Alongside of this market is where members can reward the buyers of Angus genetics by transferring the registration certificate and make their customers an affiliate member of the American Angus Association for the cost of a transfer fee. Customer service is imperative for long-standing repeat buyers for your operation, and it all begins with the transfer of certificate.  

Not only is this a way to remain connected with your customer, but it is also a rule (Rule 400) in the Breeder’s Reference Guide to transfer ownership of certificate. Once you transfer the registration certificate, doors open for several opportunities for our affiliate members.

One of the biggest reasons to transfer a certificate is for marketing of feeder cattle for your customers through the AngusLink^SM program.

Premiums are evident within the program. AngusVerified^SM calves are driving the market, not only for Angus-sired calves but ultimately driving the demand for registered Angus bulls. The Genetic Merit Scorecard^SM is also a great indicator for buyers of Angus calves as this is a true indicator of their potential as they go into a feedlot setting. Recently a Maternal Score has been added for buyers that are looking to purchase replacement females.

Another great opportunity for our Affiliate members is access to the GeneMax® Advantage™ program. As we consider the rebuild of the cow herd, affiliate members can take advantage of the GeneMax Advantage program through Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). GeneMax Advantage provides easy and dependable evaluation of commercial Angus females for maternal, feedlot, carcass and eating satisfaction traits; and now it includes early summer hair shedding (HS) and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) as novel traits to help you match your herd to your environment. Nowhere else can you leverage the power of the Angus database — the world’s largest, single beef breed database — for testing Angus-based commercial females.

Affiliate members can access AAA Login for all necessary tools to sustain their operation. They can see their bull battery inventory and see the updated expected progeny differences (EPDs). This makes AngusLink enrollment easier, and GeneMax Advantage tests can be ordered through their online account.

Affiliate members will also receive the Angus Beef Bulletin^® for free. If you are unfamiliar with the Angus Beef Bulletin, I would encourage you to subscribe. This award-winning publication is mailed out five times a year and is the communication piece used by the American Angus Association for educational opportunities provided by the Association to make sure we are staying engaged with commercial cattlemen and women. This is also a great place for marketing your Angus genetics through advertising opportunities.

We all know the importance of supporting the youth in agriculture. As an affiliate member of the American Angus Association, the families are eligible for scholarship opportunities through the Angus Foundation. The scholarship program is for young men and women utilizing Angus sires or dams in their commercial operation. 

These youth and/or their parents/guardians must use Angus genetics in their breeding program. Eligible youth are pursuing an undergraduate degree or a vocational program at an accredited institution of higher education. Applications are due May 1, and winners will be notified in July or earlier.

I am not only encouraging members to transfer registration certificates, but I am encouraging the great benefits that can be unlocked by the American Angus Association for our affiliate members to make sure we remain the breed of choice for the commercial industry.  

Editor’s note: For more information, please contact the Association Member Services Department at 816-383-5100 or email llanders@angus.org.