This edition of “News & Notes” includes

• Angus University’s Herdsman Bootcamp;
• introduction of the Rishel Research Fund;
• USDA’s new priorities for research and development;
• commodity payment rates for Farmer Bridge program; and
• ways to participate in the Angus Foundation’s month of giving and celebration.

Herdsman Bootcamp offers resources to those new to the breed

One of the American Angus Association’s greatest strengths is the variety of tools, resources and programs it offers to support its diversity of Angus producers. However, the depth of the Angus toolkit can be overwhelming.

“For me, as the first generation in my family to get into the registered business, it has been a really big learning curve to learn how to register cattle or navigate Login, because I didn’t have a parent or mentor to teach me,” reflects Avery Roth.

Roth grew up on an Angus-influenced commercial operation near Leipzig, N.D. In recent years, he has led the effort to add a registered herd to the operation. Seeking a stronger knowledge base as a new seedstock producer, he applied to be part of the inaugural class of Angus University’s Herdsman Bootcamp. Sponsored by the Angus Foundation, the event brought 20 new producers from 14 states to the Association’s office in December for a two-day, hands-on educational experience.

As the new year begins, the Angus Foundation invites the Angus family to “Join Us in January” for a month filled with opportunities to support the Angus Foundation’s mission of education, youth and research in 2026.

“This new in-person educational event is another way the Association is working to serve members of all types,” explains Levi Landers, director of member and field services. “We’ve got a lot of resources to sift through as a new member, and this is an opportunity to connect face-to-face with the staff.”

Participants spent much of the Bootcamp in classroom-style sessions where member services representatives guided them through tasks like registering calves, submitting data and requesting DNA testing. Program and entity leads shared key details about Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI^®), Angus Media, Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^®), AngusLink^® and GeneMax^® Advantage^TM. CEO Mark McCully and COO Casey Jentz provided insights into the Association’s structure and long-range objectives, giving attendees a clearer understanding of how each entity and department works together to support the membership.

When new producers are given the right tools combined with intentional mentorship opportunities, the path into the registered Angus business becomes far less intimidating. If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of the next Bootcamp event, email angus@angus.org to ask to be placed on a future attendee list.

Rishel honored during NAILE banquet; legacy to continue through research fund

The Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery added another legendary name to its historic walls during the 2025 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky. On Nov. 16, William “Bill” Rishel of North Platte, Neb., was inducted as the 380th honoree, a recognition reserved for individuals whose lifetime contributions have shaped the livestock industry.

Family, friends and industry leaders gathered at the induction banquet to celebrate Rishel’s career. The evening featured heartfelt speeches, historical reflections and the unveiling of an original oil portrait by artist Richard Halstead, now displayed in the Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery.

Paired with the induction, the Rishel Research Fund was established through the Angus Foundation to honor his enduring commitment to progress. The Rishel Research Fund is committed to delivering real-world answers and applications to cattlemen to increase profitability and support the generational advancement of their operations.

“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 www.rishelportrait.com  to read Rishel’s full story, view photos from the induction and contribute to the Rishel Research Fund.

Secretary Rollins announces new R&D priorities for 2026

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. 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.

“When he created the People’s Department and the land-grant university system in 1862, President Lincoln had a vision for American agriculture rooted in ag innovation and education. Since that time, research coming from USDA and our colleges of agriculture have successfully helped American farmers and ranchers address countless challenges,” said Rollins. “The priorities we are announcing today further reiterate President Trump’s commitment to put farmers first and provides our agricultural researchers a strategic road map to help keep our producers at the forefront of productivity.”

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: The volatility in profitability of American agriculture leads to significant uncertainty for producers. R&D that results in increased profitability — such as reducing inputs or increasing mechanization and automation — will benefit American farmers and ranchers. 
2. Expanding markets and creating new uses of U.S. agricultural products: R&D that seeks to open new markets — such as generating science and data to resolve longstanding sanitary and phytosanitary trade barriers — or expand the utilization of these commodities in novel biobased products and bioenergy (including biofuels) will result in increased demand. 
3. Protecting the integrity of American agriculture from invasive species: The resurgence of New World screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, continued westward expansion of the spotted lanternfly, persistence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks, and decimation of our domestic citrus industry due to citrus greening are just a few examples of how invasive pests and diseases threaten American agriculture and natural resources. R&D focused on new and effective methods for preventing, detecting, controlling and eradicating these threats is a top priority for USDA and the security of U.S. agriculture. 
4. Promoting soil health to regenerate long-term productivity of land: American farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, as no one stewards their land more than those whose entire livelihood, and that of their successive generations, depend on it. R&D that promotes soil health practices, increases water-use efficiency and reduces inputs will ensure farms and ranches remain productive for generations. 
5. Improving human health through precision nutrition and food quality: Rigorous research on precision nutrition is needed to better understand how healthy dietary patterns affect people at the individual level with the goal of more targeted nutritional recommendations to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes and healthy families. R&D on increasing the nutritional content and quality of foods will lead to increased demand for American ag products. 

USDA announces commodity payment rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

On Dec. 31, Rollins announced the next phase in the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), the eligible commodity per-acre payment rates. $12 billion will be paid to American farmers in 2026. Of that amount, $11 billion consists of one-time FBA program payments.

Rollins said those who qualify can expect payment in their bank accounts by Feb. 28.

Per acre payment rates for the FBA eligible commodities are as follows: barley: $20.51; canola: $23.57; chickpeas (large): $26.46; chickpeas (small): $33.36; corn: $44.36; cotton: $117.35; flax: $8.05; lentils: $23.98; mustard: $23.21; oats: $81.75; peanuts: $55.65; peas: $19.60; rice: $132.89; safflower: $24.86; sesame: $13.68; sorghum: $48.11; soybeans: $30.88; sunflower: $17.32; and wheat: $39.35.

FBA payments are based on 2025 planted acres, Economic Research Service cost of production, and the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate report. Double crop acres, including all initial and subsequently planted crops, are eligible. Prevent plant acres are not eligible.

All intended row crop uses are eligible for FBA except grazing, volunteer stands, experimental, green manure, crops left standing and abandoned or cover crops.

Crop insurance linkage is not required; however, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new risk management tools provided for in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) to best protect against future price risk and volatility.

Of the $12 billion being provided by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, $1 billion is reserved for specialty crops and sugar. Timelines for payments to producers of these crops are still under development. Producers, including specialty crop producers and stakeholder groups, can submit questions to farmerbridge@usda.gov.

For more information, FBA is available online at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fba or contact your local USDA FSA county office.

January is month of giving, celebration for Angus Foundation

Angus Foundation Heifer Package. Leading off the 87th National Angus Bull Sale on Friday, Jan. 9, is the Angus Foundation Heifer Package, featuring WILKS Rita 4728, generously donated by Wilks Ranch of Eastland, Texas.

The heifer exemplifies the Wilks program’s commitment to form, function and balance. She hails from a maternal line known for consistency and performance. Her sister, WILKS Rita 4067, sold for $100,000 in the 2024 Wilks Ranch Sale, and was a headliner female of the 2025 fall production sale selling for half interest at $30,000. Rita 4728 ranks in the top 1% for both $Beef and $Combined indexes, offering elite structural correctness, powerful growth spread and eye-catching phenotype.

“She’s cowy,” said Aaron Kiser, seedstock manager at Wilks Ranch. “She’s got the numbers, the pedigree and the versatility to be a donor, a show heifer or a bull-producing female for a commercial operation.”

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

The sale begins at 2 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, with proceeds benefiting the Angus Foundation and the Angus Fund, supporting programs like the Beef Leaders Institute, LEAD Conference and Angus University.

Fund the Future Donation Lots. A special feature to the January events is the sale of Angus Foundation “Fund the Future” donation lots. The Fund the Future program allows breeders to donate proceeds from a designated sale lot to the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted dollars to support the breed.

Fund the Future Lots will be featured in the Bases Loaded Sale, Jan. 6 at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City; the Denim and Diamonds sale on Jan. 7; and the Angus at the Congress sale Jan. 8.

Angus Herdsman Social and Auction Highlights. The Angus Herdsman Social begins following the National Angus Bull Sale Jan. 9 at the Cattlemen’s Bar in Barn 3. The event celebrates the Angus breed and features the announcement of the 2026 Angus Herdsman of the Year, along with a lively auction and raffle.

Auction items include an Angus Yeti Cooler, Beverage Kit, a West Riley Children’s Rocking Chair, an Angus Media Marketing Package, a 2026 Kentucky Derby Trip and a “Concerned Mothers” print by Brian Asher among other exciting experiences and goods.

Foundation Angus Sale at the National Western Stock Show. The following week, the Angus family heads to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. On Friday, Jan. 16, at the Foundation Angus Sale supporters can contribute to the Fund the Future campaign through the sale of Sadler Rito Lady 5004. She is a maternal sister to Hoffman Thedford.

The Angus Foundation is excited to announce Sadler Rito Lady 5004 as the inaugural female to sell in support of the newly established scholarship honoring Barry Pollard, past president and chairman of the Board for the American Angus Association.