18335 E. 103rd Ave., Ste. 202 Commerce City, CO 80022 940-387-3502 | FAX 888-829-6069 info@redangus.org | RedAngus.org Chief Executive Officer Tom Brink, Ext. 4, tombrink@redangus.org Director of Breed Improvement Ryan Boldt, Ext. 12, ryan@redangus.org Director of Office Operations Halla Pfeiff, Ext. 10, halla@redangus.org REDSPro & Registry Specialist Billie Boyd, Ext. 6, billie@redangus.org REDSPro & Registry Specialist Nicole Rebitski, Ext. 5, nicole@redangus.org Database and Registration Consultant Kenda Ponder, Ext. 15, kenda@redangus.org DNA Data Programs Coordinator Alana Skelton, Ext. 14, alana@redangus.org DNA Customer Service Specialist Kai Miranda, Ext. 24, kai@redangus.org Director of Commercial Marketing Harold Bertz , 816-661-2289, harold@redangus.org Assistant Director of Field Services Katie Martin , Ext. 16, katieochsner@redangus.org Commercial Marketing Specialist Nolan Woodruff, Ext. 9, nolan@redangus.org Commercial Marketing Specialist Rachael Oliver, 406-480-1569, rachael@redangus.org Commercial Marketing Specialist Cale Hinrichsen, 785-456-3969, cale@redangus.org Assistant Director, Value Added Programs Chessie Mitchell, Ext. 20, chessie@redangus.org Value Added Programs Specialist Jeananne Drouhard, Ext. 18, jeananne@redangus.org Director of Education & Junior Programs Dr. Kim Heller, 515-851-2019, juniors@redangus.org RAM Publisher & Advertising Director Tracey Koester, 701-391-5440, tracey@redangus.org RAM Editor & Director of Communications Brandi Buzzard Frobose, 785-448-0239, brandi@redangus.org B&B Publisher & Communications Specialist Lisa Bryant, 405-766-8942, lisa@redangus.org Accounting Director Janet Russell, Ext. 11, janet@redangus.org Membership and Receivables Specialist Margaux Midas, Ext. 7, margaux@redangus.org Receptionist Marilyn Imthum, Ext. 3, receptionist@redangus.org Show Specialist Erin Dorsey, 970-396-5420, erin@redangus.org 3
BUCKLE & BANNER | SPRING 2022
LETTER from the editor
There’s never been a better time to be in the Red Angus breed! There’s plenty of reason for cattle producers, and Red Angus breeders in particular, to be optimistic. First, the beef industry is starting to realize the rebounding prices we’ve been promised in every media outlet’s columns for months. We have moved past the backlog of heavyweight cattle caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and processing plant shutdowns. At the time of writing, fed cattle prices are up $25/cwt from last year and feeder calves are selling at many auction barns for a 40-cent premium per pound from last year. CattleFax’s Randy Blach explained at the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show that beef demand is the highest in 33 years. With the smallest national cow herd in years, CattleFax is predicting strong prices in 2022 for all classes of cattle. Now that early spring bull sales are underway, our commercial marketing team is reporting strong sale numbers for Red Angus cattle. Commercial marketing specialist Racheal Oliver recently reported one sale that was “on fire” despite ice covered roads and -20°F temperatures. The Red Angus breed is growing as well. Registration, membership and enrollment in RAAA value-added programs continue to increase. In November, the Successful Farming magazine listed Red Angus as the leading U. S. beef breed used in artificial insemination around the world. The recent National Red Angus Open Show at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City was the largest national show in breed history. A tremendous set of cattle were shown in front of an enthusiastic crowd. At the end of 2021, USDA officially recognized that Red Angus cattle can now be included in Angus-labeled branded beef programs. It will take some time to implement, but this is perhaps the most ground-breaking development for the breed today and will lead to much greater marketing opportunities in the future. In the upcoming months, there’s some exciting research news coming down the pike for the Red Angus breed as well. Our social media accounts continue to grow from people expressing interest in the breed. As I travel around my area in south central Oklahoma, I see more and more Red Angus cattle in pastures. I’ve even talked my 84-year-old very traditional, sixth-generation ranching dad into looking at Red Angus bulls when we make our next purchases. Yes, we still have challenges with input costs and rising inflation, but I truly believe the breed’s best days are ahead. So, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re part of something special in the making! Live your best life,
“The promise of spring is that it’s still early enough in the year to make my dreams come true. Or, I can change my mind, push the reset button and start anew” — Lois Joy Hofmann, author 3
