The AngusLink^® Genetic Merit Scorecard^® (GMS) has proven to be a trusted tool for commercial cattle producers, helping them showcase the genetic strength of their herds. More than $94 million in premiums have been paid to AngusLink producers since 2019. Now, its GMS program is getting even better.

Through an exciting enhancement, AngusLink can now integrate GeneMax^® Advantage™ scores into its Beef, Feedlot, Grid and Maternal score calculations, creating a powerful connection that delivers greater value and precision for the beef industry.

This upgrade means GeneMax customers can see their genetic investments reflected with an even higher level of accuracy on their GMS. It’s a way to display one more feather in your hat, and bolster an extra level of confidence with buyers when marketing feeder calves.

By marketing calves with the scorecard, producers can turn their data into dollars, capturing premiums and being rewarded for their commitment to genetic progress.

This enhancement isn’t just about rewarding those using the top 1% or 2% of registered sires for the combined value index ($C) or other dollar value indexes ($Values). This new connection rewards the exceptional work of producers selecting replacement females ranked by GeneMax Advantage scores and $Values in addition to traditional selection methods. Together, these efforts create a powerful story of genetic progress and profitability, and the enhanced GMS can help producers tell it.

The numbers matter

AngusLink has already helped producers differentiate their cattle by validating superior Angus genetics. We have seen buyers back its value-added programs with their bids. During the American Angus Association’s fiscal year 2025, AngusLink premiums averaged $20.92 per hundredweight (cwt.). Now, with the GeneMax Advantage connection, that differentiation can become even sharper.

Those familiar with the GMS know it objectively differentiates the genetic merit of feeder calves across four key performance areas: Maternal, Grid, Feedlot and Beef, using a scale from 0 to 200, with 100 representing the industry average. Higher scores signal greater genetic potential, giving buyers confidence and rewarding producers.

The inclusion of GeneMax scores does not change how the GMS functions. It is simply an enhancement, built to take advantage of the additional information a producer has because they have invested in genetic testing for their herd.

Visually — to signal to buyers that additional information has been considered, creating an even more robust calculation of feeder calves’ genetic merit — a herd with GeneMax-tested cows will earn the GeneMax Advantage logo on its scorecard.