ABOUT US

The history of the ND Red Angus Association reflects its humble beginnings with that of the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA).  Inherently, the history of the Red Angus breed really is the history of the Red Angus Association of America.  The Red Angus Association of America was officially formed on March 27, 1954, at the Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas with charter and original members present.  The foresight of the charter members was intuitive and amazing.  According to “The History of Red Angus” authored by Dr. Bob Hough, “Not only was the goal to have performance-based registry, but it was also to have the Association maintain a clear focus on the commercial industry, even inviting commercial producers to join as associate members “to foster a spirit of closer cooperation between commercial breeders and purebred breeders.”  The fact that the founding members’ initial vision has stood the test of time is what makes Red Angus special.”

From the eleven charter members, seven of them founding members, came tremendous breed leadership.  It was through the leadership of these individuals that a group of individuals in the Northern Plains became interested in the Red Angus breed.  In 1964, Ray and Minnie Messmer, Messmer Red Angus of Richardton ND became the first registered Red Angus breeders in North Dakota.  The foundation of the Messmer herd came from Beckton Stock Farm in Sheridon Wyoming.  

North Dakota and South Dakota were one State Red Angus Affiliate Association in these early days.  Influential members included Ray Meyer, Reva SD who also served on the RAAA Board of Directors as early as 1968.  Joint field days between North and South Dakota were usually held at Messmer Red Angus in Richardton.  Often, Mrs. Sally Forbes attended these field days serving as a mentor and supporter of these fledgling Northern Plains breeders.  As the Red Angus breed was gaining influence, Larry and Sally Forster, New Salem ND joined the ranks of Red Angus seedstock producers in 1967, as Forster Red Angus.  The Messmer and Forster families then became the driving force of the beginning of the ND Red Angus Association.