The Data Driven Herd program is the result of breeders, board members and staff seeking to recognize American Angus Association^® members who are committed to the collection and submission of data on multiple traits to AHIR^® to help better characterize phenotypes in both their herd and the Angus breed. In August, 299 herds were recognized as 2026 Gold, Silver and Bronze level Data Driven Herds. This is more than double the number of herds who met the requirements in the program’s inaugural year. 

“We have had tremendous uptake in the program over the last year,” says Esther Tarpoff, director of the Association’s Performance Programs. “The data collected by our members is a key part of ensuring our database continues to characterize the breed. Not only are these herds contributing data, but they are doing so in sets which makes that data even more powerful.” 

Tarpoff explains that having sets of data from a herd allows them to gather greater insights from the data as they look at validating current tools and, in the future, build new ones. She says the contribution benefits all registered Angus genetics users who take advantage of the Association’s suite of selection tools. Data submissions come from a diverse cross-section of participating Angus producers, with 37 herd states represented and cow inventory size ranging from six to more than 4,000 head.

To earn Data Driven Herd Gold, Silver or Bronze, members submit data for 8, 10 or 12 traits, respectively, during the year. Each trait has a minimum required number of records, tailored both to the specific trait and to the individual herd’s size. The minimums are determined by the herd’s enrollment of females in the Inventory Reporting program. Gold level herds are also required to have earned MaternalPlus^® distinction within the Inventory Reporting program.  

The collection effort also helps members better characterize their herd and improve EPD accuracy on individual animals. Data Driven Herds can communicate their commitment to data collection by using the earned level logo on marketing materials including their website, ads and sale books. Herds are also recognized among their peers at Angus Convention and listed on Angus.org.

The Data Driven Herd collection period runs August 1 – July 31. Members interested in earning 2027 Data Driven Herd recognition can begin collecting and submitting data now. Members will also need to enroll in the Inventory Reporting program during one of two enrollment periods over the next year. Primarily spring-calving herds can enroll between Nov 1 – Jan. 15. Primarily fall-calving herds should enroll between May 1 – July 15. Once enrolled, herds will be able to track their progress towards Data Driven Herd recognition using the dashboard available in AAA Login. 

Related Links:  

• Data Driven Herd Program Page  
• Updates Refine Data Driven Herd Program
• Angus Data Driven Herds Recognized
• Inventory Reporting Program