Blake Angell, of Ellis, Kan. received the 2012 Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) Industry Service award at the Red Angus National Convention in Reno, Nev., Oct. 31— Nov. 2.

Myron Edelman, director of added value programs and friend of Angell, presented the award. Edelman recognized Angell’s service to Red Angus and to the beef industry.

“Before I was a Red Angus staff member, Blake was the first person I visited with that helped me decide to use the Red Angus tags almost a decade ago,” said Edelman. “He is still a great friend of Red Angus. Anytime we need someone to lend us their opinion, especially about the downstream part of the industry, we can talk this person into helping us out.”

While on staff for RAAA as part of the commercial marketing team, Angell was instrumental in growing the Feeder Calf Certification Program and ultimately promoting the Red Angus breed. Angell has served as a committee member and on Young Guns and Beef Profit Alliance panels.

Since leaving RAAA to work for Meyer Natural Angus in 2006 as a cattle buyer, Angell has maintained his close connections with the Association. He has helped collect data for Grid Master awards, RAAA’s recognition of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle enrolled in the Feeder Calf Certification Program that achieve a specified level of carcass excellence.

“He [Angell] has sent me carcass data on more than half of the Grid Master winners in the past four years.”

The Industry Service award is presented to an industry partner in recognition for their continued efforts to help Red Angus achieve excellence.

Angell credited the RAAA and its members for helping him grow. “This organization has meant a lot to me over the years. I started on staff here when I was fairly young and wet behind the ears. Frank Wedel [of Leoti,Kan.,] and so many others have been mentors and have helped guide me in this industry and in my professional career. This is truly a very special honor and I thank you all for it.”