The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) is pleased to announce its new Director of Commercial Marketing, Gary Fike. Fike’s primary responsibilities will be to plan and direct marketing programs with a focus on increasing demand for Red Angus genetics.
“Gary brings to the Association not only a vast amount of knowledge in the beef industry, but has experience in connecting producers, feedlots and packers to reach a high-quality endpoint,” said Twig Marston, Association CEO. “We’re excited about his ability to lead our marketing team and see the positive aspect he will have on Red Angus stakeholders.”
Fike has 10 years of experience as a Beef Cattle Specialist for Certified Angus Beef, LLC where he coordinated efforts with universities, feedlots and producers to drive the supply of Angus-sired cattle. He has also vast experience in extension work developing educational programs and conducting on-farm research pertaining to the cow-calf and feedlot industry.
"I am excited to begin working for the RAAA because I believe in the value of Red Angus cattle in today's beef industry climate,” said Fike. “They have so many great traits: maternal, calving ease, fertility, etc; and superior carcass quality, which ultimately drives consumer demand for the cattle.”
Fike received his Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture Education from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, Okla., then went on to earn his master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan. He currently resides and will be based out of Westmoreland, Kan.
“This breed is very oriented to the commercial side of the beef industry and that will serve stakeholders well in the short-, mid-, and long-term future,” said Fike. “I sincerely believe that Red Angus cattle are positioned for growth in these early stages of rebuilding the cowherd in the U.S. due to their widespread acceptance, and are adaptable to any area of the country."
Fike began his duties at the RAAA Dec. 8, and can be reached by email at gary@redangus.org or (940) 387-3502 ext. 20.
The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the competitive advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with the most objectively described cattle in the industry by seeking and implementing new technologies based on sound scientific principles that measure traits of economic importance. For more information, visit www.RedAngus.org.
