Membership in the American Highland Cattle Association is packed full of value! Below is a long list of benefits touting why you should send in your dues renewal today so there is no interruption in services. We want you to continue participating in this dynamic organization. Your support ensures continued viability of our breed. The Board pledges to provide increasing value for your membership. WE:
- Maintain integrity of the National Breed Registry (herdbook) since 1948.
- Are fortunate to have a full-time, responsive staff that focuses on excellence in customer service.
- Publish a handsome, timely, informative quarterly, The Bagpipe, chock-full of management & husbandry features, marketing ideas & successes, national/regional happenings and junior news.
- Offer the 2nd Edition AHCA Highland Breeder’s Guide – the handbook of Highland husbandry.
- Approved up to $40,000 for a 2023 national marketing/advertising campaign to promote Highland cattle and AHCA.
- Have an attractive, fresh mobile friendly website with regular updates.
- Exchange information and promote on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
- List a link to your farm website at no charge.
- Publish free hard copy and online membership directories which are available to potential buyers all year long. For a small fee, a beef producer icon can be added to your listing.
- Provide advertising platforms in The Bagpipe and online.
- Offer updated brochures and promotional materials, most at no charge.
- Collaborated with the Highland Cattle Foundation (HCF) and the University of MO on a research project which studied the meat quality benefits of our breed to establish additional marketing options. Will continue to support research projects.
- Make available the Quality Highland Beef (QHB) program which includes a producer list on the website and accessibility of marketing materials including the attractive trademarked logo.
- Support regional Highland associations by offering representation, leadership assistance and promotion cost share. Contact your regional group to meet other local breeders, network on cattle issues, etc.
- Invite all members and their families to convene every other summer/fall at a rotating venue for the Annual Gathering, at very reasonable cost for education, fellowship, Highland farm tours, etc.
- Support the HCF that provides annual scholarships to students and funding for research.
- Administer a vibrant mid-winter National Show & Sale at the National Western Stock Show.
- Sanction Highland cattle shows across the country and compile Roll of Excellence standings for year-end awards.
- Are blessed with an active and growing junior program.
- Currently have individuals hard at work on marketing programs for Highland beef including online seminars. Skillet marketing materials available to all members!
- Collect and record performance data on Highland cattle at no charge, for use by breeders and the Association.
- Offer DNA testing and identification services. New parent verified designation available.
AND we hereby pledge to be inclusive of our members and stay in touch!