The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) extends its sincere appreciation to West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) for hosting the AMSA 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference (RMC), along with the valued supporting partners from the Texas Panhandle including Caviness Beef Packers, Cargill, Tyson Foods, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, JBS, the Texas Beef Council, and the WTAMU Beef Carcass Research Center, for their continued commitment to advancing meat science and strengthening industry collaboration.

Kicking off with pre-events on June 21, 2026, in Amarillo/Canyon, Texas, RMC 2026 will convene leaders from across the meat and animal protein sectors for a forward-looking program focused on innovation, resilience, and navigating rapid change across the global protein landscape. The conference continues to serve as a premier platform for connecting academia, students, and industry professionals, offering a balance of scientific rigor and practical application.

This year’s opening keynote speaker, Vance Crowe, will deliver a timely presentation titled “The Edge of Chaos: How to Lead an Industry During Accelerating Change” on Monday, June 22. Known for his work in agricultural communication and leadership strategy, Crowe will challenge attendees to rethink how they approach disruption, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer expectations. His keynote sets the tone for a program designed to equip professionals with strategies to lead effectively amid uncertainty. 

RMC 2026 will feature a strong technical program addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the meat industry. Sessions will cover advances in meat color research, innovation, and technology to reduce food waste, developments in pet food manufacturing from shelf life to humanization, and the intersection of regulatory affairs, government policy, and product development. Additional topics include meat and metabolic health through evidence-based insights on nutrition and disease, as well as emerging technologies in foreign object detection.

Additionally, AMSA will recognize Dr. Frank Dunshea, Chair of Agriculture, University of Melbourne, Australia, as the recipient of the 2026 International Lectureship Award. His contributions to global meat science and animal production systems will be highlighted during a dedicated session, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to honoring excellence and advancing scientific knowledge. 

In addition to these highlighted topics, the conference will include more than 35 reciprocation sessions showcasing cutting-edge research from across academia and industry, along with hot topics discussions and hands-on workshops designed to provide practical, real-world applications for attendees across the supply chain.

The program will also address critical issues shaping the future of meat production and sustainability. A featured panel on water resilience Wednesday, June 24, will explore resource management strategies and the long-term outlook for water use in meat production systems, bringing together experts who live and work in this area to discuss one of the industry’s most pressing environmental concerns. 

The AMSA 79th RMC offers valuable insights, meaningful connections, and practical takeaways for professionals across research, processing, product development, regulatory affairs, and allied industries. Industry leaders, researchers, and students are encouraged to attend and be part of the conversations shaping the future of meat science.

To explore the full schedule, session details, and registration information, visit https://meatscience.org.