DENVER – The Red Angus Association of America board of directors has voted to cancel the upcoming National Red Angus Convention, which was scheduled for Sept. 23-25 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The difficult decision was made after RAAA leadership discussed the many risks associated with holding the convention as planned.

Among the risk factors were the demographics of attendees, the high incidence of COVID-19 in the northeastern U.S., off-site events being cancelled due to social distancing or stay-at-home measures and the high risk associated with air travel to Pennsylvania.

“Canceling the 2020 National Red Angus Convention was a difficult decision for all of our board members and staff. The unfortunate and widespread nature of COVID-19 has impacted our industry more than anyone could have predicted,” said Johnny Rogers, RAAA president. “In spite of the cancelation, we will continue moving forward with the business of the Red Angus breed and are working to support our members and bull customers with their questions and challenges.”

The health and safety of members, cattle producers and industry stakeholders is of the utmost importance to RAAA. While canceling the 2020 National Red Angus Convention was a difficult choice to make, given the combined challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated impacts, the RAAA board’s decision is in the best interest of the membership, staff and the Red Angus breed.

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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