Certified Angus Beef Welcomes New Director of Producer Communications

Genetics and management are at the forefront of targeting the Certified Angus Beef ® brand but communicating beef value propositions to cattlemen guides informed business decisions.

To bring the most relevant production and economic information to cattlemen, Certified Angus Beef (CAB) hired fifth-generation rancher Lindsay Graber Runft as director of producer communications.

Runft oversees communications strategy and leads the brand’s producer-facing messaging for seedstock breeders, commercial cattlemen, cattle feeders and allied industry organizations as CAB continues working to strengthen its relationship with those who supply the brand.

“Providing consumers with the highest quality beef doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes initiative and focus by those raising and feeding cattle with an eye toward continual progress and improvement,” says Melissa Brewer, CAB vice president of communications. “With Lindsay’s years of experience and production background, we’re excited to have her credibility on our team leading the engagement efforts producers in these areas.”

A native of south-central Kansas, Runft was raised on a small family farming and ranching operation. She graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, double-majoring in agricultural communications and animal science. Runft earned a master’s degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University, with research focuses on media market research and crisis communications.

For more than a decade, Runft has served the livestock industry’s communication needs and elevated the voice of beef producers. Prior to joining the brand, she was executive director of the Livestock Publications Council and a public relations consultant for clients, such as Kansas Beef Council. Her experience also includes leading communications efforts for Livestock Marketing Association and managing creative services for Hereford Publications, Inc.

“Certified Angus Beef is known for its high-caliber work, progressive leadership and excellent culture,” Runft says. “I am thrilled to be joining the powerhouse communications team at the brand and look forward to continuing to serve the beef industry through strategic communication efforts.”

Runft started with the brand on Sept. 12, 2022, and serves as the point contact for all producer-facing communications for CAB.

She can be contacted by emailing LRunft@certifiedangusbeef.com.

Who is Certified Angus Beef?
At Certified Angus Beef, we know people want to put great meals on the table. Our employees work across the beef supply chain to ensure chefs and home cooks find and prepare the best Angus beef. Led by our culinary, beef and marketing experts, our team provides consultation, marketing materials, training, market insights and tools that help businesses, like grocery stores and restaurants, thrive. Our team is also dedicated to sharing the story of family farmers and ranchers who supply the brand.