We’re most likely
preaching to the choir when we say the Angus breed is where it’s at. Angus
dominates the marketplace and is the choice for consumers ranging from those
making a quick stop at McDonald’s to steak connoisseurs at the finest
restaurants in the country. Take a moment to enjoy that success because you
helped achieve this top of mind recognition with the public. People might not
know what marbling means but they know to ask for Angus at their local butcher
shop. Angus is at the top and the view from here is amazing.
According
to Canfax, a division of the Canadian
Cattlemen's Association that analyzes cattle markets, Angus have 64% influence
in the Canadian commercial cattle herd; two-thirds of Canadian crossbred cattle
have Angus genetics. Angus cattle are also found in all Canadian provinces.
But do you know what is
most difficult about being at the top? It’s staying at the top.
The
Canadian Angus Tag Program is the largest branded tag program in the world with
300,000 radio-frequency identification tags sold annually. Although it’s
already the largest in the world, we are focusing on growing our Canadian Angus
Tag Program over the next five years. Our program requires minimum 50% Angus
genetics so we are working with industry to make the Angus tag the qualifier
for branded Angus beef programs in Canada.
We
have major beef suppliers approaching the Association wanting to use our Angus
tagged cattle in their programs. We just don’t have enough Angus tagged cattle
to meet their demand.
This
is where you can help. There are various ways you as members can support your tag
program, including:
·
Make sure you’re using Canadian
Angus Tags on your cattle
·
Have tags at your bull sales:
o
Give away a bag of tags with each
bull sold
o
Give gift certificates for tags with
each bull sold
·
Promote the tags in your bull sale
catalogue
·
When you follow up with the people
who buy your bulls, ask if they have bought their tags yet. Offer to help them
with their order.
·
Contact your Business Development
Team to suggest events they can attend and promote tags
·
Talk to your neighbours: do you know
Angus breeders who are not using tags? Explain why you love the tags and why
they should use them as well. Ask the Business Development Team to get in touch
with them to further explain the benefits of the tag program.
·
And if you have other ideas to
promote the Canadian Angus Tag Program, we’re always open to suggestions!
