When commercial cattleman Charles Schriber enrolled calves in AngusLink^® nearly five years ago, he says, he believed documented genetic information would become increasingly important in the feeder-cattle marketplace.

“You’ve got to be able to prove it,” he says regarding the genetic merit of his feeder calves.

Producers of similar mindset have helped AngusLink reach a significant milestone. More than 1 million head have been enrolled through AngusVerified^SM, marking years of commitment from commercial cattlemen and seedstock producers who have invested in registered Angus genetics, recordkeeping and documenting value for buyers.

Participating in AngusLink helps communicate the value behind his cattle, says Schriber. “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.”

The milestone represents more than a number — it’s a shift in how the industry rewards cattlemen. Since the inception of the program, AngusLink-enrolled cattle have received more than $94.9 million in premiums.

Buyers need confidence that cattle are going to perform like we say they will. — Art Butler

“Each year, more producers choose to document the genetics of their calves and enroll in value-added programs like AngusLink,” says 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 within the 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 says. “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.”