What’s the benefit? Last month, the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) announced its Smart Select Service, a data-management system that helps commercial cattle producers breed the best herd. Members of the service will pay $1 per head to track cattle-performance statistics, including herd summary reports, dam and progeny reports, and herdsire reports.

Why it works for members: The Select Service System not only tracks herd performance but also gives cattle ranchers the ability to evaluate the genetics of females in the herd to determine which are the fittest for breeding. With this service, ranchers can use the organized combination of genetic and production reports to maximize breeding potential. “It’s an exciting time in the beef industry,” Kelli Retallick, AGA’s data services coordinator, said in a news release.

Other perks for members: Ranchers who sign up for the Select Service System will have access to the association’s feeder profit index, a report service that determines whether a particular animal will be best in the feedlot or on the rail. Ranchers will also get a “stayability” score for their animals, which predicts the probability a cow will be productive after 6 years  age.

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