American Meat Science Association

08/25/2026

Muscle biology does not simply stop at slaughter. Changes in gene expression have been observed 48, 72 and even 96 hours postmortem, while metabolomics is revealing shifts in how muscle uses available energy sources.

The bigger lesson? A single biomarker may tell only part of the story. Explore what the latest science is revealing about the biological systems that shape meat quality.

Read more at MeatScience.org: https://meatscience.org/docs/default-source/about/advances-in-muscle-biology-and-meat-quality.pdf?sfvrsn=cf52fd26_1

08/24/2026

Join us for the RMC EXCHANGE webinar | Conference Highlights That Sparked Conversation

Join AMSA on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT

This webinar revisits three of the most talked-about sessions from the 2026 Reciprocal Meat Conference (RMC):
- Water
- Nutrition
- Foreign Materials

Session moderators Molly McAdams, Ph.D., Peter Ballerstedt, Ph.D., and Brian McFarlane will revisit key takeaways and discuss why these topics continue to shape conversations across the meat industry.

Register for the August Webinar: https://meatscience-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CkTMdDQ1T46YAw8QDlh-CA #/registration

08/24/2026

What happens when food safety, science, policy, and career development all come to the same table?

Dr. Katie Rose McCullough joins Dr. Phil Bass and Sharon Beals for a conversation that goes beyond the lab—exploring today’s food safety priorities, the science behind meat ingredients, Salmonella, public health, mentorship, and the decisions shaping the future of the meat industry.

They also dive into career paths in meat science, the value of mentorship, and an important reminder for young professionals: your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line.

From protecting consumers to developing the next generation of industry leaders, this episode is packed with insights for anyone working in—or considering a career in—the meat industry.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of MeatsPad now!

08/22/2026

🎉 Meet the 2026–2027 AMSA Student Board of Directors! 🎉

We are excited to introduce the students who will represent the next generation of meat science leaders through the American Meat Science Association (AMSA)!

Our Student Board of Directors is made up of passionate students who are committed to advancing meat science, connecting students with industry, and creating opportunities for their peers. Throughout the year, they will help lead student activities, support AMSA programs, build connections, and serve as ambassadors for AMSA on their campuses and throughout the meat industry.

👏 Join us in welcoming this year’s Student Board of Directors! We are excited to see what this group will accomplish and the impact they will make on the future of our industry.

https://meatscience.org/about-amsa/leadership

08/21/2026

🎓 2026 Student Leadership Conference Recap!

What an incredible few days in Fort Worth! The 2026 Student Leadership Conference brought together 60+ students and 13 organizations for networking, industry tours, and leadership development.

Students kicked off the conference with networking and a welcome from Sharon Beals and Ryan Heitschmidt before enjoying a fun night of bingo. Day two featured tours of Cargill, Standard Meat, H-E-B, JBS, Freshpet, Columbia, Forum Meat Company, FlexXRay, CTI Foods, and Buckhead Meats, giving students valuable opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals.

The conference wrapped up with an engaging industry panel featuring Jeff Olander, Sharon Beals, Drew Cassens, Ph.D., David Grams, Ryan Yeatts, Reagan Wagner, Carter Johnson, and Iype Chandy.

A huge thank you to all of our speakers, hosts, tour guides, organizations, and volunteers who helped make SLC Fort Worth an unforgettable experience for our students!

08/20/2026

Fall Meat Judging Registration is OPEN and due soon!

Ready to compete this fall? Get your team registered for the 2026 Fall Meat Judging Season!

📅 Team rosters are due September 1, 2026.

Get your team signed up today!
👉 https://meatscience.org/students/meat-judging-program/fall-meat-judging-registration

Questions? Email [email protected].

08/20/2026

Color. Tenderness. Juiciness. Flavor. Consumers may experience these as individual qualities, but the biology that produces them is highly connected. The latest RMC Exchange explores advances in muscle biology and meat quality, from preslaughter stress and postmortem metabolism to eating quality and color stability.

Read more at https://meatscience.org/events-education/rmc

08/19/2026

Registration is open for the National 4-H Meat Judging Contest!

Register today for the 2026 National 4-H Meat Evaluation & Identification Contest, held as part of the American Royal Livestock Show.

Contest: October 20, 2026
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
Registration Deadline: September 1, 2026

Register: https://meatscience.org/students/meat-judging-program/national-4-h-meat-judging

08/17/2026

Check out our webinar next Thursday and don't miss the engaging discussion!

Don't miss out as the conversation continues after RMC!

Join us for Lunch Meatings | RMC Exchange Live on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 PM CT, as we revisit three of the conference's most engaging sessions with the moderators who led the discussions.

Hear insights from:
💧 Molly McAdams, Ph.D. on Water Resources & Sustainability
🥩 Peter Ballerstedt, Ph.D. on Human Nutrition & Meat's Role in a Healthy Diet
🔍 Brian McFarlane on Foreign Material Detection & Prevention

Register here: https://meatscience-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CkTMdDQ1T46YAw8QDlh-CA?fbclid=IwY2xjawTnHWJwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTdRS3kwQUlObDdKT004RVNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe4bw9yLS1Y1qwwUJvTtKAs8hoJ0UmGs4UykFXNBexJgFwDiVXb5mjPAbJ15I_aem_I6hnm-L4Ronw4MFjtAVv3w #/registration

08/14/2026

Nutrition research doesn't stop when a study is published.

Emerging science influences dietary guidance, product innovation, consumer expectations, and public policy. As nutrition research evolves, so does the need to communicate evidence clearly and place new findings into context.

The latest RMC Exchange article explores how discussions at the 2026 Reciprocal Meat Conference are helping shape the future of nutrition science—and why that matters to researchers, industry, and consumers alike.

🔗 Read more: https://meatscience.org/docs/default-source/about/rmc-exchange-nutrition-health.pdf?sfvrsn=6bdf480b_1