As the director of commercial marketing, Bertz will lead the marketing team in developing and promoting Red Angus marketing programs that will help producers increase their profitability. Additionally, he will focus on building and strengthening relationships with feeders and packers to increase demand for Red Angus genetics.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to continue working with the breeders, commercial cattlemen and women, and the team at Red Angus,” said Bertz.  “The commercial marketing team has always focused on creating value for calves produced by Red Angus bulls and we will continue to develop innovative programs that assist ranchers in improving their cowherds and their bottom lines.”

A sixth-generation rancher, Bertz has many decades of experience in the agriculture and beef industries. First, as an agriculture educator in Missouri where he was nationally recognized for his teaching excellence, and most recently as the RAAA commercial marketing programs coordinator; a role in which he served for the past four and a half years. Bertz received his bachelor’s of education and agricultural education from Missouri State University in 1993, then went on to earn his master’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Missouri. He currently lives in Mayview, Missouri, with his wife Melisa and has two children in college, Molly and August.

“Harold has been with RAAA since 2014 and has done great work in helping move RAAA’s marketing programs forward. He knows the breed very well, both its cattle and people, and is well versed in all aspects of the beef industry, from cow-calf to consumer. We also appreciate his common sense cow savvy and his ability to make complicated issues simple by identifying the key factors that make a difference in the real world of the beef industry,” said CEO Tom Brink.

Bertz will assume the responsibilities of the role on March 11, 2019, once Gary Fike departs for an opportunity with Kansas State Research and Extension. Fike and Bertz will be working closely together in the coming month to assure a smooth transition for the association, members and Red Angus producers.

The Red Angus Association of America serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and utilizing scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.RedAngus.org.

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