Water resource management and long-term resilience in food production will be a key focus on Wednesday, June 24 during the featured keynote panel, “Water and Resilience: What the Panhandle Teaches Us All,” at the AMSA 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference in Amarillo, Texas. Funded by the Beef Checkoff, this timely discussion brings together leading voices from across the beef supply chain to address one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges.

 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.

While centered on beef production, the panel will emphasize that lessons from the Texas Panhandle extend far beyond one region or protein source. Attendees will gain a broader understanding of how proactive water stewardship strengthens resilience across the food system and why responsible water management is essential for long-term food security.