The Montana Beef Council, alongside the USMEF, recently engaged local ranchers in discussions concerning U.S. beef exports to Mexico to fortify ties and expand the market. The ranchers attended Expo Carnes 25 in Monterrey amidst tariff-related uncertainties. Justin Iverson, of the Montana Beef Council, emphasized the value of U.S. beef variety meats and the financial contributions ranchers make to the export process.
The Montana Beef Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), recently dispatched local ranchers to Mexico to discuss U.S. beef exports, aiming to enhance relationships between the U.S. and Mexican beef markets. The primary objective was to sustain and expand exports to Mexico, an important market for U.S. beef products.
USMEF is dedicated to promoting U.S. beef on a global scale, with contributions from every U.S. beef producer. Ranchers contribute to a marketing fund, which supports the promotion of American beef in international avenues. Both Mexico and Canada are vital to the Montana beef industry, as Canada manages feedlots in Montana to finish cattle before processing them in Canada.
The ranchers participated in Expo Carnes 25, a prominent meat trade show held in Monterrey, Mexico. The event occurred amid the uncertainty linked to a 25% tariff imposed by President Trump on specific goods, impacting certain exporters.
During the trip, Justin Iverson, a cattle rancher from Potomac who serves as chair of the Montana Beef Council, described the prevailing uncertainty in the market: “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 expressed optimism that agricultural and other covered products under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement would remain unaffected by the new tariffs.
Mexico is an essential market for diverse U.S. beef products, ranging from premium cuts to various meats like tongue and liver. Iverson noted that these variety meats constitute the majority of the $1.2 billion worth of beef imported by Mexico annually; although less popular domestically, they hold great value in these markets.
Ranchers involved in the export process financially contribute to the initiative; specifically, for each head of cattle exported, they pay one dollar to USMEF, shared equally between the Montana Council and national marketing efforts.
Iverson emphasized the importance of promoting lesser-known cuts: “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 also mentioned the high demand for U.S. beef tongues in Japan, underscoring their significance in the export market.
The ongoing promotion of U.S. beef, including varied cuts, is crucial for the longevity of Montana’s beef industry and upholding robust international trade connections. With the trade landscape continually shifting, the Montana Beef Council and USMEF are dedicated to supporting ranchers and the growing global demand for U.S. beef.
In conclusion, the Montana Beef Council’s initiative to strengthen ties with the Mexican beef market is essential for sustaining and expanding U.S. beef exports. The collaboration with USMEF and the active role of ranchers illustrate the importance of international marketing efforts. As uncertainties arise in the trade environment, maintaining robust relationships with key markets like Mexico is vital for the prosperity of the Montana beef industry.
Original Source: nbcmontana.com
