Jeffrey Parker, of Highview Angus Ranch near Enterprise, rounds up a top-quality Angus bull calf Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. Parker in 2023 was named the sixth-largest in registering the most Angus beef cattle in Oregon by the American Angus Association.

ENTERPRISE — A longtime Wallowa County cattle rancher has been recognized as a top breeder of Angus cattle by the American Angus Association, according to a press release.

Jeffrey Parker, of Highview Angus Ranch at the foot of Alder Slope just outside of Enterprise, was recognized as being tied for sixth place in the number of registered Angus he reported in fiscal year 2023, which ended Sept. 30.

Parker was a bit surprised when told of the recognition.

“They publish that list every year and I never see it until December,” he said.

Jerry Cassady, director of member services for the association, said the group has 230 active members in the state who register cattle. Those ranchers registered a total of 5,250 head during the fiscal year, he said.

Mark McCully, the association’s chief executive officer, said Angus breeders across the nation in 2023 registered 300,761 head of cattle.

“Our Association members lead the industry in adopting new technology and breeding the most problem-free cattle for their customers,” McCully said. “Cattlemen across the country continue to find registered Angus seed stock are the most profitable option for their herd.”

Parker said the recognition doesn’t come with any special honor.

“They just publish this list every year,” he said.

He noted that he’s been in the Angus association for about 30 years.

“It’s taken me a long time to get there,” he said.

Parker has always raised Angus cattle, and his herd can get as large as 700 head at the peak. However, not all are registered.

“The data that’s behind them, they have the largest data set with more accuracy than any breed,” he said.

Parker said the cattle are given a numerical value attached to a particular trait designating their EPD — expected progeny difference.

“All my cattle here have a genetic profile that verifies their heritage and enhances the accuracy of all that EPD,” he said.