Photo courtesy of Zoetis
Data has always been important at Genesis Enterprises. Now, it’s also easy.
For Genesis, this progress marks a new milestone for commercial cattle producers: INHERIT Select® genomic testing from Zoetis is now available directly within CattleMax software, bringing genomic Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) into one of the most widely used cattle management software platforms in North America.
With the most discerning consumer in mind, the central Oklahoma ranch breeds Angus and Red Angus females to Wagyu bulls. Soon, the calves will supply Genesis’ branded beef program. With such lofty goals, owners Steve and Betty Orr know knowledge is power.
And their ranch manager, Jason Shepard, agrees. By harnessing INHERIT Select genomic testing — now seamlessly integrated into CattleMax software — he is making informed breeding and culling decisions that promise to boost productivity and profitability.
INHERIT Select, a genetic test and weekly multibreed genetic evaluation for commercial cow/calf producers, provides genomic Expected Progeny Differences, or genomic EPDs, and predictions that help commercial cattle producers make more profitable selection and breeding decisions while harnessing the power of hybrid vigor. Backed by more than 1.4 million straightbred and crossbred animals, it was just what Genesis needed.
It all began when Steve came to Jason and said he wanted to learn more about their commercial cow herd.
“He’s passionate about data collection and how we can further use those resources to better our end product,” the cattleman recalls.
They talked with Dan Ellis, genetics consultant for Zoetis, about INHERIT Select and decided to give it a shot. And, in doing so, became beta testers for the product’s integration into CattleMax, a cattle management software system Genesis has used almost 10 years.
Genesis tested about 800 commercial cows and received genomic EPDs for traits like weaning weight, yearling weight, and carcass quality — insights once exclusive to registered cattle.
The results transformed their approach, enabling Shepard to “cull with more efficiency and more knowledge” by pinpointing superior females, as well as those that weren’t meeting the mark.
“It’s going to be a game changer when it comes to our commercial cow herd,” he says.
Previously, mating decisions were a shot in the dark, he says. Now, Shepard pairs cows excelling in growth traits with bulls strong in carcass merits, optimizing the next generation.
INHERIT’s integration with CattleMax makes this data actionable. After a swift upload process, Shepard can generate spreadsheets within the platform to compare EPD profiles and economic indexes across pastures, just as they do for registered cattle.
“It’s giving us a more accurate depiction of what that animal’s genetics look like and what she possibly can do,” he says.
This precision is critical for strategic breeding decisions that enhance herd performance.
“By integrating INHERIT Select genomic EPDs directly into CattleMax, we’re giving commercial producers a powerful, streamlined way to turn genetic data into smarter management decisions,” Ellis says. “This connection makes it easier for cattlemen to see the full picture — linking genetics, performance, and herd records — so they can make faster, more informed choices that drive efficiency and profitability.”
Genesis served as a pilot for this integration, with Zoetis and CattleMax collaborating to embed INHERIT Select results into the software’s database, a process Shepard found remarkably smooth.
“It’s just so easy,” he says. “The guys at Zoetis and CattleMax have both been fantastic to work with. Any time I need anything, they’re Johnny on the spot.”
CattleMax, already an integral part of Genesis Enterprises, now offers even greater value.
“As the most widely used cow-calf software in North America, it’s essential to support the tools and management practices of our diverse group of ranchers,” says Terrell Miller, Founder and CEO of the software company. “The new partner connection with Zoetis will enable producers to import their genomic EPDs and genomic traits directly into their CattleMax account, saving time and eliminating manual entry.”
And for commercial producers, where bull genetics are often well-documented but genetic information on cows lags, this integration levels the playing field.
“No doubt,” Shepard says, “it’s going to improve bottom lines.”
