Full Breakdown
2025 Angus Convention: A Gathering of Industry Leaders in Kansas City
11/7/2025, 1:40:54 PM
Overview of the Angus Convention
From October 31 to November 2, 2025, approximately 1,000 members of the American Angus Association and other beef industry professionals gathered in Kansas City for the annual Angus Convention. The event featured educational tours, presentations, an Industry Showcase, and various awards recognizing achievements within the Angus community.
Key Highlights and Educational Sessions
The convention included four general sessions, with the first, titled "Market Advantage," led by Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax. He discussed the economic indicators of a slow expansion in the national cow herd and the short-term impacts of recent U.S. policy decisions on the beef market. Another significant session, "Research Advantage," highlighted the ongoing research initiatives of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®), focusing on critical issues such as fertility and methane efficiency.
Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association, emphasized the breed's strengths, including calving ease and carcass merit, during his opening remarks. Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI, noted the importance of member engagement in driving industry changes and the need for improved data collection from commercial environments.
Educational tours were also a highlight, featuring stops at Downey Ranch, Shamrock Farms, and Fink Beef Genetics, organized by the Kansas Angus Association and sponsored by Vytelle. Additionally, the Certified Angus Beef® brand hosted a Beef Quality Assurance training session, certifying over 40 producers.
Awards and Recognitions
The convention's most celebrated event was the Awards Dinner on November 1, where several individuals and organizations were honored. David Hawkins, Mike McGuire, Robert Totusek (posthumously), and Tom and Carolyn Perrier were inducted into the Angus Heritage Foundation. Other notable awards included Don Denny as Angus Ambassador of the Year and Josh Worthington as Young Breeder of the Year. The Roll of Victory (ROV) Breeder of the Year was awarded to Express Ranches, and the 2025 Sire of the Year was Conneally Craftsman.
Member Engagement and Future Directions
Kenneth Lowe, a breeder from Kentucky, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the educational sessions and the engagement of participants. The convention also featured practical sessions under Angus University, aimed at helping members maximize their membership benefits and improve data submission practices.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Angus Convention is scheduled for November 13-16 in Louisville, Kentucky, coinciding with the North American International Livestock Exhibition. More information about the convention will be available on the Angus Association's website and in the January 2026 edition of the Angus Journal.
Conclusion
The 2025 Angus Convention served as a vital platform for education, networking, and recognition within the Angus community, reinforcing the breed's commitment to excellence and innovation in the beef industry.
