Arthur Cassell of Mount Vernon, Ohio, became a member of the American Angus Association in 1974, marking the start of 50 continuous years of Angus cattle production.
Angus cattle had been grazing the pastures of Cassell Angus Farm since 1909, so for Cassell, the fifth generation to own the farm, it was the obvious choice of breed.
Cassell’s extensive use of artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer over the years improved the genetics of the herd. Today, AI breeding is the only form of breeding used by the operation.
In 1983, Cassell transferred his association membership to be listed under the farm name Cassell Angus Farm and continued to manage the herd with the help of his wife Joan and their sons Jeff, Brian and Alan.
In 1993, Cassell Angus Farm was recognized as the Outstanding Ohio Century Farm by the Ohio Historical Society.
Cassell continued to manage the herd until 1999. In 2000, his son, Alan and daughter-in-law, Traci, took over management of the herd.
Today, Alan and Traci, along with their two sons, Grant and Carter, own and manage the herd of 40 brood cows. Gavin and Wyatt Cassell, Grant and his wife, Lindsey’s sons, are now the eighth generation to live on the farm.
The American Angus Association’s Historic Angus Herd Award recognizes Angus breeders and immediate families who have been in continuous production of registered Angus cattle for 50 years or more. Visit angus.org for more information or to view a list of awarded members since the program began in 1988.
