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For more than 10 years, Paul Dykstra has written a bi-weekly market column for the brand which evolved into the CAB Insider e-newsletter. He shares current market updates, trends and observations with a closer look at the cattle market from the beef-product side than you can find anywhere else. Yes, there’s an emphasis on the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, and you will also find the latest research exploring carcass quality.
We want you to have confidence in what is relevant and drives value in your cattle business to help you make profit-driven decisions at home. And the CAB Insider helps you do that.
Meet the Author
A native of Colorado, Paul Dykstra grew up on a commercial cow-calf ranch in western Colorado and later earned a degree in animal science from Colorado State University. Paul worked as a feedyard manager for the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb., before joining the brand’s supply development team in 2002.
As the Director of Supply Management and Analysis for the brand, Paul combines his experience and knowledge to work closely with ranchers and feedyard managers to raise Angus cattle using the best management practices to enhance profitability by producing quality beef.
READ THE LATEST INSIDERS
Continual Improvement Drives CAB Acceptance Rates
The past year marked the tenth consecutive year that brand sales have topped one billion pounds. This is impressive for the brand, given the year was constrained by significantly fewer fed cattle harvested. In fact, the 5.77 million certified carcasses represent a 2.9% decline in carcass supplies for the brand than last year.
Carcass Weights at it Again
Heavier carcass weights are no headline in 2025, yet this week’s official beginning of fall presents a great time to check in on weight trends. Year to date, average weekly fed cattle carcasses are 24 lb. heavier than a year ago and an astounding 46 lb.
Big-time Cutout Performance
In the second and third quarters this year, carcass cutout values have risen at an unprecedented pace. Meanwhile, fed cattle harvest levels fell from just a 0.5% deficit in the first quarter to averaging near 8% below last year beginning in March.