Beef Magazine

Tony and Karen Messmer, Messmer Red Angus, of Richardton, N.D., were honored at the National Red Angus Convention in Cheyenne, Wyo., Sept. 17-19. Greg Comstock, Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) executive secretary, announced the award at convention.

For over four decades, Messmers have supplied the beef industry with superior Red Angus genetics. During that time, they have bred or owned herdsires who have graced the pages of A.I. stud catalogs and their herd has gained the reputation for producing problem-free, easy-fleshing range bulls who sired optimal levels of growth, milk and carcass performance.

Tony and Karen Messmer’s love for their cowherd and commitment to the continued growth of the Red Angus breed is evident in the quality seedstock and after-the-sale service they provide to their customers at their annual bull sale. Their dedication to the breed is also apparent in Tony’s legacy of leadership in both local and national Red Angus associations. Tony represented his fellow breeders as Region B Director and First Vice President on the RAAA board, and served on the finance committee during a formative time. While on the finance committee, he helped implement the RAAA’s strategic plan goals to building cash reserves equal to 50 percent of the Association’s annual budget.

Messmers’ belief in the future of the Red Angus breed extends to their support of junior Red Angus functions. At this year’s National Convention in Cheyenne, Wyo., the Messmers donated the “pick” of their 2008 heifer calf crop. The proceeds from this auction benefit the Junior Red Angus Association of America.

“This recognition of a lifetime’s contribution to Red Angus is bittersweet for Tony and Karen,” said Comstock. Time has caught up and, without a second generation to take the reins, the Messmer Red Angus herd was dispersed on Oct. 20. “However, we can rest assured that the new herds that spring from this dispersal and existing herds that fortify with Messmer genetics will move forward with a solid foundation laid by these Red Angus pioneers.”

Messmers will host their annual bull sale in February in Dickinson, N.D. “We can be confident that the bulls with a Messmer prefix will continue to enhance Red Angus’ reputation and build loyal customers out of Northern Plains’ ranchers … just like they’ve done for the last 46 years,” said Comstock.

For more information, contact:

Clint Berry, RAAA communications and member services director

(940) 387-3502 • clint@redangus.org