American Angus Association^® Members, 

The American Angus Association^® Board of Directors met June 2 to 5, 2025 in Nashville. Virtual committee meetings were held prior to meeting in person this week. Members are no doubt interested in one of the biggest topics being discussed on social media over the last few days—the Global Methane Hub cattle efficiency research funded by the Bezos Earth Fund. I invite you to read the letter here from the entire board of directors which covers the topic in much greater detail.  

But I know members are also interested in many more of the agenda items discussed this week so I want to share some details on those topics, as well. This letter simply attempts to hit a few high points, as always, the Board Highlights in the upcoming Angus Journal will offer additional details.  

The board reviewed the National Cattle Evaluation updates from a few weeks ago. Of most interest was the launch of three new EPDs: Functional Longevity (FL), Teat Size (Teat) and Udder Suspension (UDDR) and their incorporation into both the Maternal Weaned Calf Value Index ($M) and the Combined Value Index ($C). The Association also released updates to Heifer Pregnancy (HP) and feed efficiency genetic evaluations which, along with improving the traits themselves, reduces computing time for these evaluations by as much as 60%. In addition, each year the economic assumptions driving the Association’s $Values are updated at this time.   

We reviewed some preliminary results of the membership survey that AGI and AAA sent to members back in April. We want to thank all of the members who have taken the time to respond. Preliminary results tell us that members are most interested in the Association helping them market their cattle, followed by conducting research and providing great customer service. The full and final results of the survey will be used by staff to make improvements in member service and referenced as we work on strategic planning and budgeting priorities for the coming years. 

Inventory Reporting continues to be a priority and increases in enrollments. Per member input, there will be enhancements added for those that have multiple calving seasons to more easily manage the females as separate herds.  

The Breed Improvement Committee approved a request from the Red Angus Association of America to join the World Angus Evaluation for foot angle and claw set, and the AGI team is moving forward with an agreement.   

One of the topics that members often discuss with board members is the opportunity for those that collect and submit data to be recognized in some way. The Breed Improvement Committee has been working with staff to develop a recognition program that is in its final stages. Details on the program will be announced this summer, and we will recognize the first herds during the 2025 Angus Convention.  

Heart health phenotypes and genotypes are continuing to be collected to build our reference data set. AGI geneticists are reviewing and analyzing the data and will continue to keep everyone updated on how the work is evolving.  

As part of AGI’s strategic planning, a primary focus will be to find ways to continue to target commercial data from every segment of the industry to continue to build on the already powerful database the Association has built but also to continue to validate the genetic tools provided.  

The Association remains in a strong financial position, despite the volatility in the markets over the last few months. Core business across the organization is solid, and we expect to finish the fiscal year in line with budgets.  

CAB Targeting the Brand™ was developed years ago to assist commercial cattlemen seeking genetics that achieve higher CAB acceptance rates. Per member feedback, we are exploring options for a CAB Prime Targeting the Brand designation of some sort, but there are many details to work out yet.  

The CAB team also shared with us some of their consumer research around deli meats and the value the brand brings to a retailer’s case. CAB posted the best month in the history of the program in March. This is somewhat unbelievable given tight cattle supplies and very high prices.  

Several shows and exhibitors have expressed interest in expanding Phenotype & Geneotype Shows (PGS). The board would like to see the expansion of these shows with opportunities for both junior and open exhibitors. In addition, we discussed several show rules including the maximum number of owned animals at the National Junior Angus Show, the “Transfer Retransfer” rule and the “Black Paint” rule. We’ll continue to work on those and take the discussion back up during the September board meetings.  

The Member Services Committee responded to breeder requests to update the Sale Terms and Conditions and better clarify breeding guarantees around heifers used in an IVF program.  They made some changes and added some language that we think will add the desired clarity. 

With postage costs on the rise and future tariffs on the horizon, the Angus Media staff and board will be reviewing their business plan to continue offering breeders competitive advertising opportunities and printed, educational material through the Angus Journal and the Angus Beef Bulletin publications.  

You may have followed along as several U.S. members attended the World Angus Forum in Australia a few weeks ago. It was a great opportunity to connect with breeders worldwide, see the significant influence of American Angus genetics, and discuss collaboration opportunities with the World Angus Evaluation. We look forward to showcasing American breeders and their genetics during the next Forum in 2029 in the United States.  

The delegate election process is underway. I hope that you’ve taken the opportunity to nominate and will vote for delegates from your state when voting opens in July. As a part of that process Bill Bowman, Missouri, and Lori Fink, Kansas, were appointed by the board to be the election observers. Every June, the board officer election process begins. This year, Smitty Lamb, Tifton, GA has declared his candidacy for Treasurer and the vote will take place at the September board meeting.  

Thank you for your interest and feedback on these important topics for the Angus breed and Association members. I would also encourage you to listen to the Angus Conversation podcast where we recorded a special episode to discuss these and other boardroom topics.  Feel free to reach out to me or any member of the board with your questions. 

Respectfully, 

Jonathan Perry 
2024-25 President  
American Angus Association