American Angus Association members, 

The American Angus Association Board of Directors met June 7 to 10 in Lake Ozark, MO, along with virtual committee meetings held prior to the meeting.  

I’m happy to report the Association and all its entities continue to be on solid financial ground, with forecasted bottom lines for the year in line with budgets. Most exciting is the growth in registrations, with over 12,000 more head registered year-to-date. We also evaluated the annual Association operating revenue and expense head over the past years, noting an annualized increase in expense and revenue of 2.7% and 2.2% respectively since 2020. We are proud of the organization’s cost management in the face of significant inflation and take the fiscal stability of the Association very seriously.  

We approved a DNA Sample Storage Policy following an extensive evaluation of storage options, costs and long-term stability. All tissue samples will be maintained by the genomic lab for 13 months from the date received by the Association. Tissue samples older than 13 months will be disposed of on a regular basis. In addition, the Association will maintain samples on high-influence sires to identify or exclude bloodlines as potential carriers if new genetic conditions arise. The Board felt this approach best balances responsible resource management with the need to safeguard the breed for the future.  

As always, we appreciate members who offer feedback and spur board discussion. We considered the increasing number of donor dams with parent-verified bloodlines free from carriers of potential genetic conditions. Consequently, in Rule 104d.2, the board approved a change that exempts those dams from testing.  

A member letter on the Pathfinder^® designation led to a bigger discussion about the program. Ultimately, we directed staff to review the requirements and promotion of the program and bring recommendations for the next committee meeting. We also spent time discussing our thoughts, as well as member feedback, on breed improvement priorities for the future.  

Another letter suggested an owned bull category for junior exhibitors. We approved this new division for Angus junior shows in 2027. We’re also evaluating National Junior Angus Show locations, balancing costs with many other factors. 

Staff reviewed the May 2026 genetic evaluation updates and we discussed Structured Sire Evaluation, concluding the program continues to serve members who can nominate young sires for testing. 

We heard updates on the Pathway to Progress, a cross-team effort to promote how registered Angus genetics unlock programs and services making an impact on profitability for commercial cattlemen. The Pathway incorporates AngusLink^®, GeneMax^® Advantage™ and Certified Angus Beef’s (CAB) Targeting the Brand™. Most importantly, we discussed how Association members can use these programs as a customer service tool and grow demand for registered Angus bulls.  

On June 25, we will transition to paperless billing in an effort to better serve the membership with timely paperwork, as well as reduce costs. All members with an email on file and an AAA Login Account will be automatically transitioned; however, members who wish to continue to receive paper communication will be able to opt out by calling the office.  

Angus Foundation 

The Angus Foundation’s fundraising efforts are outperforming expectations this year, allowing us to underwrite things like the educational contests at the National Junior Angus Show. Long-range planning is underway, and the team is researching grants from ag and educational foundations that support the Angus Foundation’s three pillars of Education, Youth and Research.  

Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) 

CAB^® supply and related price pressures have weighed on CAB sales, but the team is working closely on unique strategies for both independent and large retailers. While overall supply is down, quality remains high. Prime carcasses have outpaced Select for 29 consecutive weeks, leading to growth opportunities for CAB Prime. But with heavier out weights, we are seeing more carcasses exceed 1,100 pounds, and therefore not qualify for the brand. We heard an update about CAB production in Uruguay, which started in March. Overall brand consumer marketing initiatives are evolving, including YouTube video series, social media and digital advertising.  

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) 

During the AGI Board meeting, the Board of Directors approved the “Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Innovation” 3-year strategic plan that reflects the AGI mission of empowering genetic improvement for Angus families and the global beef industry. With the changing landscape of the industry of genomic service providers and other industry mergers and acquisitions, strengthening the position of AGI boosts our opportunities as Association members to access valuable data and genetic tools.  

GeneMax Advantage sales are up over 200%, and we celebrated the team’s launch and work behind Parent Match℠, a streamlined parent qualification service. The Board has heard a resounding level of appreciation from breeders for Parent Match.

Angus Productions Inc. (Angus Media)

The team shared fiscal year reports on advertising delivered and progress of ongoing projects, including the long-range strategic planning for the entity. The board reviewed Angus Journal^® current and historical advertising rates in light of two decades of inflationary pressure and no change to rates. With the significant increases in paper, printing and postage costs, the API Board moved to increase breeder advertising rates, effective Jan. 1, 2027. While the Board prefers not to increase rates, a competitive analysis showed that the Angus Journal is still a great value on a cost per thousand readers basis compared to regional and state magazines. 

At our June board meetings, we begin to think about the board elections in November. The delegate election is underway and the nomination period ends June 19. We encourage you to engage in the process and join us at Angus Convention Nov. 13 to 16 in Louisville, KY. 

We appointed Lori Fink, from Kansas, and Jake Tiedeman, from Nebraska, to be the delegate election observers. Three of our current Board members, Paul Bennett, Charles Mogck and Jerry Theis, declared their candidacy for treasurer of the board.  

Many other important topics were discussed, and I encourage members to listen to The Angus Conversation podcast to learn more. A more detailed summary of the board and committee meetings will be in the Board Highlights section in the Angus Journal and the website’s Member Center. Feel free to reach out to me or any member of the Board with your questions.  

Sincerely,  

Jim Brinkley 
2025-26 President 
American Angus Association