United States-American Angus Association.

UNITED STATES-AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION.

Because not all cattle producers are looking for the same services and programs, the American Angus Association® has designed its programs and services to fit the needs of breeders of varying sizes with diverse goals. And, the Association membership is definitely varying.

Out of the nearly 17,000 active regular and life members who submitted registrations in fiscal year 2008, two-thirds registered fewer than 10 head and only 4 percent or 601 members registered more than 100 head. Some members are full-time farmers and ranchers that derive their incomes from production agriculture and yet others are part-time producers who have other sources of financial means and view their herds as more of a hobby operation. In addition to various sizes of operations, the Association provides programs specifically for junior members—those 21-years-old and younger—building leadership and life skills such as public speaking and decision making.

"With such a diverse membership, we try to provide programs that fit every member’s needs," says Don Laughlin, Association director of member services. "We understand that many of our members make their livelihoods from Angus cows so having access to our customer service representatives is important. But it is also important to the producers who work off the farm or ranch and have seven cows that we are available to answer their questions."

Besides a fully-staffed customer service department to answer members’ questions about registering and transferring animals and general membership inquiries, the Association also provides one-day turn around service on work submitted accurately to the office. Therefore, any work, registrations, transfers and performance data, submitted correctly will be processed the day it is received and will be returned to the member’s AAA Login account or mailed the next business day.

In addition to the assistance members can receive conducting the daily business most think about when dealing with the Association, other services provided include Beef Improvement Records, which encompasses Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) and the Beef Record Service (BRS), Commercial Programs, AngusSource®, Angus Improvement Management Software (AIMS), junior programs and educational literature and opportunities through communications and events. The staff of highly knowledgeable regional managers located in 13 areas across the United States is another valuable resource available to members.

"As the Association has developed and enhanced programs and services over the years, we have tried to make sure that they are suitable to the entire membership," Laughlin says.

For more information about the American Angus Association or the services it provides its members and the commercial cattle producers who use Angus genetics go to www.angus.org or contact the Association by calling 816-383-5100.