AICA Lifecycle Assessment with Logan Thompson

A new Kansas State University Lifecycle Assessment is putting numbers behind the economic value of Charolais genetics. In a recent conversation, AICA Executive Vice President Brett Spader sits down with Kansas State University’s Dr. Logan Thompson to discuss the research and what the findings mean for today’s beef producers.

The assessment evaluates profitability across the cow-calf, backgrounding and finishing phases, comparing major U.S. beef breeds in both straight-bred and crossbred production systems. The results show Charolais and Charolais-influenced cattle delivering strong economic returns, with the advantage becoming even greater at heavier carcass weights. In the study, Charolais-cross cattle at a 1,000-pound carcass endpoint generated the highest total industry value modeled at $170.18 per head.

Throughout the conversation, Spader and Thompson break down the research in practical terms and explore how growth, feed efficiency, carcass weight and terminal crossbreeding translate into profitability across the beef production chain. The findings reinforce a powerful message for commercial cattlemen: Charolais genetics don't just add pounds—they add profitable pounds and value from the ranch through the feedyard and ultimately to the rail.