In June, the Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) team traveled to Boise, Idaho, for the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention.  

As always, BIF brought together researchers, seedstock breeders, commercial cattlemen, industry partners and technology providers focused on one common goal: accelerating genetic improvement across the beef industry.

The conversations in Boise reinforced something many of us already know — genetics have never been more important to the long-term profitability of beef production. At the same time, the way genetics are measured, delivered and used across the industry is changing rapidly. For Angus breeders and commercial producers alike, these changes create both challenges and opportunities.

A changing landscape

For decades, breed association genetic evaluations have been the primary source of genetic information used to make selection decisions. Thosetools remain valuable and continue to drive progress across the beef industry.

However, the way genetics are measured, delivered and used looks much different today than it did even a decade ago.

More data is being collected and managed outside traditional breed association programs, such as Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®). Large supply chains, feeders, packers, technology companies and genetic providers are capturing performance data and, in some cases, using that information to develop proprietary genetic tools.

The genomic testing landscape is changing as well. Consolidation among genotyping service providers is reshaping the marketplace and creating new questions about access, innovation and industry collaboration.

These trends create new opportunities to better understand how genetics influence profitability throughout the beef value chain. They also highlight an important reality: if Angus is going to continue leading the industry, it must continue evolving alongside it.

Looking beyond the pedigree

At AGI, we believe the future of genetic improvement goes beyond individual traits and performance records. Today’s producers are making decisions that affect profitability across their entire operation, from the ranch to the consumer. To better understand those outcomes, the industry needs data that connects genetics to real-world performance throughout the beef supply chain — not just more data, but better-connected data.

Imagining what’s next

In 2024, we hosted a new kind of event, Imagine: AGI’s Beef Genetics Forum, bringing together leaders from across the beef industry to discuss what it will take to keep genetic improvement moving forward. One message came through loud and clear: the beef industry has more data and more genetic tools available than ever before, but we are not yet capturing their full value. 

Participants identified opportunities to better connect information from the ranch to the feedyard and packing plant, develop meaningful industry benchmarks, and create partnerships through the supply chain that improve how data is shared and used. They also emphasized the importance of evaluating genetics in real-world commercial settings and building tools that help producers apply genetic information more effectively.

While these ideas may sound technical, the objective is simple: help producers make more informed decisions and improve profitability. When we better characterize how genetics affect value throughout the production chain, the industry is better equipped to make decisions about bull selection, replacement females, management practices, and marketing strategies that strengthen the long-term success of operations.

Why this matters for Angus members

The Angus breed has long been a leader in genetic innovation, and the American Angus Association toolkit remains one of the most trusted and influential genetic evaluations in the world. This leadership creates both an opportunity and a responsibility — to develop tools that keep Angus members competitive while ensuring independent farmers and ranchers benefit from advances in technology, data and genomics.

That’s a priority for AGI.

As the industry evolves, AGI, supported by Association leadership, is strengthening its collaborations across the beef supply chain to gather meaningful data, validate genetic merit, evaluate outcomes and develop tools that deliver real-world value to Angus breeders and commercial producers.

This work is not about chasing technology for technology’s sake. It’s about answering practical questions:

• Which cattle are most profitable?
  
• Which genetics create value beyond the ranch gate?
  
• How can today’s selection decisions support long-term profitability?
  
• How do we ensure genetic progress translates into economic progress?
  
  

Building the future together

The future of genetic improvement will require greater collaboration across the beef industry.

The beef industry is changing. Genetics are changing. The good news is that Angus remains well positioned to lead.

Through continued investment in science, strategic partnerships and industry collaboration, AGI is committed to ensuring Angus members have the information and tools they need to make profitable decisions, capture more value from their genetics, and remain successful for generations to come.
The future of beef genetics is being shaped today, and AGI intends to help ensure Angus producers are leading the way.