In his address to the convention assembly, RAAA President Joe Mushrush of Strong City, Kan., modeled the RAAA as a perfect example of “co-opetition” – a term combining the words “cooperation” and “competition” that describes competitors within an industry cooperating to increase the size of their market share, then competing individually for clientele.
Mushrush said Red Angus breeders combine their resources to increase the demand for Red Angus genetics beyond what each member could do individually. This includes submitting data for accurate genetic descriptions for commercial producers, as well as coming together for events like convention to share ideas that increase the overall genetic value of Red Angus.
“Yet at the end of the day,” said Mushrush, “it is our own driveway in which we hope that commercial producers turn into in search for Red Angus genetics.”
Co-opetition in Red Angus extends beyond individual breeders to include other breed associations. For the past 10 years, the RAAA has pooled data with the Canadian Angus Association and, last year, combined datasets with the American Simmental Association to increase the accuracy of EPDs for a true multi-breed database of over 9 million animals.
The strength of this database is magnified through the use of Total Herd Reporting (THR) of all progeny – not just those good enough to register – hence eliminating reporting bias from data used to calculate EPDs. Since the implementation of THR in 1995, the Red Angus registry has grown from ranking 12th in the nation to being the fourth largest beef breed today.
“Because of THR, Red Angus’ EPDs have evolved to give our cattle more accurate values,” said RAAA CEO Greg Comstock. “We are continually innovating and simplifying the selection process to provide better, more reliable tools for commercial cattlemen.”
RAAA’s objective is to not only provide a better product for commercial producers, but to also supply services that help customers receive better returns on their cattle.
One of these services, the Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP), enrolled a record-breaking 125,525 head in 2011, representing a 13.1 percent annual growth over the past four years. This USDA genetics -, age- and source-verified program will continue to expand and offer more services and profitability opportunities for cattlemen using Red Angus genetics.
To further document the value of Red Angus cattle, the RAAA’s marketing department awarded a record 47 Grid Master Awards to FCCP-enrolled producers whose cattle reached tremendous carcass yield and quality combinations
“Red Angus cattle not only produce valuable carcasses, but they are very good at meeting grid specs that increase the profit margin on the rail,” said Myron Edelman, RAAA director of value added programs.
Board of Director Elections
During the 58th Red Angus National Convention, Red Angus members elected their peers to lead the RAAA in the upcoming year.
Joe Mushrush of Strong City, Kan., was re-elected to serve as RAAA’s President.
Gary Jacobson of Hitterdal, Minn., was re-elected to a second term as director for Area 5 – Northern Plains.
Barry Horsley of Stringtown, Okla., was re-elected as director for Area 6 – Great Plains.
Kim Ford of Bertrand, Neb., was re-elected to a second term as the director for Region B.
Johnny R. Rogers of Roxboro, N.C., was newly elected to serve Region C.
Next year’s Red Angus convention will be held in Reno, Nev., Nov. 1–2. For more information about RAAA, visit redangus.org or call the national office at (940) 387-3502. 
PHOTO courtesy of Red Angus Association of America
The 2011-2012 Board of Directors for the Red Angus Association of America was elected at the national convention.
(Left to right): Gary Jacobson of Hitterdal, Minn., Area 5 – Northern Plains director; Barry Horsley of Stringtown, Okla., Area 6 – Great Plains director; Kim Ford of Bertrand, Neb., Region B director; Tom Woodward of Decatur, Texas, first vice president and Area 4 – Southwest director; Bob Morton of Three Forks, Mont., Region A director; Greg Comstock, RAAA CEO; Leonard Wood of Sandpoint, Idaho, Area 1 – West director; Joe Mushrush of Strong City, Kan., president; Johnny R. Rogers of Roxboro, N.C. – Region C director; Martin Morgan of Leicester, N.C., Area 7 – Northeast director; Kevin Miller of Briggsdale, Colo., Area 3 – Rocky Mountain director; Larry Ellison of Fair Grove, Mo., Area 9 – Midwest director. (Not pictured: Tim Whitley of Horton, Ala., second vice president and Area 8 – Southeast director; and Esther Fischer of Harlowtown, Mont., Area 2 – Montana director.)
