The Montana Beef Council, with USMEF, sent ranchers to Mexico to boost U.S. beef exports. They participated in Expo Carnes 25 amid tariff uncertainties. Ranchers contribute to a marketing fund to promote American beef, vital for trade with Mexico, which imports $1.2 billion worth of U.S. beef annually.
The Montana Beef Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), recently organized a trip for local ranchers to Mexico to enhance U.S. beef export ties. This initiative aims to reinforce relationships between the U.S. and Mexican beef markets, with a particular focus on expanding exports to Mexico, a principal destination for U.S. beef products.
USMEF is dedicated to marketing U.S. beef globally, with contributions from every American beef producer. Ranchers participate in a marketing program that includes payments to a fund, promoting American beef in international markets. Notably, both Mexico and Canada are integral to the Montana beef sector, with Canada maintaining feedlots in Montana to prepare cattle for processing.
The ranchers attended Expo Carnes 25, a prominent meat trade show held in Monterrey, Mexico, which coincided with President Trump’s introduction of a 25% tariff on select goods, leading to some export uncertainty. During the event, Justin Iverson, chair of the Montana Beef Council and a rancher, expressed concerns about the evolving situation.
Iverson remarked, “As we were speaking, the gentleman said, ‘listen, we don’t know where things are gonna go quite yet. My presentation was accurate a half hour ago, and it’s no longer accurate.’” He noted that agricultural products covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement are expected to remain unaffected by the new tariffs.
Mexico is a vital market for various U.S. beef products, ranging from premium cuts like prime rib to less conventional meats such as tongue and liver. Iverson indicated that variety meats represent the largest portion of the $1.2 billion of beef imports each year from the U.S. These products hold significant value in international markets, although they may be underappreciated domestically.
Ranchers involved in the export process contribute financially, with each exporter paying a dollar to USMEF per head of cattle—split evenly between the Montana Council and national marketing initiatives. Iverson emphasized the importance of variety meats, stating, “All those extra pieces that we’re too squeamish to eat, somebody will eat that and provide high value, nutritious protein to their families.”
He further highlighted that U.S. beef tongues are particularly coveted in Japan, with most tongues produced in America being exported to that nation. The sustained promotion and export of diverse U.S. beef cuts are essential for supporting Montana’s beef industry and fostering robust international trade relations. The Montana Beef Council and USMEF remain steadfast in their commitment to assist ranchers and address global demand for U.S. beef.
In conclusion, the Montana Beef Council, alongside the U.S. Meat Export Federation, is actively working to enhance U.S. beef exports to Mexico. By participating in significant events like Expo Carnes 25, ranchers aim to solidify the relationship between U.S. and Mexican beef markets. With Mexico remaining a crucial destination, the promotion of a variety of beef products—including less conventional meats—plays an essential role in sustaining the Montana beef industry amid evolving trade conditions.
Original Source: nbcmontana.com
