22^nd Annual Holt Cat^® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management

Impacts of Beef Carcass Size on System Production Efficiency

Presentations from 22^nd Annual Holt Cat Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management held on November 6-7, 2025. 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 is driving fed and feeder cattle prices to record highs, weekly. Attendees were able to deepen their appreciation for the US beef system and the future impacts of current production and marketing changes at our annual symposium.

Danette Amstein
Managing Principal
Midan Marketing
The Consumer and Beef Quality: Is there any indication consumer pursuit of quality beef will wane?

Kaylee Greiner
Manager, Retail & Foodservice Engagement
Texas Beef Council
Reshaping the Meat Case: New Cuts, Better Value

Glen Dolezal, PhD
Retired Assistant Vice President
Cargill Protein
Packer Perspective on Carcass Size: What are the limitations?

Justin Gleghorn, PhD
Smith Cattle Company
Feeder Perspective: Impacts of longer days on feed & what are the limitations?

Miles Theurer, DVM
Research Director
Veterinary Research & Consulting Services
Health Challenges: Impacts of longer days on feed and bigger cattle on feedyard health management

David Lalman, PhD
Extension Beef Cattle Specialist
Oklahoma State University
Cow-calf: Should cow size change, and if so, how?

James Henderson
Co-Owner
Bradley 3 Ranch
Seedstock: How will pursuit of heavier harvest weight and higher quality impact your selection decisions?