Breed associations have long played a foundational role in the beef industry. Today their purpose, value and responsibilities are rapidly evolving.
Brett Spader, American-International Charolais Association president, says data, governance and producer-focused service are reshaping the future of breed organizations.
Drawing on a diverse career across the Kansas Livestock Association, DV Auction, Angus Media and his own digital startup, Spader has a unique perspective on how technology and transparency can help associations stay relevant and drive real value for members and their customers.
Spader was the featured guest in “The Future of Beef Show” podcast, episode 15.
Breed associations are evolving from pedigree registries to innovation centers focused on data and value creation.
Spader says it is important for associations to never stop innovating in that relentless pursuit of adding value and, more importantly, being a resource for members.
“The cattle were always a conduit,” Spader says. “A conduit for different things, for adding value, for profitability, for relationships.”
From the rise of online bidding to the importance of records, collaboration and connected data, Spader discusses with the podcast hosts why modern breed associations must be both innovative and accountable — and how they can continue to empower breeders in an increasingly data-driven industry.
Five takeaways from the discussion about the future of beef breed associations include:
1. Data and Innovation Drive Future Success
Data connectivity and technology, especially AI, are crucial for future beef industry success.
“I think data connectivity is a really huge,” Spader says. “We just need to know where the goal posts are, and then we’ll continue to innovate and evolve.”
Actionable data, not just raw data, supports continual improvement and economic value for members.
“Connected cattle make confident decisions,” Spader explains. “If you’re telling [producers] that you’re going to allow for more information that ultimately feeds more value and gives them more understanding, more insights, that’s something I think they get excited about, because it’s risk mitigation for them and for the cattle feeders.”
2. Member-Driven, Transparent Governance
The Charolais association exemplifies open governance, with board and committee meetings “open to members,” available via Zoom, and transparent in process. Decisions are typically deliberated with direct member input, moving away from closed-door approaches common in other industry organizations. This openness not only empowers members but also serves as a mechanism for strategic agility and adaptation.
3. Technology Must Be Accessible and Simple for Producers
Breed associations are enabling producers to benefit from technology with simple participation steps. Spader says the future depends on making technology accessible, not overwhelming, and a choice for producers.
4. Breed Associations Create Tools and Opportunity — Not Winners and Losers
Modern breed associations must balance innovations for both large and small, progressive and traditional operations.
“We don’t pick winners and losers,” Spader says. “It’s our job to accentuate opportunities for them to go have success in a variety of different directions.”
5. A Culture of Continual Collaboration and Forward-Thinking
Collaboration between breed associations and across the supply chain is accelerating industry improvement. The necessity of ongoing collaboration and communication to maximize impact and avoid data silos.
“One that we’re really proud to have been a part of is working with the Red Angus Association as they expanded their live animal spec,” Spader says. “We were able to start to create some opportunities for those smoky calves and those buckskin calves to go into a secondary Angus live animal spec.”
This inclusion, benefiting Charolais-cross cattle, is an example of breed organizations working together for mutual gain and market expansion. These efforts demonstrate that the association is working to “broaden and deepen demand pathways” for its members’ cattle, for the benefit of commercial and seedstock producers alike.
These takeaways capture Spader’s vision of a modern, innovative and inclusive breed association, prioritizing data, openness, producer empowerment and adaptability.
