411: A Yield System That Could Change How We Value Cattle Forever with Greg Ruehle

The beef industry is entering a new era of genetics, technology and data, and Greg Ruehle of the Red Angus Association of America joins Lauren on the Cattle USA Daily Podcast to break down what that could mean for cattle producers. From the challenges to the growing use of genomic tools, Greg explains how producers can use better data to make more informed genetic decisions. He also dives into emerging research on red meat yield that could change how the industry evaluates cattle and sends signals of value back through the beef supply chain.Links:Connect with Greg and his team: https://redangus.org/staff/greg-ruehle/Red Angus Association of America: https://redangus.org/CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Key Takeaways:Red Angus genetics offer both strong maternal characteristics and highly sought-after carcass traits, including marbling and qualityHide color has historically influenced cattle marketing, but new grids and data-driven evaluation are creating more opportunities to recognize cattle based on performanceGenomic tools allow producers to evaluate maternal and carcass traits together rather than having to choose between different genetic outcomesData is most valuable when producers can turn it into practical decisions that improve their operations and the broader breedThe current yield grading system is outdated, creating an opportunity for new technology to more accurately measure the actual composition and value of a beef carcassNew red meat yield research using CT scanning could help the industry better distinguish bone, fat and lean meat and ultimately improve how cattle are valuedMore precise data could eventually allow cattle to be targeted toward the specific endpoint where they can create the most value, from high-quality beef to lean-meat markets and replacement femalesChapters:00:00 – Meet Greg Ruehle03:36 – The Role of Red Angus in the Beef Industry06:49 – The Challenge of Hide Color10:58 – How Genomics Are Changing Genetic Selection13:23 – Turning Data Into Better Decisions17:34 – The Current Yield Grading System Is Outdated20:18 – How Red Meat Yield Could Change Cattle Selection26:11 – The Future of Technology in Beef Production29:06 – Greg’s Advice for the Next GenerationRed Angus, Red Angus genetics, Red Angus Association of America, cattle genetics, beef cattle genetics, cattle breeding, genetic selection, genomic testing, genomics, EPDs, cattle traits, maternal traits, carcass traits, carcass quality, marbling, cattle technology, cattle data, cattle innovation, beef industry technology, cattle breeding technology, yield grading, yield grade, cattle valuation, beef carcass value, red meat yield, lean meat yield, beef carcass composition, CT scanning cattle, cattle research, beef industry research, cattle producers, commercial cattle, seedstock producers, beef cattle industry, cattle industry future, cattle selection, economically relevant traits, Greg Ruehle