2026 Feeding Quality Forum
The 21th annual Feeding Quality Forum in Amarillo, Texas, brought leading beef experts to the stage to look at the current challenges and opportunities for premium beef production.
Below you’ll find links to speaker slides and news coverage following the event.
Industry Achievement Award
Dr. Del Miles
Veterinary Research and Consulting Services (VRCS), Founder
Curiosity defined Dr. Del Miles’ career. Through more than five decades in the cattle industry, he built a reputation for asking tough questions, challenging conventional wisdom, and pursuing answers to improve cattle health and feedyard performance.
In 1984, he founded Veterinary Research and Consulting Services (VRCS), a collaborative practice dedicated to evidence-based approaches to veterinary medicine long before it became common practice. Whether evaluating treatment protocols, vaccine strategies, or management practices, Miles focused on measurable results and practical solutions for cattle feeders. His work helped improve cattle care, reduce unnecessary treatments, and reinforce the value of sound management.
Known equally for his integrity and mentorship, Miles earned the trust of cattle feeders across the industry. His influence continues to be felt in feedyards, veterinary practices, and the next generation of animal health professionals.
Session Coverage
Global Market Overview
Dan Basse, AgResource Company
From low cattle supplies to record beef prices, the global marketplace is experiencing record highs and lows. Learn about the current state of the commodity and financial markets around the world to help prepare for swings in the market and guide your risk management strategies.
Managing Cattle in Today’s Price Environment
Pete Anderson, Ph.D., Midwest PMS
Balancing carcass weight, yield and quality, how do cattle feeders best target the most profitable end point for fed cattle in today’s pricing environment? There is no one-size-fits-all model. Strategic management accompanied by strategic marketing can get cattle feeders closer to their goals.
New Tools Capture More Dollars: Red Meat Yield Update
Nick Hardcastle, Ph.D., Cargill
Steady progress has been made to find a solution to the red meat yield dilemma; however, there is still a long way to go before the challenge is solved. The goal is still the same: to produce dollars that flow back to the cattle feeder and cow-calf producer to increase the value of genetics that hit carcass production targets.
The Value of Supply Chain Coordination
Panelists: Levi Berry, Smith Catttle Co.; Tom Fanning, Pratt Feeders Group; Spencer Smith, J.D., Capstone Beef; Moderator: Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef
Why are known genetics important? What role can tools like genomic testing play in cattle feeding? How do management and marketing turn both into profit for the cattle feeder and the commercial cow/calf producer? Hear from a panel about ways they’re answering each of these questions.
Prime on Purpose
Panelists: Arnis Robbins, Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue; BJ Johnson, Buckhead Meat of Atlanta; Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef; Moderator: Bruce Cobb, Certified Angus Beef
Explore the growing role that Prime plays today in our industry. From producers, to packers, to restaurateurs, Prime has become a key ingredient in the success of every link in the supply chain today. It’s now an achievable, practical and repeatable target for cattlemen. During this panel, learn why and how.
The Evolution of Ground Beef
Trevor Caviness, Caviness Beef Packers and Carson Rogers, Certified Angus Beef
Stop thinking about ground beef as the “leftovers” and explore what opportunities it creates for our industry. Above and beyond baseline ground beef business, what do premium grinds, like the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, mean to a ground beef processor? For Certified Angus Beef, learn what kind of opportunities grinds present on the sales side.
Advancing Quality for Beef x Dairy
Taylor Engle, DVM, Four Star Veterinary Service
The population of beef x dairy cattle are important in today’s market, but management may need to look different to achieve desired outcomes. Let’s talk about the advancements we’ve made and areas where opportunities exist to advance care and improve your bottom line.
The Power of Plants
Jeff Heldt, Ph.D., Selko USA
Phyto-complexes may not be new technology to the cattle feeding world, but new data may help us better understand them. From feed conversion at the feedyard to immunity at the ranch, explore current research regarding practical applications in the beef supply chain.
Planning for Growth
Panelists: Brian Walt, W6 Cattle; James Henderson, Bradley 3 Ranch; Mark Sorensen, Rabo Agrifinance; Moderator: Mark McCully, American Angus Association
As cattlemen begin increasing the national cow herd, what considerations should be top of mind? Setting primary goals may help identify the tools available to achieve desired outcomes. This session will explore potential partners to help you reach above and beyond the goals you set.