“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night ...” an unofficial motto you could say both postal carriers and cattlemen alike identify with. No matter what the weather, the work must get done. 

Just as our cattle rely on us to be fed and watered no matter the weather conditions, for decades, business communication has relied on the U.S. Postal Service to deliver vital documents. And while the advancement of technology has not quite replaced the rancher’s daily care of his herd, it has provided us with new avenues to conduct business that remove many of the factors that impede the postal carrier’s ability to deliver on their promise. 

In fact, it is highly unlikely anyone reading this doesn’t have a story or two to share about the trials and tribulations associated with the reliability of today’s postal service. While there continues to be a place and need for traditional mail service — the American Angus Association, as stewards of member dollars, would be remiss not to explore the efficiencies and cost savings associated with paperless communication. Supporting your ability as producers to sell and purchase registered Angus cattle in a timely manner is one of the most important roles the Association fills.

One way the Member Services team has continued to support that commerce is through the implementation of paperless features like e-stored certificates. Paperless billing is another and has been offered as an optional service to members since at least 2020. Many members have used the preference successfully, finding business no longer ends up crisscrossed in the mail. It has reduced confusion about which bills remain outstanding and the cases of overpayment. As a result, and to serve all members in the same timely and efficient manner, the American Angus Association plans to transition Association business to paperless billing June 25, 2026.

Paperless transition

All member accounts with an email on file and a AAA Login account will be switched to paperless, including invoicing and suspense letters. This will include business conducted with the Association, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and Angus Media. Regardless of paperless preferences, members can access their work history with the Association and its entities in their AAA Login account with the ability to view suspense items, print invoices and pay a balance. 

The switch to paperless suspense letters also aims to reduce confusion, like that mentioned above about billing. At times animals are cleared from suspense during the mailing cycle. Paperless will eliminate the need to recheck for suspense items and give members time back to focus on the daily management tasks technology can’t replace. Members who wish to continue to receive paper communication will be able to opt out by emailing Member Services before June 25, 2026. After the switch, the opt out will be available within AAA Login. There will be no additional fee for paper billing. 

Another feature that is not necessarily new but aligns with paperless billing is the ability to pay invoices through a linked bank account, referred to as an ACH payment. The American Angus Association has implemented an ACH option for payments within AAA Login. This allows for direct payment from a personal or business banking account and gives members more flexibility in their operations.

As the American Angus Association continues to look for ways to optimize services to meet evolving member expectations, paperless billing has emerged as a practical and forward-thinking solution. Moving away from traditional paper invoices and suspense letters offers numerous advantages that extend beyond cost savings. Paperless billing supports efficiency, security and ensures accuracy of transactions.  

For more additional information and resources for conducting business through your AAA Login.