AMERICAN ANGUS AUXILIARY Miss American Angus
Ellie Kidwell - 2021 Miss American Angus
Developing Trust
Since the day we were born, we have been building countless relationships in the world around us. From our pets, to our family, to the companies we buy from, we are forming new connections every day. Good relationships are often mutually beneficial and any positive relationship needs a certain amount of trust to be worthwhile. Without trust, no relationship can thrive. But what establishes trust in a relationship? Today, people are more cautious than ever. You don't automatically rely on random stranger for no reason. Trust can be developed in many ways and the Angus breed has been truly successful at this.
Many would agree that the Angus breed has a certain aura of trust that surrounds it. This is because it is backed by so many reliable programs, partners, and people; however, this trust wasn't developed over night. Angus cattle have a deep-rooted history, and generations of hard working individuals that have sought to further the breed. The first Angus cattle were brought to the U.S. in 1873. George Grant imported just four Angus bulls from Scotland to Victoria, Kansas to breed with his Texas Longhorns. In the fiscal year of 2019 just over 304 thousand head were registered through the American Angus Association. That's pretty impressive when you consider that this only accounts for individuals actually registered as purebreds and doesn't include the millions of commercial cattle raised each year that are influenced by Angus genetics. Commercial producers have turned to Angus cattle to improve the maternal, carcass, and production traits in their herds. The trust they have developed in Angus genetics has made them an essential part of the industry. The Angus breed has grown to be the most popular in the U.S. thanks to the advantageous genetic traits breeders have grown to trust.
However, history alone didn't establish Angus as the business breed it is today. The tremendous growth of Angus cattle has been facilitated by the many programs founded over the years that have pushed improvement in the breed. Programs such as Certified Angus Beef, Angus Link, and tools, like EPD's, have allowed breeders and producers to work in their own herds on improving the value of their animals, in their market, through their selection of superior Angus genetics. This then enables them to provide a better product for their customers, whether that be feedlot producers, a customer seeking valuable registered genetics, or someone wanting high quality commercial replacement heifers. This in turn creates a more highly valued, trusting relationship between producers, their customers and the Angus breed.
Many would agree that the Angus breed has a certain aura of trust that surrounds it. This is because it is backed by so many reliable programs, partners, and people; however, this trust wasn't developed over night. Angus cattle have a deep-rooted history, and generations of hard working individuals that have sought to further the breed. The first Angus cattle were brought to the U.S. in 1873. George Grant imported just four Angus bulls from Scotland to Victoria, Kansas to breed with his Texas Longhorns. In the fiscal year of 2019 just over 304 thousand head were registered through the American Angus Association. That's pretty impressive when you consider that this only accounts for individuals actually registered as purebreds and doesn't include the millions of commercial cattle raised each year that are influenced by Angus genetics. Commercial producers have turned to Angus cattle to improve the maternal, carcass, and production traits in their herds. The trust they have developed in Angus genetics has made them an essential part of the industry. The Angus breed has grown to be the most popular in the U.S. thanks to the advantageous genetic traits breeders have grown to trust.
One of the major programs that has shed light onto superior Angus quality and incentivized producers is the Certified Angus Beef Brand. Certified Angus Beef ensures a higher quality, more consistent product to its customers by requiring beef carcasses to meet ten specifications to qualify. Qualified carcasses receive premiums, making them more valuable for producers, who then put greater emphasis on Angus influence in their programs. The Certified Angus Beef Brand establishes trust with beef consumers through their high-quality products which creates an overall positive, reliable image for Angus beef products.
Angus Link is a newer program that is utilized by feeder calf producers. Angus Link is a USDA Process Verified Program that has several different sub-programs within it. These sub-entities, such as ones that verify age, Angus genetics, and hormone usage, are used by feeder calf producers to enhance the marketability of their claves. Strategies like Certified Angus Beef and Angus Link are just two examples of the many ways that trust has been developed between the beef cattle market, and the Angus breed, paving the way for its growing popularity. They have helped Angus cattle producers develop trust in their markets and have created a reputation for the Angus breed that will stand strong for generations to come.
Still, the long-established trust in Angus cattle has been passed from generation to generation on a much smaller scale than industry wide. From a young age, many Angus enthusiasts become involved in activities within their state and national breed associations. The National Junior Angus Association is filled with so many young people who are passionate about Angus, so it's no wonder parents and grandparents get their kids involved in such an amazing breed association. On a personal note, I am no stranger to this situation as I purchased my first Angus heifer from my grandpa in 2010 I have watched myself grow from a shy, uninvolved member to a junior who wants to be involved in anything and everything. I know I can safely say my love for Angus cattle has gotten me to where I am today, and I am a better person because of it. It's easy to see why getting the next generation hooked on Angus is no problem at all. Kids learn early on about all that the National Junior Angus Association has to offer. From trusting in the Junior Board to trusting in their own cattle, Angus juniors establish trust in the Angus breed that will grow throughout their lifetime and as they spread their passion with others. As a junior member I know the hard work and long hours that go into our cattle and the rewards that come from this, but sharing that passion, and being able to trust in such a great breed that has stood the test of time is what make Angus cattle truly special to me.