Black Angus cattle are the most frequent breed, primarily in the United States and Australia, but why?

Warren Acworth is the Station Manager of the Family owned Nangara Angus located in the Darling Downs. He breeds pure Black Angus to order for small but nimble commercial farms up and down the East Coast. Having raised cattle since he was 10, his efforts led to Nangara holding records at Dalby Salesyard for multiple categories.

Warren Acworth observes that Black Angus is a famous brand in steakhouses and supermarkets. According to market research, the name alone can command 10 to 15% more pricing than regular beef in retailers. On the feed lots, Schaff Angus Valley set a new $1.51 million in 2019 for just one Black Angus bull, breaking the previous record of $800,000.

According to Warren Acworth, cattle must have proven genetic traits, including a minimum of 51 percent solid black hide pigmentation, hence the term “Black Angus,” as opposed to those with a red hide, to qualify as Certified Angus Beef. Although there is no genetic difference between black and red Angus, customers prefer the former. Producers and landowners interested in producing Angus cattle should research to see if the breed is right for them.

So, what makes Black Angus cattle so appealing? Here are seven fascinating facts about one of America and Australia’s favorite beef cattle breeds:

1. Specifics regarding the beef

Beef lovers choose Black Angus meat for a variety of genetically connected reasons. Warren Acworth notes that beef must be at least 51 percent black in hiding and have a moderate level of higher-degree marbling and medium to fine marbling texture to be awarded the Certified Angus Beef brand by US Department of Agriculture graders. Cattle must also be of “A” maturity, lean and skeletal, and have a ribeye area of 10 to 16 square inches. The hot carcass must weigh 1,050 pounds or less, with outstanding muscling and no capillary rupture. Beef must have a fat thickness of less than one inch, no black cutting characteristics, and no neck hump greater than two inches.