As the new leader of the American Angus Association, Bryce Schumann knows a lot about the iconic all-black cattle that dot pastures across America.

And just think, he started his career with a different breed of cattle. The association’s new chief executive officer has a quick answer when asked how he found his way to the Angus breed.

“I jokingly say it was by the grace of God,” Mr. Schumann said.

Mr. Schumann, of Lecompton, Kan., worked with the Kansas Beef Council and Farm Credit Services before he landed a position with Certified Angus Beef’s supply development division. In 2000, he took a job as director of activities for the Angus association and has been there ever since.

“I had always followed the Angus breed and admired the way they did things, so when I had the opportunity to become more involved with the breed, I jumped at it,” Mr. Schumann said.

His wife and extended family run a commercial herd with Angus bulls near their home in eastern Kansas. Business with the association keeps Mr. Schumann in the office or on the road most days. That doesn’t stop the family from calling him home to work cattle when an extra set of hands is needed.

“There are always a few cows around the house, and they’re Angus cattle,” Mr. Schumann said.

As an executive with the Angus association, Mr. Schumann focuses more on helping other producers’ herds than his own cattle. With markets tightening for beef producers, the association’s programs have become more important than ever. The association must work even harder to keep members informed of new ways that they can secure premium prices for their beef, better herd genetic and leadership opportunities for youth.

“It’s a continual education process,” Mr. Schumann said. “Anytime you put money into something, you want to know where it’s going and what the benefits are.”

Mr. Schumann said that he is particularly proud of programs that help young people. Until 2004, he coordinated efforts for developing the Angus Foundation, which raises money for programs involving education, youth and research in the Angus breed and the agricultural industry.

“I feel that production agriculture is a great way to raise a family and to establish a work ethic in a young person,” Mr. Schumann said. “The more youth we can get involved at a young age, the better we can keep that going.”

The American Angus Association is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. It was founded in 1883 and operated out of a house in Lee’s Summit, Mo., before moving to a location near the Chicago Stockyards. The association moved into its office on Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph in 1956.

Agribusiness reporter Clinton Thomas can be reached at clintonthomas@npgco.com.