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. 

“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,” says Avery Roth. 

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 applied to be part of the inaugural class of Angus University’s Herdsman Bootcamp. The Angus Foundation-sponsored event brought 20 new producers from 14 states to the Association’s office in December for a two‑day, hands‑on educational experience. 

Levi Landers, director of member and field services, says that’s exactly why the event was created. “This new in‑person educational event is another way the Association is working to serve members of all types,” he explains. “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.” 

As the sessions got underway, many attendees found that personal connection especially valuable. For new members, the learning curve is steep and having someone walk through each step can make all the difference. That was certainly true for Roth. 

“It was really helpful to sit down and learn Login directly from Association staff as a first‑generation breeder who didn’t really have any experience with that before,” he says. 

Participants spent much of the Bootcamp in classroom‑style sessions where Member Services Representatives guided 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, program and entity leads shared key details about Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), Angus Media, Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^®), AngusLink℠ and GeneMax^® Advantage™. CEO Mark McCully and Chief Operating Officer Casey Jentz also 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. 

The desire to better understand the scope of the Angus toolkit was echoed by fellow attendee Meghann Miller, who represents Fintail Ranch. Recently hired as herd manager, Miller has been tasked with establishing a registered Angus operation at the Twin Bridges, Mont., ranch. 

“It was great just to learn the different programs that the Association offers and 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 Miller, who explained the ranch is still in the process of purchasing registered females and selecting a bull battery. 

“I wanted to see exactly what tools we will have at our disposal, what the Angus Association offers for programs and how we can make that transition into the registered side more successful and ease into that transition,” Miller says. 

The inaugural Herdsman Bootcamp proved that when new producers are given the right tools combined with intentional mentorship opportunities, the path into the registered Angus business becomes far less intimidating. Participants left with knowledge and a community they can lean on long after the two‑day event. 

“It was inspiring to see the passion, enthusiasm and resilience among this group of new members,” Landers says. “This is why we as a staff do what we do. We want to see the Angus breed continue to succeed and be a leader in the industry and that happens through the producers who dedicate their lives to the breed.” 

With the success of this first class, the Association looks forward to expanding the Angus University Herdsman Bootcamp through the continued support of the Angus Foundation to equip the next generation of producers with the resources to support their individual goals. If you or someone you know is interested in being apart of the next Bootcamp event, email angus@angus.org to ask to be placed on a future attendee list.