As I look back on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude for what we’ve accomplished together as an Angus community. The numbers tell a powerful story, but behind every statistic is the hard work, dedication, and vision of our members. For the 11th consecutive year, we surpassed 300,000 registrations, with nearly 310,000 head entered into the Herd Book in fiscal year 2025 — an increase of more than 7,000 compared to last year. Most were females, signaling breeders are building inventory. Notably, 75% were genomically profiled, and more than half were sire and dam verified.

This year’s cattle market was historic, and registered Angus genetics led the way. Even with more head sold, registered Angus bulls averaged $8,395 and females $8,436 — up $1,200 and $1,600 respectively from last year and nearly double 2020 prices. Incredible progress!

AngusLinkSM also had a strong year with 287,000 head enrolled. Premiums through summer video sales averaged more than $20 per hundredweight (cwt.) as feedlots relied on the Genetic Merit ScorecardSM for confidence in genetic risk management. 

With beef demand at a 40-year high, Certified Angus Beef (CAB) also posted its third-best year ever — 1.235 billion pounds (lb.) sold and the 10th straight year with more than 1 billion lb.

We’re fortunate to not just participate in a strong market, but lead it. That leadership comes with responsibility — to keep improving and delivering programs and services that matter to breeders and commercial producers.

Our diverse membership

Our membership is nearly 22,000 strong, representing diverse operations across the country with different environments, markets and philosophies. That diversity is an incredible strength — but also a challenge to an association trying to balance and serve contrasting opinions. In 2025, 75.5% of active members registered fewer than 20 head, accounting for 16% of registrations. Meanwhile, 5.3% registered more than 100 head and accounted for 52% of registrations. In 1990, herds with more than 100 head represented only 25% of registrations. This shift illustrates the complexity of serving both ends of the spectrum as these producers tend to place value on different Association programs and services.

Our survey revealed many members are relatively new. In fact, 31% of Regular and Life members have been with the Association less than five years. Half have been members less than 10 years and represent 22% of last year’s registrations. What an incredible indication of breed strength when that many new breeders are entering the business. At the same time, members with 25+ years represent 22% of the membership and register 43% of cattle. We’re blessed with both new and heritage breeders and offering programs that serve both groups will remain a priority.

The Angus Convention was a great opportunity to gather feedback with so many members in one room. Using live polling, attendees shared ideas on the future of the business, selection tool and research needs, and priorities for the breed and Association. Not surprisingly, the room was optimistic, progressive-minded and committed to advancing tools and strategies that keep Angus breeders competitive.

While it has been a year with some challenges — most importantly, 2025 marks a year of meaningful progress for our members and the Angus breed. 

Read the 2025 Annual Report.