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The beef community’s brand

Since 1978, the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®brand has hit milestone after milestone. The original USDA certified program is still the market leader with more than 16 billion pounds sold and more than $700 million in premiums paid out to cattlemen. Here’s a look at a few of our highlights over the years.

A Mark to Remember

Turn right at the big red barn and then follow the dirt road north for 2 miles. People who travel off the blacktop hear those kinds of directions often. Barns on family farms and ranches across the country are a forceful image of small town vitality. Read more

CAB at 40

The brand turned 40 this year, tapping into an increased well of available and qualified cattle, up 25% in two years. With annual global sales reaching beyond 1.2 billion pounds (lb.), it’s pulled far ahead of a very large pack. Read more  

Man Behind the Brand

The year was 1976 when USDA had just lowered its standards for the Choice quality grade. The industry that lobbied for the change was quickly moving toward a lean, commodity product. Angus cattle sold at a discount and registration numbers were in steep decline. Read more

Trading Places

From a bird’s-eye view, they look pretty different, farmer and chef. It’s often not until they’re face to face, interacting and asking questions of one another that the similarities come into focus. To consumers, these are men working alongside family, whether by blood or by choice. Read more

Our History

1975

Ohioan Harold Etling contacts American Angus Association Board member Fred Johnson about a “franchise” for Angus beef. Johnson then meets with Picket Fence Farm representatives and Robert Barrie from Marriott. After a subsequent Marriott meeting, Board member Bob Geiss presents Johnson’s proposal to the Association Board. The “Angus Beef Certification Committee” is formed.

1977

Mick Colvin becomes Association staff representative to the Committee. The Board approves the program in November and names Colvin executive director in December.

1978

“Certified Angus Beef” name and logo approved by Committee and the first pound is sold that fall.

1980

First million pounds sold.

1983

National Beef joins the system as the first major packer to license. With National on board, the Certified Angus Beef program greatly increases its potential for reaching consumers all over the country.

1986

One million Angus-influenced cattle are evaluated for the brand this year and Colorado-based Litvak Meat Company starts offering incentives for cattle qualifying for the program. In a letter to Colorado cattlemen, Litvak officials write: “Since this is the time of year to start replacing cattle for winter and spring markets, we want to again make you aware of our earnest effort to slaughter as many Black Angus heifers and light-weight steers as possible. Please consider buying the Black Angus breed as you purchase your fall feeder needs.

1988

The Supply Development division is started with John Stowell as first director. It embarks on an invaluable mission: to improve the supply of quality cattle that will meet the brand’s specifications. Later in the year, the one-millionth carcass to date is certified.

1991

10 million Angus-influenced cattle identified to date.

1992

The first producers are honored for their Commitment to Excellence in targeting the brand.

1994

CattleFax reports the brand contributes $354 to the price of an Angus bull, or about $1 for every million pounds sold.

1998

Triangle H Grain and Cattle Co. became the first licensed feedyard.

1999

“Here’s the Premium” long-term study begins reporting premiums for Angus over non-Angus calves at U.S. auction markets. The 1999 premium of $15 per head grew to $34 per head by late 2008. In 2003, a packer grid premium study is added, showing CAB grid premiums of more than $35 million paid that year. The number would grow to $75 million by 2017, and cumulative grid premiums then exceed $700 million.

2000

More than 10 million Angus-influenced cattle evaluated during the year; 48% of cattle in licensed plants are black hided.

2001

Certified Angus Beef ® brand Prime is launched.

2002

Suppliership to 2002 Olympic Winter Games leads brand to world stage. A Usinger’s frankfurter, made with Certified Angus Beef ® brand chuck and the finest spices, was such a hit that the concessions nearly ran out. The brand sold a record 100 franks per minute at the Games.

2006

“The Brand That Pays®” slogan registered for supply development promotions, and “Targeting the Brand™” mark becomes available for producer use at sales and events.

2007

CattleFax estimates Certified Angus Beef ® brand and other premium USDA Choice and Prime programs add about $500 billion to cattle industry each year, or an extra $19 for every head of finished cattle.

2008

Research review supports flavor as the driving factor in consumer satisfaction.

2012

The Certified Angus Beef LLC Culinary Center opens to provide hands-on training.

2016

For the first time ever, the brand sells more than 1 billion pounds in a fiscal year.

2018

Supply is the largest in history and a record 100,000 cattle per week are certified into the brand.

brand specifications evolve, spec change

2020

Brand specs implemented two updates. The first a subtle rewording to read “1 inch or less fat thickness.” The second change allows select packers to box beef from some primals that met all quality specifications, but exceed the ribeye area, up to 19-square inches. Ribs, ribeyes, strip loins and short loins from these carcasses will be excluded from the brand.