The Link
Adding carcass value to AngusLink.
September 8, 2026
Commercial cattle producers understand the critical role genetics have in driving profitability for their individual operations. Producers invest in superior genetics and sound management practices with the goal of adding value to their calf crop and capturing premiums in the marketplace.
The AngusLink® Genetic Merit Scorecard® (GMS) is a tool designed for commercial cattlemen to utilize when communicating the genetic value of their calves to potential buyers. Producers with a focus on carcass merit may also receive the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) Targeting the BrandTM logo, providing an indicator of carcass potential, alongside the grid score for qualified groups of feeder calves.
Understanding the scores
The GMS quantifies the calf crop’s genetic potential using current sire information and the cow herd’s breed composition.
Each calf crop enrolled in AngusLink receives a scorecard with four scores — beef, feedlot, maternal and grid — on a scale of 0 to 200, with 100 representing industry average.
The beef score communicates the genetic potential for both feedlot performance and carcass value.
The feedlot score signifies a group’s potential for postweaning performance.
The maternal score demonstrates the genetic potential for replacement heifers.
The grid score specifically evaluates the carcass merit of the group.
To further identify cattle with premium carcass genetics, the Scorecard incorporates the CAB Targeting the Brand logo for qualifying groups. The logo appears on a Scorecard when calves achieve a grid score of 125 or higher and meet the minimum marbling score requirements.
The CAB Targeting the Brand program has established specific genetic thresholds for marbling (Marb) expected progeny difference (EPD) and grid dollar value index ($G) as a selection tool for breeders and commercial bull buyers seeking to increase CAB acceptance.
A visual queue
The Targeting the Brand logo listed on the grid score serves as a visual queue of carcass potential for buyers. As buyers looking to purchase top-performing cattle evaluate genetic merit information before making their buying decisions, the Targeting the Brand logo helps to quickly identify groups that meet the requirements and have a greater likelihood of qualifying for the CAB branded beef program.
It is important to understand that the Targeting the Brand designation is not a guarantee of future CAB qualification. To earn the CAB brand, cattle must be harvested through a CAB licensed packing facility, meet live-animal specifications, and meet all 10 science-based carcass specifications evaluated by a USDA grader. Genetics provide the foundation, while management, nutrition, health and environment all play a significant role in determining final carcass performance and quality grade.
For commercial producers, the value of the Targeting the Brand logo lies in the ability to communicate the genetic merit before the cattle enter the feedyard. By enrolling calves in AngusLink and marketing them through the “Find AngusLink Cattle” website platform, producers can highlight the groups that have a strong Grid Score and meet the qualifications for CAB Targeting the Brand.
The GMS quantifies genetic potential, while the Targeting the Brand logo enhances that message by signaling calves with a higher likelihood of producing premium-quality carcasses. Together, these tools provide commercial cattlemen with a credible, data-driven way to showcase the value of their genetics and attract buyer attention.
Simply put, the AngusLink Genetic Merit Scorecard and CAB Targeting the Brand logo demonstrate that a group of calves has the genetic potential to perform in the feedyard and produce the kind of carcass quality today’s buyers demand.
Editor’s note: Sarah Dreyer is commercial programs lead for the American Angus Association. For more information about AngusLink or the Genetic Merit Scorecard, visit https://www.angus.org/anguslink.
Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 18, No. 9-A
Topics: Business , Feeder-Calf Marketing Guide , Marketing , Genetics
Publication: Angus Beef Bulletin
Related Content
Current Angus Beef Bulletin
Our September issue focuses on the females of the herd and the records that validate them.
