Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI^®) facilitated a conversation for around 100 cattle breeders, beef industry professionals, researchers and academics during Imagine: AGI’s Beef Genetics Forum August 18-19 in Kansas City. The program challenged the group to explore paths for progress in the beef genetics space.  

“You look across this room, and you see a true cross-section of the industry,” said AGI president Kelli Retallick-Riley during the opening session. “These intentional, innovative conversations are unique and drive our industry forward.” 

Following a successful inaugural event in 2024, AGI’s second forum was themed “From Genes to Gains: Optimizing genetics & management to unlock full supply chain profitability.”  

Experts from across the beef supply chain and animal agriculture addressed the crowd. In addition to keynote and technical presentations, the program’s design allowed for small-group discussions.  

Discussions focused on topics such as beef industry marketplace demands around genetics and realizing better profit potential through genetic expression. It also included dedicated time for networking and less-structured conversation.  

Industry consultant Nevil Speer of Bowling Green, Kentucky, presented a keynote presentation to help kick off the event. He said it’s important for cattle producers and industry partners to willingly dig into tough topics, like this year’s theme. 

“Imagine is all about getting the right people in the room,” Speer said. “There’s a magic that happens when you put people together face to face.” 

Some initial takeaways were summarized during the event. For instance, making genetic improvements long-term as an industry will require economics and biology. Red meat yield and ongoing research around the topic were recognized as examples of this along with the importance of fertility and health traits. Another repeated message was how stronger data systems across the full supply chain are needed.  

The event program also included information and discussion around how genetics, management tools, and the environment function in collaboration. Again, questions of what these means for producer profitability were posed for consideration. 

“Everybody’s probably got a different set of priorities, as far as their traits go,” said John Dickinson of Caldwell, Idaho, and current board chairman for AGI.  “I think it’s good to have the collaboration and interact to get other viewpoints about traits of interest in other segments. The beef industry is segmented, but I think through this communication we can sure get more profitable together.” 

A comprehensive summary of the forum will be published by AGI as a white paper in early 2027.