At the 2024 Cattlemen’s Congress, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays, caught up with the CEO of the American Angus Association, Mark McCully, and talked about the state of the Angus industry and the fourth year of Cattlemen’s Congress.
“We are four years in, and it has really matured into a fantastic event,” McCully said.
There are cattlemen from all over, McCully said, as he had the chance to visit with some producers who traveled from as far as Scotland to attend one of the cattle sales at the show. McCully said there are not only live cattle sales at the show but also sales for genetics in many different forms.
“Oklahoma City is a city that is easy to get around,” McCully said. “This is a very exhibitor-friendly show.”
Regarding the state of the Angus breed, McCully said ranchers remain optimistic, although herd rebuilding is going a little slower than many expected.
“I think the profitability scenario for commercial producers continues to be strong; they are going to be in the driver’s seat for a while, and that always bodes well for the ability to invest in genetics,” McCully said. “Angus genetics continue to fit that job description for calving ease, and as they start rebuilding and buying heifers back.”
McCully said incredibly strong growth has been seen in the premium side of the beef market. Over 25 percent of the total cattle in the United States today are qualifying for the CAB program, McCully said, so it is a significant force in the marketplace.
“We continue to see the premiums on that product grow over Choice and, of course, Choice over Select,” McCully said. “Prime is even on top of Certified Angus Beef, so the market signal continues to be awfully strong for cattle that can grade, which again, typically drives the value of marbling specifically.”
To see the complete schedule of everything happening at the fourth Cattlemen’s Congress, CLICK HERE.
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