Since 1942, we have been working to promote Angus cattle throughout North Dakota and surrounding areas.
North Dakota Angus Association
The beginning.
The first meeting of the North Dakota Aberdeen-Angus Breeders Association was held in the basement of the Rudolph Hotel in Valley City, ND during March of 1942. It is believed that dues were collected based on a $5 annual fee plus a fee of 10 cents per animal that had been registered during the preceding year.
The objective of the association was to encourage and extend the influence of Aberdeen-Angus breeding, to promote the interests of its membership by creating better trade opportunities and, so far as possible, cooperate to their general advantage and profit, to promote closer relations between the membership and to stimulate greater activity among them.
Articles of incorporation papers dated July 16, 1958, changed the name to the North Dakota Angus Association (NDAA), Inc. While the official name has changed, the goals and objectives of the association have not changed much over the years. The NDAA’s current objective is to encourage the expansion of the influence of Angus genetics in the North Dakota market area, to promote the interest of its membership by creating better economic opportunities for them and their customers, encourage membership synergy to promote closer relations between membership and to stimulate greater social and economic activity that will be beneficial for all of the members as a group.
Our Youth.
Providing leadership and personal growth activities for the youth is a vital function of the NDAA. North Dakota youth are very competitive at local, state and national events. North Dakota is home to former National Junior Angus Association Directors, Tamra (Vollmer) Heins of Wing, Chad Rotenberger of Ludlow, SD and Rebecca (Tokach) Acheson of St. Anthony. Most recently, we’re proud to have had one of our current Junior members serve on the National Board, Madison Sundsbak of Des Lacs. A number of North Dakota students have also been national scholarship winners.
Leadership.
North Dakota is proud to have had Richard C. Tokach of St. Anthony serve on the American Angus Association’s Board of Directors from 2001-2007, Steve Brooks of Bowman served on the American Angus Association’s Board of Directors from 1996-2002 and as the President of the American Angus Association in 2003 (only the second in North Dakota’s history – the first being Kenneth McGregor of Page in 1941-1942).
Impact.
It is evident that the NDAA has had, and will continue to have a positive impact on the Angus cattle industry. It is true that over the years, many changes have taken place, but the original ideals still hold true. Join us and become a part of our rich history
Leaving a Legacy.
In 1999, the North Dakota Angus Association Endowment Fund was set up at the American Angus Foundation to support and raise funds for ND Juniors. Dale Luhman and Vern Frey can be credited to the start of this fund, as well as Steve Brooks who was the first generous donor of a heifer for the raffle. Each year Vern is tasked with selecting a heifer for the raffle, and Dave & Betty Petry generously donate their time to manage ticket sales and promotions. The annual heifer raffle is now in its 22nd year and has raised over $227,000.
Communication.
The North Dakota Angus News serves as the official publication of the NDAA. It is published six times per year: November – April. The publication is free to anyone interested in North Dakota Angus
NDAA Events
State Select Sale.
Presently, the NDAA sponsors a State Select Sale featuring elite, hand-picked bulls and females from across the state.
Fall Angus Tour.
Additionally, an Angus tour is held in the Fall on even calendar years. The association’s Annual Meeting & Banquet is held each November in the Bismarck/Mandan area. The association also publishes a North Dakota Angus Membership Directory every other year, and an Angus calendar yearly.
Angus University.
North Dakota Angus University, a partnership between the Carrington Research Extension Center and the NDAA, was established as a feed-out opportunity for commercial and registered breeders alike to gather carcass data back on their retained calves.