Keynote Panel Discussion - Water and Resilience: What the Panhandle Teaches Us All 

Funded by the Beef Checkoff

Set in the Texas Panhandle, one of the nation’s most productive yet water-stressed cattle regions, the session will use the area as a real-world case study to examine how water availability is shaping the future of meat production. Panelists will highlight how science-based decisions, innovation, and collaboration are helping producers adapt to increasing constraints while maintaining a safe, nutritious, high-quality protein supply.

Featured speakers include Scott Pohlman, Director of Beef Supply Chain Sustainability at Cargill; Ben Weinheimer, President and CEO of Texas Cattle Feeders Association; John Van de Pol, CEO and Owner of Red Rock Dairy; and Molly McAdams, Executive Vice President of Texas Beef Council. Together, they represent diverse perspectives across the protein value chain and will share practical insights, challenges, and solutions

Sponsored by: Reliant Gases, LTD

This Hot Topics session will address several of the most pressing issues currently impacting the meat industry, including foreign animal disease preparedness, evolving Salmonella regulations, and developments within the rendering and pet food sectors. Experts will share perspectives on disease threats, regulatory and policy shifts, public health considerations, and opportunities to strengthen resilience across the meat supply chain.

Foreign Animal Disease Threats to the Meat Industry
A foreign animal disease outbreak in the United States could significantly disrupt animal agriculture, meat production, and international trade. This presentation will provide updates on current foreign animal disease concerns relevant to the meat industry, including emerging threats such as New World screwworm.
Speaker: Jesse Fulton, M.S., Meat Institute

Beyond the Buzzwords: MAHA and Meat Processing
The “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement has intensified scrutiny of food ingredients, processing methods, and the role of ultra-processed foods in the diet, placing meat and poultry products directly in the policy and public relations spotlight. This session will examine the current scientific, regulatory, and political landscape surrounding ingredients and additives such as nitrites, evolving definitions and policy discussions related to ultra-processed foods, and the potential implications for the meat industry. 
Speaker: KatieRose McCullough, Ph.D., Meat Institute

Pet Food and Rendering Industry Updates
This presentation will provide an overview of emerging issues, innovations, and market trends shaping the pet food and rendering industries. Topics will include sustainability efforts, changing consumer expectations, and the growing role these sectors play in maximizing value and efficiency across animal agriculture.
Speaker: Jennifer Martin, Ph.D., Colorado State University

Beef Yielding Grading
Speaker: Dale Woerner, Ph.D., Texas Tech University

A Roundtable on Moving from Discovery of Biomarkers to Delivery of Strategies to Impact Meat Quality
Sponsored by American Foods Group

This roundtable discussion will explore how metabolomics and proteomics are advancing the understanding of important meat quality traits such as color stability and tenderness. Discussions will focus on the complex interactions among metabolic pathways and emerging opportunities to translate biomarker discovery into practical strategies that improve meat quality outcomes.

Speaker: Andy King, Ph.D., USDA-ARS

Packaging Innovation & Equipment Solutions

Sponsored by: empirical Foods

Location: Cryovac Training Facility
WT Enterprise Center
2300 N. Western St.
Amarillo, TX 79124
Cost: $15- Lunch will be provided! 
Located approximately 20 minutes from campus, transportation not provided.

This session will provide an overview of packaging technologies and applications used throughout the meat industry covering materials and equipment to trends and food safety. Space limited to 60 participants. You must complete the interest form below by June 9th.  Click here! 

Indicating interest does not guarantee placement in the workshop. AMSA staff will reach out if you are selected for a separate registration.

Packaging Overview – The presentation will provide an overview of food packaging technologies and systems commonly used in the meat industry, with a focus on packaging applications, materials, and equipment. Participants will also explore current industry trends, packaging challenges, and the important role packaging plays in product protection, shelf life, appearance, and food safety. 
Speakers: Anderson Orozco Cabral, Ph.D., Sealed Air Corporation; Caroline Joseph, Sealed Air Corporation; and Christi Calhoun, Ph.D., American Meat Science Association  

 Hand-On Learning - Get an inside look at key equipment in the CRYOVAC® Training Center. Learn how the machines operate through live demonstrations and see the technology in action in real time.
Speaker: Trey Beghtol, Sealed Air Corporation and Chris Bernson, Sealed Air Corporation

 Industry Overview -  Learn more about CRYOVAC®, career paths within Sealed Air  including ADS, Business Development, Sales, Retail Marketing, and Strategic Accounts
Speaker:  Marcee Cooke,  Sealed Air Corporation

Post RMC Workshop

Small Plant Round-Table

Agenda: Click here!

Reserve your seat here!