This month’s edition of “News & Notes” includes items on:

• Herdsman Bootcamp 2026 registration open
• Applications for Angus internships are due Nov. 18
• Farmers call on President Trump to provide diesel price relief
• Trump signs Executive Order on dyed diesel
• APHIS issues revised NWS guidance materials
• Seed sovereignty initiative to strengthen U.S. ag security

Herdsman Bootcamp 2026 registration open

One of the American Angus Association’s greatest strengths is the variety of tools, resources and programs that supports the diversity of Angus producers. But for new members, especially those entering the registered business without a family history or mentor, the depth of the Angus Toolkit can feel overwhelming. Launched in 2025, Angus University’s Herdsman Bootcamp offers resources to those new to the breed.

“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,” reflects Avery Roth, a 2025 attendee.

Roth grew up on an Angus-influenced commercial operation in Leipzig, N.D., and in recent years, has led the effort to add a registered herd to the operation. Seeking a stronger knowledge base as a new seedstock producer, he attended the program’s inaugural event. This year, the Angus Foundation-sponsored event will bring 25 new producers to the Association’s office Dec. 1-2, for a hands-on educational experience. New members or new employees of Association members are encouraged to apply for a spot before Oct. 31 through the event page on www.angus.org.

“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 who can be just as big of a resource to our members as the articles, tutorials and other educational materials we offer.”

Participants will spend time in classroom-style sessions where Member Services representatives will guide them through AAA Login tasks like registering calves, submitting data and requesting DNA testing in both group and one-on-one settings.

Alongside these practical tutorials and program introductions, attendees will learn about the Association’s structure and Long-Range Objectives, giving them a clearer understanding of how each entity and department works together to support the membership.

“It was great to put a face behind the title and the name when we’re going to be calling in with lots of questions as a new member,” says Meghann Miller, who attended the 2025 event after being hired to establish a registered Angus operation at Fintail Ranch in Twin Bridges, Mont. “I wanted to see exactly what tools we will have at our disposal to make the transition into the registered side more successful.”

Miller says when new producers like herself are given the right tools combined with intentional mentorship opportunities like the ones offered at Herdsman Bootcamp, the path into the registered Angus business becomes far less intimidating.

Members interested in attending the December 2026 event are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; spots are expected to fill up quickly.

Applications for Angus internships due Nov. 18

The American Angus Association and its entities offer hands-on, tailored learning experiences for young cattle enthusiasts. Internships are offered in several departments and entities; and provide opportunities for growth in a student’s chosen field during the 10-week summer program. Students will be immersed in a fast-paced, professional environment and work side-by-side with experts at the forefront of the cattle industry.

“Working with both commercial cattle producers and registered Angus breeders gave me the opportunity to learn from a wide range of operations and gain insight into different areas of the Angus breed,” said Olivia Hadrick, 2026 commercial programs and producer support intern. “I’m thankful for the mentorship and opportunities I’ve received this summer, and I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned with me throughout my career.”

Interns are based out of Saint Joseph, Mo.; some positions offer opportunities to travel. 

Students who are interested in growth and networking opportunities, have a good attitude and are willing to jump into new and challenging situations for hands-on experience should apply at www.angus.org/careers  by Nov. 18, 2026, to be considered.

Association Communications: From print writing to graphic design, photography and video, the communications intern will gain multifaceted ag communications experience to enhance their marketability as a young professional. The communications intern will help with the promotion and coverage of one of the Association’s biggest events, the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), and will travel with the team to the event. Applicants should have strong writing and design skills and have completed coursework in news and feature writing, editing and design. Experience in photography, video and social media are preferred.

Association Events & Junior Activities: The intern will assist in planning and executing youth events hosted by the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), including preparation, correspondence and coordination for shows and events. Applicants should be self-starters, detail-oriented and outgoing with the ability to work well with others. Livestock and event planning experience is preferred, but not required. Travel to the 2026 NJAS, Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference and other events is expected.

Association Commercial Programs & Producer Support: This position is designed to give students hands-on exposure to the Association’s work with both seedstock and commercial cattlemen, while building skills in customer relations, data support, and industry communication. Interns will work closely with programs including AngusLink^® and Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^®), supporting outreach efforts as well as producer engagement and training. Interns will develop a deeper understanding of genetic tools, herd improvement programs and the role data plays in driving progress within the beef industry. Applicants should have an interest in beef cattle production, genetics and commercial cattle marketing. Opportunities for herd visits, travel to industry events may also be available.

Angus Media – Marketing: This position will provide valuable experience in email marketing, graphic design, digital advertising, social media content creation and data analytics. The intern will work alongside an experienced team to develop skills and contribute to real cattle producers’ marketing campaigns and success. Applicants should demonstrate an excitement and passion for Association work and the cattle industry. Previous management or oversight of business social media accounts is preferred.

Angus Media – Publications: This writing-intensive opportunity offers the chance to join a multimedia effort, which includes the Angus Journal ^® print publication and the AJ Daily electronic newsletter, as well as the Angus Journal’s website, podcast and social media presence. The internship can be tailored to the intern’s strengths, but many duties can be anticipated, including traveling to industry events. Experience in news and feature writing, editing and photography are strongly suggested.

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI): Students pursuing their master’s degree or doctorate in animal breeding and genetics and related areas are encouraged to apply for the AGI summer internship. The intern will have the opportunity to work with the world’s largest single beef breed genomic databases, conducting research on economically relevant traits. The internship will focus on research that involves data analysis. Candidates should have experience in analyzing animal breeding data sets including genomic data.

If students prefer to spend their 2027 summer on the ranch, the Angus Foundation is accepting applications for the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program internship. The Talon internship program provides college-aged students with the unique opportunity to spend their summer on an Angus operation. Interns gain extensive ranching knowledge while enhancing their skills as advocates for the beef industry. Students interested in participating in the program can learn more by visiting this page . The deadline is also Nov. 18; apply through www.angus.org/careers.

Farmers call on President Trump to provide diesel price relief

As farmers and ranchers face record-high diesel costs, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall called on the president to take steps to lower prices at the pump, including a temporary suspension of the federal highway diesel tax.

“Higher diesel expenses are hitting farmers at one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year — harvest,” wrote Duvall in a letter to President Trump. “Diesel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, from running tractors, combines and irrigation equipment to transporting crops, livestock and inputs requires diesel. Farmers and ranchers cannot postpone harvest or simply stop using diesel when prices rise.”