The Montana Beef Council, with USMEF, took local ranchers to Mexico to bolster U.S. beef exports. The focus was to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico beef market ties amid the new tariffs. Ranchers contribute to marketing funds, with variety meats representing a substantial portion of Mexico’s beef imports. The initiative is vital for sustaining Montana’s beef industry and international trade relations.
The Montana Beef Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), recently facilitated the participation of local ranchers in a trip to Mexico aimed at enhancing U.S. beef exports. The primary objective of this initiative is to solidify connections between the U.S. and Mexico’s beef markets, thereby increasing and sustaining exports to this key destination for American beef products.
The USMEF plays a pivotal role in promoting U.S. beef on an international scale, with every beef producer contributing to this global marketing effort through a marketing fund. Both Mexico and Canada are essential to the operations of the Montana beef industry, with Canadian feedlots finishing cattle before processing them in Canada.
The ranchers attended the Expo Carnes 25, a significant meat trade show held in Monterrey, Mexico, amid the introduction of a 25% tariff on certain goods by President Trump, which has introduced some uncertainty for exporters. During the visit, Justin Iverson, cattle rancher and chair of the Montana Beef Council, expressed concern about the evolving trade conditions, noting the challenges in accurately predicting market trends.
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 conveyed optimism regarding the restrictions not impacting exports covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Mexico remains a vital market for an array of U.S. beef products, including both premium cuts and variety meats, such as tongues and livers. Notably, variety meats represent a significant portion of the $1.2 billion worth of beef that Mexico imports annually, offering high value to markets where these products are more highly regarded compared to the U.S.
To support the export effort, ranchers contribute financially, allocating one dollar per exported cattle: 50 cents to the USMEF and 50 cents towards Montana’s marketing initiatives. Iverson emphasized the significance 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.”
Moreover, U.S. beef tongues are particularly desired in Japan, where the majority of production is exported. The ongoing promotion and exportation of diverse U.S. beef cuts is imperative for the sustainability of Montana’s beef sector, as well as for nurturing robust international trade relations. Both the Montana Beef Council and USMEF reaffirm their commitment to supporting ranchers amid the evolving trade landscape.
The Montana Beef Council and USMEF’s initiative to enhance relations with Mexico reflects the strategic importance of international markets for U.S. beef. Through active participation in events like Expo Carnes 25, ranchers aim to mitigate the impact of tariffs while capitalizing on a growing market for a variety of beef products, including those highly valued abroad. The continued efforts to support and promote U.S. beef are crucial for sustaining Montana’s agricultural economy and ensuring enduring trade partnerships.
Original Source: nbcmontana.com
