Summary

The storied history of the US beef industry contains numerous examples of change, barbed wire, refrigerated transportation, breed improvements and professional feeding, just to name a few. But it seems the pace and magnitude of change has quickened in the last few months. With the lowest beef cow inventory since 1962, the industry continues to produce record-large quantities of the highest quality beef in the world. Cattle are being fed longer and to heavier finished weights than ever before. Consumer demand for beef’s superior eating experience is driving fed and feeder cattle prices to record highs, weekly.

Rapid changes. Charting new territory. Difficulty keeping track of one enterprise, much less the whole industry. Our segmented industry seldom affords a glimpse of the entire system.

To deepen your appreciation for the US beef system and the future impacts of current production and marketing changes, consider attending the Holt Cat^® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management, November 6-7, 2025.