The Montana Beef Council, with the USMEF, sent ranchers to Mexico to enhance U.S. beef exports, focusing on strengthening ties and addressing the impact of recent tariffs. Justin Iverson highlighted the critical role that variety meats play within the $1.2 billion beef import market in Mexico and the ranchers’ financial contributions to export initiatives.
The Montana Beef Council, collaborating with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), has recently sent local ranchers to Mexico to enhance U.S. beef exports. The primary objective was to strengthen connections between the U.S. and Mexican beef markets, particularly given Mexico’s importance as a key destination for U.S. beef products.
USMEF specializes in international marketing of U.S. beef, with contributions from every beef producer aiding promotional efforts abroad. Significant markets for the Montana beef industry include Mexico and Canada, the latter providing feedlots in Montana where cattle are finished prior to processing in Canada.
The ranchers participated in Expo Carnes 25, a prominent meat trade show in Monterrey, Mexico. This event was marked by the recent introduction of a 25% tariff on select goods by President Trump, generating uncertainty for exporters.
Justin Iverson, a cattle rancher and chair of the Montana Beef Council, expressed the uncertain nature of the current trade environment, stating, “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 remains hopeful that products covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement will avoid new tariffs.
The Mexican market is essential for various U.S. beef products, including premium cuts and variety meats. Iverson noted that variety meats represent the largest share of the $1.2 billion worth of beef that Mexico imports annually, emphasizing the high value of these products in foreign markets despite their lower popularity in the U.S.
Ranchers contributing to the export process pay a dollar per head of cattle to USMEF, distributing 50 cents to the Montana Council and 50 cents to national marketing initiatives. Iverson underscored the significance of variety meats, saying, “All those extra pieces that we’re too squeamish to eat, somebody will eat that and provide high value, nutritious protein to their families.”
Additionally, U.S. beef tongues are noted for high demand in Japan, where most U.S. produced tongues are exported. The ongoing promotion and export of U.S. beef, embracing a variety of cuts, is crucial for sustaining Montana’s beef industry and nurturing robust international trade relations. The Montana Beef Council and USMEF are dedicated to supporting ranchers and meeting the global demand for U.S. beef amidst evolving trade dynamics.
In summary, the Montana Beef Council and USMEF have taken proactive measures to fortify U.S. beef exports by engaging ranchers in important discussions at Expo Carnes 25 in Mexico. The impact of recent tariffs introduces challenges, yet the commitment to promoting U.S. beef, including variety meats, remains strong. This strategic focus is essential for the continual growth and stability of Montana’s beef industry in the global market.
Original Source: nbcmontana.com
