When commercial cattleman, Charles Schriber, enrolled calves in AngusLink® nearly five years ago, he believed documented genetic information would become increasingly important in the feeder cattle marketplace.
“I felt it’s going to be the future of marketing your cattle,” Schriber said. “You’ve got to be able to prove it.”
Today, producers from across the country have helped AngusLink reach a significant milestone. More than one million head have now been enrolled through AngusVerified, marking years of commitment from commercial cattleman and seedstock producers who have invested in registered Angus genetics, recordkeeping and documenting value for buyers.
For Schriber, participating in AngusLink helps communicate the value behind his cattle.
“When you sell them at the sale barn or sell them privately, if you can prove what your cattle have genetically and how they’re going to perform in the feedlot, that’s why they bring good money,” he said.
The milestone represents more than a number— it’s a shift in how the industry is rewards cattlemen. Since the inception of the program, those AngusLink-enrolled cattle have received a more than $118.6 million in premiums since the inception of the program.
“Each year, more producers choose to document the genetics of their calves and enroll in value-added programs like AngusLink,” said Sarah Dreyer, Commercial Programs Manager. “Producer participation has consistently increased, showcasing the value AngusLink provides to both commercial cattlemen and cattle buyers.”
As participation has grown, so has recognition of AngusLink throughout the beef industry.
“I have seen AngusLink benefit commercial producers by helping differentiate their calves in the marketplace, whether selling on a video sale, at a local sale barn or direct into the country,” Dreyer said. “The producers who keep records and take time to enroll their calves in the AngusLink program see premiums and added benefits in the documented information presented to buyers at the time of sale.”
The one million head milestone also highlights the role seedstock producers play in helping commercial customers build value beyond sale day through genetic improvement and better information.
Art Butler, chairman of the American Angus Association Commercial Programs Committee, said the growth of AngusLink reflects the industry’s commitment to creating confidence throughout the supply chain.
“Buyers need confidence that cattle are going to perform like we say they will,” Butler said. “AngusVerified gives buyers confidence that those calves are sired by registered Angus bulls, and the program helps document the value producers have worked to build.
The one million head milestone represents thousands of enrollment decisions made one producer, one calf crop and one sale season at a time. It is the result of commercial cattlemen investing in registered Angus genetics, seedstock producers supporting their customers and buyers recognizing the value of cattle with registered genetics.
“Reaching one million head enrolled in the program is only possible because of the producers who chose to participate in AngusLink,” Dreyer said. “Thank you for your commitment to registered Angus genetics, good record keeping and taking the steps to enroll. It’s your commitment to showing value in the marketplace that made this milestone a reality.”
As the industry continues to reward documented investments in genetics and management, AngusLink remains focused on helping producers capture value they’ve worked to create and continue driving progress across the beef industry.
