Premiere in Romania! A Farm in Bacău Raises Angus Cattle with Top American Genetics and Is Affiliated with U.S. Associations. Partnership with USV Iași

In the village of Podiș, located in Mărgineni commune, Bacău County, a family-owned business has achieved a remarkable milestone in Romanian livestock farming. The farm operated by Aurel and Anda Saghin is the only one in Romania registered with specialized cattle associations in the United States and uses advanced reproductive technologies to develop high-quality Angus cattle.

With a herd of around 40 animals, most of them imported from Ireland, the farm has distinguished itself through the implementation of embryo transfer technology, a modern breeding method that allows the production of cattle with superior genetic value. Following a carefully planned selection program, four valuable calves were obtained from ten donor cows prepared for the procedure: two Black Angus and two Red Angus.

Genetics from One of the World’s Most Valuable Bloodlines

Some of the calves are descendants of the renowned bull SAV America 8018, widely regarded as one of the most influential Angus sires in the world. The animal gained international attention after being sold in 2019 for a record-breaking $1.51 million, thanks to the exceptional genetic traits it passes on to its offspring.

The farm owners emphasize that success in cattle breeding depends not only on elite bulls but also on the quality of maternal bloodlines. For this reason, special attention has been given to selecting and developing superior cow families, following practices commonly used by leading American Angus breeders.

The Only Bulls in Romania Officially Evaluated by American Specialists

Another unique aspect of the Mărgineni farm is that the bulls produced through embryo transfer in 2024 are the only ones in Romania registered with U.S. Angus associations.

The animals have undergone comprehensive genomic testing and screening for genetic defects, evaluations that confirmed both the authenticity and high genetic value of the breeding program.

“We are the only farm in Romania registered with the specialized associations in the United States, and our young bulls are the only ones that have been tested and evaluated by American experts,” said Aurel Saghin.

Scientific Partnership with a University in Iași

The achievements of the farm have also attracted the attention of academic researchers. The “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences in Iași has expressed interest in collaborating with the farm on research and educational projects.

The partnership focuses on supporting master’s and doctoral programs, as well as scientific research in fields such as andrology, veterinary obstetrics, and reproductive biotechnologies.

Through the use of modern technology and elite genetics, the farm in Podiș has become a model of innovation in Romanian livestock farming, demonstrating that international-level performance can be achieved in rural Romania.