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USMEF at 35 celebrates record exports
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is celebrating its 35th year with record U.S. red meat exports that are expected to make new records by years-end. The USMEF Strategic Planning conference is underway in Tuscon, Arizona and Chairman Keith Miller, a Kansas producer, tells reporters it has been a very successful year with exports providing outstanding returns to US producers.
“Both beef and pork exports will likely set a new record. With a strong fourth quarter we should break $5 Billion for the first time ever for both beef and pork.”
Incoming chair, Danita Rodibaugh from Indiana says the return on investment for producers is huge – according to a study just released by Dr. Harry Kaiser of Cornell University, “Over the past decade, every industry dollar invested in these programs returned an average of $7.42 in net returns for the pork industry and $3.80 to the beef industry.” And, Rodibaugh adds, USDA matching dollars nearly double that amount.
USMEF President and CEO Phil Seng says he fully expects Japan to relax its restrictions on US beef as well as China – and, worldwide – he says the demand for quality U.S. red meat will keep growing.
“I’m proud to state that the U.S. pork industry is the leading exporter of pork to the world and this year the U.S. beef industry should be the leading beef exporter of the world, basically, exceeding Australia and Brazil in this regard.”
U.S. beef exports so far this year are 25 percent higher in volume and 40% higher in value. Pork exports are 16% higher in volume and 23% higher in value over 2010.
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