What American Angus Association does

The American Angus Association (AAA), founded in 1883 and headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri, is a private nonprofit membership organization and the largest beef breed registry in the United States, serving more than 22,000 members across the U.S. and several international markets. The association records more than 300,000 animal registrations and transfers annually, maintains pedigree records, and runs youth programming through the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), which has 4,500+ youth members. AAA is led by CEO Mark McCully with a staff of 51-100 employees and is governed by a board of directors.

AAA's core technical platform is the National Cattle Evaluation (NCE), a statistical genetic evaluation system that produces Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) used by seedstock and commercial breeders to inform mating and buying decisions. The association has progressively integrated genomic testing into its evaluation pipeline, providing DNA-based predictions that complement pedigree-based EPDs, and in May 2025 launched three new maternal-trait EPDs (Teat Size, Udder Suspension, and Functional Longevity). It operates an ecosystem of affiliated entities: Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), Angus Media (the Angus Journal, sale books, advertising), the Angus Foundation (research and youth funding), AngusLink (value-added verification for commercial cattle), AHIR (performance recording), and a founding interest in Certified Angus Beef LLC, the dominant premium-branded beef program in the U.S.

Revenue is generated through a tiered fee structure: registration fees of $12-$32 per animal, transfer fees of $5-$7 per transaction, membership dues ranging from $20 to $1,500 depending on tier and tenure, DNA testing through AGI, AHIR performance recording fees, Angus Media advertising and sale book services, and AngusLink verification fees. Certified Angus Beef LLC generates additional royalty and licensing income from branded beef distribution, though flows are partially ring-fenced within that separate LLC.

Name

American Angus Association

Legal name

American Angus Association

Website

https://angus.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1883

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The American Angus Association is a 143-year-old nonprofit breed registry headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri, serving 22,000+ members with cattle registration, genetic evaluation, genomic testing, and an integrated ecosystem spanning Certified Angus Beef, Angus Media, AngusLink, and youth programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Livestock Breed Registry Services

NAICS

Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming, including Feedlots (11211)

SIC

Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Seedstock/Purebred Beef Cattle Breeding (AFAEABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Genomic Testing & Genetic Evaluation Services (AFAEAJAC), Genetic Testing & Genomic Profiling Services (Parentage, Trait Testing) (AFACAEAE), Genetic Trait Selection (e.g., polled, disease resistance) Services (AFAEAJAJ)

Keywords

• Beef breed registry
• Cattle genetic evaluation
• Livestock performance recording
• Angus breed registration
• DNA genomic testing

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Joseph

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Registration Fees: Fees for registering Angus cattle with tiered pricing based on age at submission. Fees range from $12 for animals under 4 months to $32 for animals over 12 months. Embryo calves add $10 to the regular registration fee. Imported animals are $50.
2. Transfer Fees: Fees for transferring animal ownership between members, with pricing based on timing from sale date. $5 within 30 days, $7 between 30-60 days.
3. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees including Regular Membership with Angus Journal ($130), Regular without AJ ($80), Junior with AJ ($70), Junior without AJ ($20), and Lifetime membership ($1,500).
4. DNA/Genomic Testing: DNA testing services through Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) for parentage verification, genomic enhanced EPDs, and genetic condition testing.
5. AHIR Fees: Fees for herd performance recording through Angus Herd Improvement Records, including $3 per weaning weight submission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The American Angus Association operates the world's largest beef breed registry, providing cattle registration and ownership transfer services for more than 300,000 animals annually. It runs the National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) genetic evaluation system producing Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) and $Value indexes, performance recording through Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR), and DNA/genomic testing through its subsidiary Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). Supporting offerings include the AngusLink commercial calf verification program, the Angus Journal and Angus TV publications, the Angus Mobile App, the National Junior Angus Association youth program, and related branded beef marketing through Certified Angus Beef.

Product overview

The American Angus Association operates a platform-plus-modules architecture serving as the nation's largest beef breed organization with over 22,000 members. The core offering is the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR) system for cattle registration, transfer, and performance data, powered by Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) for DNA/genomic testing. Supporting modules include Angus Media for marketing services (Angus Journal, Angus TV, sale books), Angus University for education, AngusLink for commercial calf verification, and Angus Foundation for youth/scholarship programs. The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) serves youth members. The Association publishes the Angus Journal, maintains Angus TV on YouTube, and offers the Angus Mobile App for herd management. Additional programs include the Roll of Victory show awards, Pathfinder cow recognition, and Structured Sire Evaluation for carcass data collection. Certified Angus Beef operates as a related branded beef program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI): Leading genetic change for the beef industry through genetic testing and data collection.
• Angus Media
• Certified Angus Beef
• Angus Foundation
• National Junior Angus Association (NJAA)
• Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR)
• AngusLink
• Angus University
• Angus Auxiliary

Products and services

• Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR) Performance recording program that drives herd performance for registered Angus breeders, enabling collection and submission of calving, weaning, yearling, breeding, and carcass data that feeds the National Cattle Evaluation. AHIR charges fees such as $3 per weaning weight submission.
• Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) DNA Testing Services Wholly-owned subsidiary providing DNA testing and genetic evaluation services for the beef industry, including parentage verification, genomic enhanced EPDs, and genetic condition testing using i50K, HD 50K (Zoetis), GGP-LD, GGP-HD, and Angus GS (NEOGEN) panels. Tests cover genetic conditions such as AM, CA, DD, M1, NH, D2, DM, DW, RD, WT, HG, HI, OH, OS, and SN.
• AngusLink Verification Program Genetic verification program for commercial Angus feeder calves, helping commercial cattlemen verify and capture value from Angus genetics when marketing calves to buyers and feeders.
• Cattle Registration and Transfer Services Tiered, transaction-based registration of Angus animals via the AngusOnline portal: $12 for animals under 4 months, $14 for 4–10 months, $19 for 10–12 months, $32 over 12 months; embryo calves add $10; imported animals are $50. Transfer of animal ownership between members is $5 within 30 days of sale and $7 between 30–60 days.
• Angus Membership Annual and lifetime memberships providing access to breed registry services, performance recording, publications, and member events: Regular Membership with Angus Journal $130, Regular without AJ $80, Junior with AJ $70, Junior without AJ $20, and Lifetime Membership $1,500 one-time.
• Angus Media Marketing Services Integrated marketing services brand that increases Angus demand through sale books, Angus Journal publication, Angus TV video content, The Angus Conversation podcast, Angus Beef Bulletin, and breeder media services.
• National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) Membership and Programs Youth development organization inspiring the next generation of Angus breeders with nearly 4,500 active members, offering junior shows, contests, leadership programs, the NJAA Recognition Program, and educational scholarships for participants ages 0–24.
• Angus Mobile App Mobile application enabling members to update calving books, view herd inventory, receive location-based notifications, and access Association services on mobile devices. Available on iOS and Android.
• Teat & Udder EPDs New maternal-trait EPDs released in May 2025: Teat Size (Teat) and Udder Suspension (UDDR) EPDs, used by Angus breeders to predict differences in maternal udder quality when selecting sires.
• Functional Longevity (FL) EPD New maternal-trait EPD released in May 2025 predicting the number of calves a sire's daughters are expected to produce by 6 years of age, supporting female longevity selection in the Angus breed.

Quantifiable outcome

• Pathfinder cows produce first calf by 2 years and 181 days of age with average progeny weaning weight ratio of 105
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Certified Angus Beef LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertified Angus Beef is a wholly-owned subsidiary that drives Angus demand through its branded beef programs. The partnership creates a direct link from registered Angus genetics to consumer-facing beef products, providing premium marketing opportunities for Angus producers.
• Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI)coreOthersAGI is a wholly-owned subsidiary providing genomic testing and genetic evaluation services. It offers DNA testing for parentage verification, genetic condition testing, and genomically enhanced EPDs.
• Angus FoundationcoreOthers501(c)(3) organization funding education, youth and research for the Angus breed. Raises funds through programs like Fund the Future and annual golf tournament.
• Angus MediacoreOthersMarketing services subsidiary providing integrated marketing services for Angus breeders including sale books, digital marketing, and Angus Journal publication.
• National Junior Angus Association (NJAA)coreOthersYouth organization promoting involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle while providing leadership and self-development opportunities.
• AngusLinkcoreOthersProgram verifying genetic potential of commercial Angus feeder calves, helping commercial cattlemen capture value from Angus genetics.
• State and Regional Angus AssociationsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffiliate organizations at state and regional levels that support local Angus breeders through networking, regional shows, and educational events.
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAngus Foundation selects one producer annually to represent the Angus breed at NCBA's Young Cattlemen's Conference, connecting Angus producers with broader beef industry leadership.
• INTRUST BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCredit card program partnership where cardholders can earn rewards while supporting Angus education, youth and research through the Angus Foundation.
• Texas A&M UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosts the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, one of the largest beef cattle educational events in the country.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Zoetis: Broad incumbent providing the HD 50K genomic testing platform that AAA/AGI uses for DNA testing. While not a registry competitor, Zoetis is a key technology partner and adjacent player in livestock genetic services.
• Neogen (now part of 3M Food Safety / Neogen merger): Broad incumbent providing the Angus GS genomic testing platform used by AGI. Major animal genomics vendor with cattle testing offerings that overlap with AGI's service portfolio.

Direct peers

• American International Charolais Association: Direct peer representing Charolais breeders with similar breed registry, performance data, and youth program offerings. Comparable size and operational model.
• American Hereford Association: Direct peer as the second-largest US beef breed registry with the same member-driven model, EPD-based genetic evaluation, and DNA testing services. Highly comparable in structure, products, and target audience.
• Red Angus Association of America: Direct competitor breed registry serving Red Angus breeders with comparable EPD programs, DNA testing, and member services. Closely matched scale and operational model to AAA.
• Holstein Association USA: Direct peer operating the largest dairy cattle breed registry in the US with a comparable member-driven, EPD/genomic-evaluation-based business model. Differs in species (dairy) but mirrors structure closely.
• American Gelbvieh Association: Direct peer breed registry for Gelbvieh cattle with comparable EPD programs, performance recording, and member services. Smaller scale but directly analogous operating model.
• American Quarter Horse Association: Direct peer as the largest equine breed registry in the world, using an analogous member-based, registration-fee-supported model with genetic testing, performance programs, and youth development.
• American Simmental Association: Direct peer breed registry for Simmental cattle with analogous breed registry, genomic evaluation, and member services structure. Competes head-to-head for registered seedstock breeders.

Others

• National Cattlemen's Beef Association: Industry trade association representing US cattle producers broadly, not a breed registry. AAA has a documented partnership with NCBA via the Angus Foundation's Young Cattlemen's Conference slot, making it an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@AngusAssoc
• Xx.com/angusassoc
• Facebookfacebook.com/americanangusassociation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Angus Association