The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) conducted a press conference prior to the USMEF Spring Conference in Arlington, Virginia. The call featured opening remarks from Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO, Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president, Asia Pacific, and Oscar Ferrara, USMEF regional director, Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic. In the conference, the speakers discussed their support … Read More
Animal Proteins – Focus for Branstad as China Ambassador
The longest serving governor in the country will be drawing on his agricultural trade experience and 30 year friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China. During his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad was asked by Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE) what he will do to get more … Read More
Dairy Groups Urge Halt of Canada’s New Pricing Policy
The U.S. dairy sector and state agriculture officials urged President Trump to take immediate action against Canada’s repeated and escalating disregard for its trade obligations under NAFTA. As a result of Canada’s new national pricing policy, dozens of dairy farmers in the Midwest recently learned they must find new customers for their milk by May 1, which will cause considerable … Read More
U.S. Beef Gains Expanded Access to Thailand
In this week’s audio report from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia Pacific, explains how U.S. beef has gained expanded access to Thailand following a lift of BSE-related import restrictions. In the report, Haggard says that boneless and bone-in beef cuts from cattle of all ages are eligible for export to … Read More
Strong Pace Continued for U.S. Meat Exports
Statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) show February results for U.S. pork and beef exports well above levels from this time last year, with pork exports posting the strongest February volume on record. Pork exports were up 15 percent year-over-year, with value up 17 percent. February exports accounted for 27.6 percent of total … Read More
Roberts Urges Trump to Prioritize U.S. Beef Access to China
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, joined a bipartisan group of 39 Senators led by Senator Steve Daines, R-Mont., in sending a letter urging President Trump to raise the critical issue of U.S. beef access to Chinese markets when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on today. China has recently … Read More
Wisconsin Dairy Farms Hit By Canada’s Trade Actions
Over 70 Wisconsin dairy operations are already feeling the blow from a protectionist Canadian trade policy that has slammed the door on American dairy exports, violated existing trade commitments, and left farmers across the state scrambling to find milk buyers. Grassland Dairy Products Inc. informed over 70 operations this week that their contracts with the company will end May 1st, … Read More
Pork Checkoff Tours the No. 1 Customer for U.S. Pork Exports
Members of the National Pork Board spent March 13-18 in Mexico City building trade relations. The delegation invested its time immersing itself in Mexico, which is one of America’s most important export markets. During the visit, the group emphasized the safety and reliability of the U.S. pork supply. “Our visit to Mexico was eye opening. As board members, we were … Read More
India’s Dairy Sector Report from USDA
The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) released a new report about India’s dairy sector. The report and research was conducted by Maurice Landes, Jerry Cessna, Lindsay Kuberka, and Keithly Jones. India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk. Growth in milk supply and demand has been robust, but projections indicate that production targets will be difficult to reach … Read More
2016 U.S. Pork Exports Show Impressive Progress
U.S. pork exports have shown impressive progress at year-end 2016 following a challenging 2015. 5.1 billion pounds of pork and pork variety meats valued at $5.94 billion dollars were exported in 2016, up 8 percent and 7 percent respectively from 2015, according to the USDA. “We saw a strong 2016 for U.S. pork exports, but we still face challenges with … Read More