“The Rishel Research Fund was created to honor Bill Rishel’s lifelong dedication to advancing Angus genetics and leadership in the beef industry,” says Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “It aligns with the Angus Foundation’s mission by fueling cutting-edge research that benefits cattle producers nationwide, while offering donors and partners a direct way to invest in the future of the breed.”

By channeling resources into research that delivers practical solutions for cattlemen, the fund ensures Bill Rishel’s vision for progress lives on.

In perpetuating the life story of Rishel, the fund will serve as an inspirational pathway for future generations to follow his example of foresight, perseverance and hard work. The fund will aim to support research initiatives with the goal of improving genetics, production and efficiency.

Contributions to the Rishel Research Fund will help promote innovation and education within the beef industry. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.angus.org/foundation.

The Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery, founded in the early 1900s, is considered the highest honor in the livestock industry. With Rishel’s portrait now hanging among other icons, his story joins a collection that chronicles more than a century of leadership and progress. Visit https://rishelportrait.com/  to read Rishel’s full story, view photos from the induction and contribute to the Rishel Research Fund.

Rollins announces new R&D priorities

On Dec. 30, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed a Secretary’s Memorandum that puts forth a focused effort to establish new priorities for future research and development (R&D) activities funded by the USDA to strengthen U.S. agriculture for farmers and consumers.

Moving forward, she said, new R&D activities funded by USDA will be focused on projects that address one or more of the following priorities:

1. Increasing profitability of farmers and ranchers.
2. Expanding markets and creating new uses of U.S. agricultural products.
3. Protecting the integrity of American agriculture from invasive species.
4. Promoting soil health to regenerate long-term productivity of land.
5. Improving human health through precision nutrition and food quality.

Strategic investments in ag research and development will help American farmers and ranchers increase profitability while continuing to provide consumers the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food and fiber supply in the world for decades to come, Rollins said.

January event signals a strong bull market

Twenty-eight bulls sold for a total of $623,750 to average $22,276 at the 2026 National Angus Bull Sale Jan. 9 in Oklahoma City, Okla., signaling an exciting start to the 2026 bull sale season.

“Outstanding event, outstanding crowd, great set of buyers, great set of genetics that got to trade hands today,” said Jeff Mafi, regional manager for the American Angus Association, at the completion of the event hosted during Cattlemen’s Congress. It was the highest averaging sale in the 87-year history of the National Angus Bull Sale.

The top-selling bull was Lot 16, Hopson Bold Ruler 5028, a January 2025 son of BA7 Oaks Bold Ruler. Grimmius Cattle Co. of Hanford, Calif., purchased him for $100,000.

Circle F Farms, Baxley, Ga., purchased Lot 1, HNM Kevlar 265 for $75,000. Sired by Beal Breakthrough, he was born January 2024.

The third-highest-selling bull was DBA Dagger 5304, Lot 28. The March 2025 son of DBA Authority 3122 was purchased by Gary Wilmore of Rigby, Idaho, for $60,000.

Foundation Heifer Package sells for $150,000

Express Angus Ranches, Nowatzke Cattle/Maple Lane and Pollard Farms purchased the 2026 Angus Foundation Heifer Package on Jan. 9 for $150,000. WILKS Rita 4728, donated by Wilks Ranch of Eastland, Texas, headlined the package, which led off the National Angus Bull Sale during Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

“We are very grateful for our generous donors that continue to give unwavering support towards the foundation’s mission,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “They want the very best for the Angus breed and its legacy.”

The heifer package included an Advanced Reproductive Technology Package from Trans Ova Genetics; trucking to the buyer donated by Cliff R. Lathrop Inc.; and 30 days of mortality insurance donated by Jeanne Conover, Livestock Insurance Agent with Conover Auction Service.

As a longtime supporter of the Angus Foundation, Wilks Ranch recognizes the value of contributing to initiatives that promote education, youth and research within the breed. Their donation of the 2026 Foundation Heifer highlights a continued commitment to supporting programs that strengthen the Angus Foundation’s mission.

“It’s quite an honor,” said Kevin Reed, asset manager for Wilks Ranches. “What [the Angus Foundation] does for the youth [is] to give them opportunities, tools and the finances to grow, to do what they love and build a foundation for their future. We’re proud to contribute.”

Since 1980, the heifer package has been sold to generate unrestricted funds to further the foundation’s mission of supporting education, youth and research, and this tradition continues in 2026. Academic scholarships, leadership conferences and cutting-edge research are among the many programs sustained by the Angus Fund.

The Angus Foundation Heifer Package has raised more than $3 million since the inception of the program. For more information about the Angus Foundation or the annual Angus Foundation Heifer Package Sale, visit www.angusfoundation.org.

Dietary Guidelines released

Rollins and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. on Jan. 7 released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. The new guidelines deliver a clear, commonsense message to the American people: Eat real food.

The United States faces a national health emergency, according to Kennedy and Rollins. Nearly 90% of health care spending goes toward treating chronic disease, much of it linked to diet and lifestyle. The 2025–2030 guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance rooted in modern nutrition science:

• Prioritize protein at every meal.
• Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars.
• Eat vegetables and fruits through the day, focusing on whole forms.
• Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados.
• Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates.
• Limit highly processed foods, added sugars and artificial additives.
• Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size and activity.
• Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration.
• Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health.

“These guidelines return us to the basics,” said Kennedy, encouraging Americans to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods and reduce intake of highly processed foods. “This is how we make America healthy again.”