“If you told me 30 years ago that I would be chairman of the Certified Angus Beef Board, I’d say you’re crazy,” Mark Ahearn says. 

Back then, being invested in the cattle business was merely a dream for Mark and his wife, Cindy. They both had full-time jobs; Mark worked in law enforcement for the Dallas Police Department, through which he met Cindy, a healthcare professional. 

Both of their families were involved in agricultural production, so it was natural for them to buy land outside of the city in the Piney Woods of East Texas.

“We just got this crazy idea that we’d start buying cattle and get in the cattle business,” Mark says. “We bought six registered Angus cows and all of a sudden, we were in the cow business.”

They dedicated every spare moment to building their ranch while continuing their full-time jobs. 

“It is like therapy to come home and check cows,” Cindy says. “It never feels like work.”

Their unwavering dedication has turned their modest operation into the successful Angus ranch known today as Turner Meadow Ranch. The business remains a true testament to their perseverance and commitment to working as a team. 

“From the beginning, we decided if we don’t do this together, we’re not doing it,” Cindy says. 

Beyond that mindset, teamwork proved necessary.

“There’s no way we could have survived without all of us being involved,” Mark adds.

Their daughter, Megan, shares their passion after being raised in the breed. 

“One thing that I’ve learned from my parents is that if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right,” Megan says. “Everything we do, we put our name to it because we are proud of what we do.” 

The Ahearns’ drive, combined with their servant hearts, have led them to many leadership roles. Mark says he’s not the only leader in his family. 

Cindy was involved in the Angus Auxiliary for several years and eventually served as president. Meanwhile, Megan served on the National Junior Angus Association board of directors and is now involved in the American Angus Auxiliary. 

“We didn’t seek out leadership,” Mark says. “I think it just came to us.”

Called to serve

There came a time when Mark was asked to take that leadership further.

“I remember the day Dr. Pollard, chairman of the American Angus Association Board, appointed me to be the chairman of [the] Certified Angus Beef [Board]. My response was, ‘What? Me?’” Mark says. “I didn’t know whether I was deserving of it, but I’ve just embraced it. It’s been the most humbling experience that I have ever had.”

As Mark looks back on his term as the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Board chairman, he’s grateful for all he’s gained from the experience.

Going to Certified Angus Beef is always another learning experience for me. Our interactions with retail customers and those who buy our product is a world I’ve never been in.” — Mark Ahearn

Throughout the past year, Mark used his role to serve as an ambassador for the brand. His family loves the role just as much as Mark  does himself. 

“As a family, we try to promote this breed everywhere we go,” he says. “We want to make an impression on consumers, but also help producers understand what Certified Angus Beef does and how it drives demand for registered Angus bulls.”

Megan follows his example. Everywhere she goes, she’s representing the brand. 

“I’ve always got my Certified Angus Beef merchandise, t-shirts, coffee cup and even my CAB backpack,” Megan says. “I put the brand in front of people in hope that it sparks a question, because I love to talk about it.”

They know value comes from sharing about CAB with consumers at the grocery store to members of the American Angus Association. 

Backing the brand didn’t start when Mark became chairman, and it won’t end with the conclusion of his term, either. 

“We’re going to miss it, but we are definitely still going to stay involved and remain engaged,” Megan says.

Mark says his role as chairman has meant a lot to him and his family. He expresses gratitude to those who believed in him throughout the past year, and looks forward to seeing the future successes of the premium beef brand. 

“The brand’s got great leadership and amazing staff,” Mark says. “I’m extremely proud to have been a part of it.” 

Editor’s note: Katelyn Engel was the 2024 CAB producer communications intern.