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Takeaways from 2025 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show
Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist
 
I recently attended the 2025 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show in San Antonio, TX. Outstanding event with interesting topics covered by an excellent group of speakers from which I pull some information together for this article. What were the most interesting take-away points for me?
 
  • The USDA Beef Yield Grade equation needs an update. Beef yield grades (which indicate cutability and red meat yield from a beef carcass) are based on the U.S. cattle population from 60 years ago. While the Yield Grade system has served the industry well, an updated system, based on our current population of cattle is needed.
 
  • Consumers of beef (the product) are willing to pay for quality! The market signal is clear: Consumers want and will pay more for higher quality (tasty and consistent) beef!
 
  • The demand for beef is high. This demand is driving the current market. From 1998 until 2025, increased consumer demand for beef has added an additional $800/head in value.
 
  • Over the past 20 years, the beef industry has shifted from producing beef as a commodity to a much higher quality beef product. Over this time, the industry has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of upper 2/3rds Choice and Prime Quality Grade beef carcasses.   
 
  • The market outlook for continued “robust” prices for cattle of all ages is favorable.
 
References:
Cattlemen’s College. The Science of Yield: Research-Driven Innovations. Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. February 4, 2025.
 
CattleFax 2025 U.S. & Global Protein & Grain Outlook Seminar. Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. February 6, 2025.


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