DENVER— The Red Angus Association of America has refined and expanded the American Red program, strengthening genetic qualifications and extending enrollment access to a broader group of cattle producers. The updated structure ensures the continued delivery of high-quality, heat-adapted cattle that align with modern market demands and diverse production environments.
By pairing the maternal efficiency and carcass performance of Red Angus genetics with the adaptability of Bos indicus-influenced breeds, the American Red program provides a structured, value-added pathway for producers seeking cattle suited for both environmental resilience and marketplace performance.
“With a low number of enrollments in the American Red program the way it was originally written, we felt the need to explore another way to promote and expand the program,” said Tony Ballinger, RAAA first vice president and Area 4 director. “The need for tough, tolerant females backed by Red Angus genetics has been in high demand across the South and Southeast. By opening the American Red program to Brahman influence, cattlemen have the versatility to use the cross that works best for their operation while still putting their trust in Red Angus.”
Qualified cattle must meet the program’s genetic criteria of 25% to 75% Red Angus and 25% to 75% Bos indicus influence (with no more than 25% Brahman), be sired by registered Red Angus or Bos indicus-influenced bulls, and be enrolled through Angus Access or Allied Access.
Integrated with RAAA’s verification programs, the American Red program also aligns with both Angus Access and Allied Access. These USDA-approved, age- and source-verified programs use 840 EID tag technology to provide traceability throughout the supply chain.
Under the updated guidelines, producers who meet the qualifications can enroll steers and heifers to gain access to certification, marketing support and supply-chain visibility through the program.
“By pairing the American Red program with Angus Access and Allied Access, we can better identify and source those cattle, while allowing producers to see the benefits of our verification tag programs,” said Taylor Ohlde, RAAA commercial marketing specialist. “It helps us continue to build critical mass and push for stronger market access.”
“We believe this program update will allow continued growth and development of the program, as well as cattle in the warmer regions like Texas and the Southeast, where heat tolerance is a major production factor,” added Kelly Smith, RAAA director of commercial marketing.
Heat tolerance remains a key focus for the program.
“By expanding the American Red program, we can market these cattle not only as replacement females but also to feeders across the West and in other hot-climate regions,” Ohlde added.
The refreshed AmericanRed.org website provides updated eligibility information, program resources and enrollment guidance to help cattlemen evaluate opportunities within the program.
For more information about the American Red program, visit AmericanRed.org or contact tags@redangus.org, 940-477-4593 for enrollment assistance.
The Red Angus Association of America serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and using scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.RedAngus.org.
