Common Ground
We are committed to providing innovative support through programs, services and demand creation.
July 31, 2025
As we look across the landscape of today’s beef industry, one thing is clear: We are witnessing a moment of historic opportunity. Record-high prices are making headlines. While tight supplies are certainly a major factor, the deeper story is one of long-term vision, relentless focus on quality, and a breed that has never wavered in its commitment to the consumer. At the heart of this story is Angus.
Decades of discipline
For generations, Angus breeders and commercial cattlemen have worked together to build a product that delivers on the ranch, in the feedyard and, ultimately, on the plate. The Angus cow is the backbone of the beef industry. She is renowned for her adaptability, maternal strength and ability to thrive in our diverse environments.
The Angus breed has become synonymous with quality, consistency and value to the consumer. That reputation wasn’t built overnight. It was earned through decades of disciplined selection, data-driven decisions, diverse breeding programs and a shared belief that doing what’s right for the consumer is also what’s best for the industry.
Results
Today, we see the results of that commitment. Demand for high-quality beef continues to rise, both domestically and globally. According to CattleFax, retail beef prices are projected to average $8.25 per pound in 2025, up from $8.01 in 2024. The gap between beef and other protein options in the meatcase continues to get larger as consumers crave great-tasting steaks, roasts and hamburgers.
Fed-cattle prices are also surging. In 2024, the average fed-steer price reached approximately $186 per hundredweight (cwt.). In 2025, we have experienced fed-cattle prices of more than $235 per cwt. Yet quality premiums are still significant in the marketplace. Just recently I was sent a closeout on a pen of cattle sold on a grid that returned more than $250 per cwt. (live basis) because they were a high percentage of Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) and Prime.
Feeder-cattle prices have emerged as one of the most compelling stories in recent years. With the summer video sale season now underway, calves across all weight classes are commanding record-breaking bids. Angus-sired calves are leading the charge, consistently earning significant premiums that reflect the market’s confidence in their quality and performance.
These numbers are more than just market indicators; they are a direct reflection of the value consumers place on quality beef. Angus genetics are at the core of that value proposition. Fueled by the genetics you’ve developed and the trust you’ve earned, the CAB brand continues to lead the premium beef category and set a new all-time monthly sales record in March with 113.8 million pounds sold.
Looking ahead
But this moment is not just about celebrating success. It’s about recognizing the responsibility that comes with it. As Angus breeders and commercial cattlemen, we are stewards of a legacy, but also architects of the future. The decisions we make today — about genetics, management and consumer engagement — will shape the industry for decades to come. We must continue to lead.
That means doubling down on innovation, embracing the tools that allow us to make smarter, faster and more precise genetic progress.
That means doubling down on innovation, embracing the tools that allow us to make smarter, faster and more precise genetic progress. It means continuing to invest in research, in education and in the next generation of cattlemen and women. It means staying laser-focused on the consumer — because at the end of the day, they are the ones who determine the value of what we produce.
At the American Angus Association, our mission is to support you — through programs, services and demand creation that help you thrive in a changing world. We are proud of the role Angus plays in driving profitability and progress across the beef supply chain. We are even more proud of the people behind the breed. Your passion, your integrity and your commitment to excellence are what make Angus more than just a breed. It makes it a community.
As we move forward, let’s do so with humble respect for the history we stand on and with confidence in the path ahead. The Angus breed has never been stronger, and the opportunities before us have never been greater. Together, we’ll continue to raise the bar for our industry, for our consumers and for the generations yet to come.
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Our November issue is focused on having your herd winter-ready and features ranches honored by Certified Angus Beef.
