American Black Hereford Association
The American Black Hereford Association (ABHA) is a U.S. non-profit breed registry founded in 1994 that maintains pedigree records, genetic evaluations, and member services for Black Hereford cattle breeders across 40+ U.S. states and Canada.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersPlatte City, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What American Black Hereford Association does
The American Black Hereford Association (ABHA) is a U.S. non-profit breed registry association founded in 1994 that maintains the official registry for Black Hereford cattle and serves a nationwide community of purebred and percentage Black Hereford breeders. The association operates from Platte City, Missouri, with additional administrative offices in Elgin, Texas, and Jefferson City, Missouri. ABHA is governed by an elected Board of Directors under President Mark Ipsen and led operationally by Executive Vice President Ernie Dominguez, supported by a staff complement of 11-50 personnel. The membership spans more than 300 active breeders across 40+ U.S. states and Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia).
ABHA's core digital platform is the Digital Beef online registry system, which provides members 24/7 access to record cattle services, manage herd data, and process registrations and transfers. Genetic evaluation services are delivered through a partnership with International Genetic Solutions (IGS), giving members access to the largest multi-breed beef cattle EPD (Expected Progeny Differences) evaluation in the world. The product portfolio also includes the quarterly American Black Hereford publication, the online Sire Directory for marketing herd sires, Recognition Programs (such as Dams of Supremacy and Performance Breeder designations), the annual National Sale at Cattlemen's Congress, the annual Junior National show, and the annual Black Hereford Event member meeting in Nashville. Affiliated entities include the American Junior Black Hereford Association (AJBHA) for members under 21 and the Black Hereford Foundation (BHF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting education, youth development, and research.
The business model rests on three revenue streams: recurring membership fees (Annual Adult at $125/year, Junior at $30/year, and Lifetime at $1,500 one-time, with miniature tiers), transaction-based cattle registration fees processed through Digital Beef, and quarterly publication advertising. The go-to-market motion is membership-led, with recruitment through the website, social media (@americanblackhereford on Facebook and Instagram), national and regional events, and a network of eight state and regional associations. Customer segments include primary Black Hereford breeders (purebred and percentage producers), youth members served through AJBHA, and commercial cattle producers purchasing Black Hereford genetics for crossbreeding programs.
American Black Hereford Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- American Black Hereford Association
- Legal name
- American Black Hereford Association
- Website
- https://blackhereford.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The American Black Hereford Association (ABHA) is a U.S. non-profit breed registry founded in 1994 that maintains pedigree records, genetic evaluations, and member services for Black Hereford cattle breeders across 40+ U.S. states and Canada.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
American Black Hereford Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Beef Cattle Breed Registry Services
- NAICS
- Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming, including Feedlots (11211), Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming (112111)
- SIC
- Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Services (700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Breed Registry, Pedigree & Performance Recording Services (AFAEAJAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Genomic Testing & Genetic Evaluation Services (AFAEAJAC), Seedstock/Purebred Beef Cattle Breeding (AFAEABAD)
Keywords
Where American Black Hereford Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Platte City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
American Black Hereford Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Annual adult memberships at $125/year, lifetime memberships at $1,500 one-time fee, junior memberships at $30/year, and miniature membership tiers. Members receive registration services, access to Digital Beef, and subscription to The American Black Hereford publication.
- Publication Advertising: The American Black Hereford is published quarterly. Advertising space is sold to members and industry participants at various rates and sizes.
- Cattle Registration Services: Members register cattle through the association, which records ownership, location, and pedigree backed by genetic testing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Lifetime Membership - One-time fee for individual or farm/ranch |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Adult Membership - For individuals, businesses, or corporations |
| Subscription | Annual | Junior Membership - For individuals under age 21 |
| Subscription | Annual | Miniature Membership - Three tiers matching adult and junior categories |
| Subscription | Annual | Publication Subscription - For non-members |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
American Black Hereford Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The American Black Hereford Association maintains the official breed registry and pedigree records for Black Hereford cattle, providing cattle registration and transfer services through the Digital Beef Online Registry System. It offers membership programs for adult, lifetime, junior, and miniature breeders, bimonthly breed publications, an annual sire directory, formal recognition programs, genetic evaluation services (EPDs) via International Genetic Solutions (IGS), and supports affiliated youth and foundation programs through the American Junior Black Hereford Association and the Black Hereford Foundation.
Product overview
The American Black Hereford Association (ABHA) is a beef cattle registry association offering a unified platform of products and services centered around its Digital Beef online registry system. The core offerings include cattle registration and genetic evaluation (via International Genetic Solutions), The American Black Hereford quarterly publication, a Sire Directory for genetics marketing, and Recognition Programs for outstanding animals and breeders. The association also operates subsidiary programs including the American Junior Black Hereford Association (AJBHA) for youth members and the Black Hereford Foundation (BHF) as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Major annual events include the National Sale at Cattlemen's Congress, the ABHA Junior National show, and The Black Hereford Event annual meeting. Members receive access to marketing materials, rules and forms, herd management tools, and educational resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ABHA Membership Programs Tiered membership offerings for Black Hereford cattle breeders, including Annual Adult Membership for individuals, businesses, and corporations; Lifetime Membership for individuals; Junior Membership for individuals under age 21; and Miniature Membership for miniature Black Hereford breeders. Members receive access to registry services, the bimonthly publication, the sire directory, and member events.
- Digital Beef Cattle Registration Service Official breed registration, pedigree recording, and ownership transfer service for Black Hereford cattle, provided through the Digital Beef Online Registry System. Members register animals, record pedigrees, and transfer ownership online as the authoritative breed record.
- IGS Multi-Breed EPD Genetic Evaluation Estimated Progeny Differences (EPD) genetic evaluation service for Black Hereford cattle, delivered through a partnership with International Genetic Solutions (IGS). Provides multi-breed EPDs that allow Black Hereford genetics to be directly compared with other breeds for use in breeding decisions and seedstock marketing.
- The American Black Hereford Publication Bimonthly official publication of the American Black Hereford Association, distributed to members and providing breed news, member features, sale and event coverage, and breeder advertising opportunities.
- Annual Sire Directory Annual sire directory that catalogs member-owned Black Hereford sires for breeder marketing and advertising, supporting promotion of registered genetics to the broader cattle industry.
- Recognition and Award Programs Formal recognition and award programs offered by the Association, including Dam of Distinction, Sire of Distinction, and other designations that recognize breeding achievement and genetic contribution within the Black Hereford breed.
- American Junior Black Hereford Association (AJBHA) Junior Membership Junior membership and youth program operated through the affiliated American Junior Black Hereford Association for individuals under age 21. Provides junior members with breed-specific youth participation, showing opportunities, and access to scholarships and education programs.
- Black Hereford Foundation (BHF) Scholarship and Youth Programs Scholarship, education, and youth development programs delivered through the affiliated Black Hereford Foundation, supporting ABHA junior members and breed-education initiatives.
Quantifiable outcome
- Heterosis provides improved performance through fertility, longevity, and feedlot profitability
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use American Black Hereford Association
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
American Black Hereford Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
American Black Hereford Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- International Genetic Solutions (IGS)coreABHA partners with IGS for EPD services. IGS manages the largest multi-breed beef cattle evaluation in the world, using the most advanced technology for genetic evaluations. This partnership provides ABHA members with world-class Expected Progeny Differences data for informed breeding decisions.
- Black Hereford Foundation (BHF)coreThe BHF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that plays an important role in funding education, youth development, and research for members of ABHA. The foundation is governed by a board of directors including ABHA board representation and supports scholarships and youth programs.
- Digital BeefcoreOnline cattle registry platform providing 24/7 access for ABHA members to record services, register animals, and manage herd information. This is the primary digital infrastructure for ABHA's registration operations.
- State/Regional AssociationsmajorNetwork of affiliated organizations including Indiana Black Hereford Association, Kentucky Black Hereford Association, Missouri Black Hereford Association, North Carolina Black Hereford Association, Tennessee Black Hereford Association, Mid-Atlantic Black Hereford Association, Midwest Plains Black Hereford Association, and Southwest Black Hereford Association that promote the breed and serve members locally.
- Cattlemen's CongressmajorAnnual partnership for the National Black Hereford Sale held in conjunction with Cattlemen's Congress in Oklahoma City. Positions Black Hereford genetics in front of one of the largest and most progressive audiences in the cattle industry.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
American Black Hereford Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- American Simmental Association: Beef breed registry with EPD evaluation, Total Herd Reporting, and a crossbreeding-focused value proposition structurally similar to Black Hereford's heterosis narrative.
- American Hereford Association: National breed registry for traditional Hereford cattle; Black Hereford is a Hereford-derived composite, making AHA the parent breed association and most direct comparator for registry services, EPD programs, and member economics.
- Red Angus Association of America: Mid-sized US beef breed registry offering analogous membership, registration, and EPD services; competes for the same commercial crossbreeding segment as Black Hereford and provides a comparable scale benchmark.
- American Angus Association: The largest US beef breed registry; directly comparable in operating model (Digital Beef-style online registry, EPDs, performance programs, branded beef programs) and competes with Black Hereford for commercial-producer mindshare in crossbreeding programs.
- International Brangus Breeders Association: US beef breed registry for Brangus (composite of Angus and Brahman); directly comparable composite-breed business model targeting commercial crossbreeding programs.
- American Brahman Breeders Association: US registry for Brahman cattle; another beef breed association of similar scale, structure, and member services model.
- North American Limousin Foundation: Beef breed registry offering comparable EPD, registration, and member services; targets a similar mid-sized breed population with crossbreeding commercial appeal.
- American International Charolais Association: National registry for Charolais cattle in the US; comparable membership, registration, and performance-data services, with overlapping commercial-producer customer base.
Others
- National Cattlemen's Beef Association: US beef industry trade and policy organization; not a breed registry, but the umbrella industry body whose events (Cattlemen's Congress, Cattle Industry Convention) host Black Hereford sales and shows, providing indirect channel and ecosystem context.
Broad incumbents
- American Quarter Horse Association: The largest US animal breed registry; offers a benchmark for breed-registry operating models (membership tiers, registration services, youth programs, publications) at vastly larger scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
American Black Hereford Association social profiles
Digital presenceAmerican Black Hereford Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
American Black Hereford Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
American Black Hereford Association subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
American Black Hereford Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
American Black Hereford Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about American Black Hereford Association
What does American Black Hereford Association do?
The American Black Hereford Association maintains the official breed registry and pedigree records for Black Hereford cattle, providing cattle registration and transfer services through the Digital Beef Online Registry System. It offers membership programs for adult, lifetime, junior, and miniature breeders, bimonthly breed publications, an annual sire directory, formal recognition programs, genetic evaluation services (EPDs) via International Genetic Solutions (IGS), and supports affiliated youth and foundation programs through the American Junior Black Hereford Association and the Black Hereford Foundation.
Is American Black Hereford Association a public or private company?
American Black Hereford Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was American Black Hereford Association founded?
American Black Hereford Association was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is American Black Hereford Association based?
American Black Hereford Association is headquartered in Platte City, United States, in the North America region.
How does American Black Hereford Association make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are publication Advertising and cattle Registration Services.
Who are American Black Hereford Association's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are American Simmental Association, American Hereford Association, Red Angus Association of America, American Angus Association, International Brangus Breeders Association, American Brahman Breeders Association, North American Limousin Foundation and American International Charolais Association. National Cattlemen's Beef Association is listed as an others. American Quarter Horse Association is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does American Black Hereford Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for American Black Hereford Association.
What industry is American Black Hereford Association in?
American Black Hereford Association's product category is Beef Cattle Breed Registry Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEAJAD, Breed Registry, Pedigree & Performance Recording Services, with a secondary code of AFAEAJAC, Genomic Testing & Genetic Evaluation Services. Its NAICS code is 11211 and its SIC code is 200.