Scottish Farmer, 7th August by Kate Fisher
A summer of celebrations to mark the 150th edition of The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society herd book is set to culminate next week in the North East.
Leading figures from the breed will congregate at Ballindalloch Castle on the banks of the River Spey next Friday, August 14, for the official unveiling of the 150th herd book.
Robert Gilchrist, chief executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, said this year’s ‘150 and Beyond’ programme of events has been about more than just reflecting on the rich history of the breed; it has also allowed the Society to showcase why the breed remains relevant for both farmers and consumers.
He said: “The herd book was the most important and cutting-edge form of technology when it was first produced and we maintain that ethos today. What has changed is the type of technology available to breeders, from careful record keeping and performance data to genomic tools and digital systems that support more informed breeding decisions.”
That focus reflects a beef industry facing constant change, particularly with a suckler herd that continues to contract and greater prevalence of beef from the dairy herd.
Recent AHDB analysis of BCMS data shows Aberdeen-Angus and Aberdeen-Angus cross cattle have grown as a share of the prime kill in recent years. In 2025, they accounted for 29% of prime-aged cattle killed in Great Britain, making Angus the most popular breed type, with 57% of those cattle coming from dairy beef systems.
That matters for both suckler producers and dairy farms using beef genetics, especially at a time when processors and retailers are asking for consistency, efficiency and credible provenance, said Mr Gilchrist.
He added: “The breed delivers the practical traits farmers need, while also giving processors, retailers and consumers confidence in consistency, provenance and eating quality.”
That accessibility is a big reason why the Society has introduced a new database, designed to improve access to information and support more informed breeding decisions. With more than 80,000 Aberdeen-Angus genotypes listed, the database forms part of a wider push to make pedigree and performance information more usable for breeders.
“We want to recognise the legacy of our forebears but also make the most of the exciting opportunities which exist in the modern landscape,” Mr Gilchrist said. “Ensuring we maintain production efficiency, enable retailers to achieve scope 3 emissions targets and also maintain eating quality for consumers is absolutely key as we move forward.”
The challenge for the Society is to balance brand strength with genetic progress. Aberdeen-Angus remains one of the few cattle names widely recognised beyond the farm gate, but the commercial value of that recognition depends on cattle continuing to perform for farmers and meet specifications for the supply chain.
Mr Gilchrist added: “The history of the herd book means we have so much knowledge to build on as we look to the next 150 editions. A key aim of the Society has been to ensure that the herd book maintains and protects the integrity of the Aberdeen-Angus breed and, while the technology available to us may change over time, that remains a central aim at the heart of what we do.”
A special weekend of events
Breeders from across the UK are set to descend on Grantown Show on Thursday, August 13, for a special one-off Aberdeen-Angus grand prix to mark the ‘150 and Beyond’ herd book celebrations.
On Friday, Ballindalloch has been chosen for the official unveiling of the 150th herd book as it is home to the oldest Aberdeen-Angus herd that is still breeding the iconic black cattle.
With the breed’s roots in the north-east of Scotland renowned across the world, Angus heritage began with breeders such as Hugh Watson of Keillor and William McCombie of Tillyfour, while Sir George Macpherson-Grant of Ballindalloch would later go on to refine the breed.
The first herd book was then published in 1862, before the Society itself was formally established in 1879.
On Saturday, August 15, things will culminate with a tour of Deveron herd of Aberdeen-Angus near Turriff.
Robert Gilchrist said: “Grantown will host a one-off grand prix and we are looking forward to more than 70 entries from across the country being there. It promises to be a great show of cattle.
“Ballindalloch remains so important because it was the third ever listed herd in the Aberdeen-Angus herd book and the oldest one to still be breeding. It is fitting that we head to Ballindalloch to mark such an incredible milestone.”
Mr Gilchrist also said the Society was also delighted to retain its longstanding Royal connections, with King Charles being its current patron and continuing the legacy of his grandmother, the Queen Mother. She was patron of the Society for a remarkable 65 years from 1937 until her death in 2002 and also founded the Castle of Mey Aberdeen-Angus herd in Caithness.
