Red Angus Association of America: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
In 1954, a group of visionary breeders came together with a bold and innovative idea: to establish the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA), marking a significant turning point in the history of the cattle industry.
Red Angus Association of America: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
In 1954, a group of visionary breeders came together with a bold and innovative idea: to establish the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA), marking a significant turning point in the history of the cattle industry. Rejecting the conventional norms of their time, these breeders were pioneers in embracing the principles of performance testing, setting the stage for a breed that would become synonymous with excellence and innovation.
Founding Visionaries
The seven founding breeders of the RAAA were driven by a shared vision of a breed association that would prioritize objective performance testing over traditional practices. George Chiga, one of the founding members, aptly described the RAAA's establishment as "dreaming of a new approach" to cattle breeding.
Performance Testing
At the heart of the RAAA's mission was a commitment to performance testing—a revolutionary concept in the mid-20th century. The breed association believed in the power of objective tests, including comparisons within herds, to identify factors of known economic importance and heritability. This emphasis on science and data laid the foundation for a breed that would excel in efficiency and productivity.
Early Leadership
Waldo Forbes, Sr., the RAAA's first president, succinctly articulated the association's vision: "The policy of the (Red Angus) Association is to discourage the more artificial practices in purebred cattle production and to place its faith instead in objective tests." This commitment to objectivity and performance testing set Red Angus apart from other breed associations.
Innovators in Beef Production
Throughout its history, the RAAA has been at the forefront of innovation in beef production. The association's willingness to embrace new technologies and philosophies has allowed it to lead the industry in various areas. Some of these pioneering initiatives include:
Performance-Based Registry: The RAAA's dedication to a performance-based registry has been a cornerstone of its success, ensuring that only the highest-performing cattle are recognized and registered.
Crossbreeding Principles: Red Angus has been an early adopter of crossbreeding principles and practices, recognizing the benefits of hybrid vigor and adaptability.
Total Herd Reporting (THR): The commitment to THR, where breeders report data on their entire herds, has been instrumental in gathering comprehensive and accurate genetic information.
Reproductive Traits: Red Angus breeders have prioritized reproductive traits, contributing to improved calving ease and maternal characteristics.
Value-Based Marketing Programs: The RAAA has championed value-based marketing programs, aligning breeders with market demands and ensuring profitability.
Red Angus Today
Red Angus cattle, while distinct in their red coat color, share the core Angus traits of carcass quality, maternal excellence, calving ease, and moderate size. They offer uniformity, good disposition, and outstanding feeding characteristics. Backed by precise genetic predictions and a comprehensive commercial marketing program, Red Angus cattle continue to be a preferred choice for cattle producers seeking efficiency and quality.
Leadership Continues
At the helm of the Red Angus Association of America, Tom Brink serves as CEO, driving the association forward with a commitment to excellence and innovation. Alongside him, Steve Koester currently holds the role of President of the Board of Directors, guiding the association with a wealth of experience and expertise.
The Red Angus breed's legacy of leadership and innovation endures, making it a vital contributor to the commercial beef industry's success. As the industry evolves, the RAAA remains steadfast in its dedication to science, performance, and the future of cattle breeding.
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