Today's beef industry requires that producers raise cattle in a wide range of environments that can consistently and economically meet market demands. ANGUS PLUS does!

ANGUS PLUS originated in 1996 when a group of producers met to discuss plans for breeding genetically superior cattle that would offer "Enough Ear, But Not Too Much". Angus Plus became part of the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) in 2001.  At that time, cattle qualifying as Angus Plus needed to be Brahman/Angus derivatives with a minimum of 50% Angus (red or black), excluding category 1B purebred Red Angus.  As the program continued to grow, Angus Plus breeders and the RAAA Board of Directors thought it was becoming increasingly important to differentiate Angus Plus from other Brahman derivative cattle.  With the goal of maximizing Angus influence at the heart of the program, it was recommended by Angus Plus breeders that Angus Plus shoudl require a higher percentage of Angus genetics than other industry Brahman derivative programs.  The RAAA Board agreed and made the necessary changes.

Effective July 1, 2004, Angus Plus cattle will be defined as those cattle that are Brahman/Angus derivatives that have been derived from purebred lines (Red Angus, Angus, Brahman, Red Brangus, and/ or Brangus) between 65% and 96% registered red or black Angus and a minimum of 4% registered Brahman. Those Angus Plus cattle that have been bred-up, i.e. with commercial cattle in their pedigree or contain a purebred breed other than the previously mentioned breeds will be differentiated by having an “X” appear at the end of Angus Plus on the registration certificate.  Birth date, weaning date and weaning weight are required in order to be registered as Angus Plus or Angus Plus X.

ANGUS PLUS combines the best of both breeds and are purposefully designed for use in hot environments. Angus cattle are known throughout the industry as early puberty, fertile cattle with outstanding carcass traits. Coupled with the Brahman environmental adaptability, longevity and efficiency, the resulting ANGUS PLUS cattle offer the industry:

Environmental Flexibility ANGUS PLUS cattle work in a range of environments. They are less hindered by parasites, and offer heat tolerance without the extra sheath and ear. Their overall hardiness and foraging ability allow them to thrive in adverse conditions.

Maternal Ability ANGUS PLUS females are recognized as easy calving fertile cows. Their ability to produce milk and consistently breed back, even in hot humid environments, makes them popular among commercial cattlemen.

Consistency/Efficiency ANGUS PLUS are moderate framed, deep bodied, cattle that offer uniformity and efficiency. The cattle are more consistent phenotypically and genetically. The maintenance requirements for ANGUS PLUS cattle are economical due to their moderate frame and easy fleshing ability.

Carcass Traits ANGUS PLUS cattle perform in the feedlot and on the rail. Angus cattle start easily on feed and have outstanding appetites, and when processed, hang high quality carcasses that grade. ANGUS PLUS offers breeders in areas that require heat tolerance the opportunity to profit from these Angus characteristics.

When you are getting ready to invest in a herd sire or replacement females, invest in the future. ANGUS PLUS meet the demands of today's cattle industry and offer the greatest number of advantages for profit minded producers.

The RAAA category registration system is built on a foundation of objective measures and Total Herd Reporting (THR) resulting in the best objectively described cattle in the industry.

Since its inception in 1954, the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) has led the industry in the performance movement. RAAA members place a large emphasis on performance, are avid promoters of planned crossbreeding, and maintain a commercial focus with the cattle that they produce.

The RAAA maintains a category registration system which allows for the registration of composite animals. ANGUS PLUS are registered with the RAAA as Category 1B, II or Category III and are identified by having "ANGUS PLUS" printed on their registration certificates.

The Red Angus Association's Total Herd Reporting (THR) requires that the production and performance of all animals in the RAAA herd book be accounted for annually and results in ANGUS PLUS cattle having the most accurate performance records available in the industry.

The RAAA has focused its efforts on developing EPDs for Economically Relevant Traits (ERTs). ERTs are those characteristics of fertility, growth, maintenace and carcass which directly affect your bottom line. The RAAA publishes Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, Milk, Yearling Weight, Total Maternal, Maintenance, Calving Ease Direct, Heifer Pregnancy, Calving Ease Total Maternal, Stayability, Marbling, Rib Eye Area, and Fat Thickness EPDs. Initially, Angus Plus EPDs may be limited by the amount of data available when they enter the registry. However, RAAA is funding research for the development of multi-breed EPDs which can account for the breed differences between Angus and Brahman. These EPDs should better predict the genetic merit of ANGUS PLUS cattle and allow producers to make selection decisions with increased confidence.

The RAAA provides services that will assist in the marketing of ANGUS PLUS cattle. The ANGUS PLUS Marketing Group was formed by RAAA members who joined together to share in the costs of advertising, promoting and marketing ANGUS PLUS cattle. In addition, the RAAA offers the "Angus Plus Posting" as a service for producers interested in buying and selling quality ANGUS PLUS genetics.

Backed by the most progressive breed association in the industry, ANGUS PLUS cattle offer the genetics, services, and programs that will ensure the success and profitability of your operation for many years to come.