angus genetics — saw an 8.5% increase in
enrollments this year. More than 122,700 head were enrolled in the program in
FY 2009, bringing total enrollments to more than 390,000 head since the program
was initiated as a PVP in 2005. The average size of enrolled lots increased as
well, from 146 head to 161 head.
In
addition, producers marketed 18.7% more cattle through AngusSource online
cattle listings, available at www.angus.org.
The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef organization, serving more than 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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