Montana Beef Council Strengthens Beef Export Ties with Mexico

The Montana Beef Council, alongside USMEF, is enhancing ties with Mexico to support U.S. beef exports. Ranchers are actively involved in promoting U.S. beef, particularly in light of new tariffs affecting trade. The importance of variety meats in the export market, especially to Mexico, is emphasized, alongside ranchers’ financial contributions to support marketing efforts.

Recently, the Montana Beef Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), sent local ranchers to Mexico to bolster connections regarding U.S. beef exports. This initiative aims to enhance relationships between the U.S. and Mexican beef markets, particularly focusing on sustaining and growing exports to Mexico, a critical market for U.S. beef products.

USMEF is dedicated to promoting U.S. beef globally, with contributions from every U.S. beef producer. Ranchers support this effort through a marketing fund, essential for advancing American beef in international markets. Both Mexico and Canada are integral to Montana’s beef industry; Canadian feedlots finish cattle in Montana before they are processed in Canada.

The ranchers participated in the Expo Carnes 25, a significant meat trade exhibition held in Monterrey, Mexico. This event coincided with President Trump’s implementation of a 25% tariff on select goods, which raised concerns among exporters about future trade dynamics.

Justin Iverson, a cattle rancher from Potomac and chair of the Montana Beef Council, commented on the uncertain trade landscape: “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.’ So we’re waiting for the ball to stop bouncing… exports to Mexico—anything covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement—should be untouched by the new tariffs.”

Mexico remains a vital market for a variety of U.S. beef products, including premium cuts and variety meats such as tongue and liver. Iverson noted that variety meats account for a substantial part of the $1.2 billion in beef that Mexico imports yearly. While these products may not be as popular domestically, they hold high value in international markets.

Ranchers participating in the export process contribute financially, paying one dollar for each exported head of cattle to USMEF, which is split between the Montana Council and national 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 sought after in Japan, where most tongues produced in the U.S. are exported. To maintain the robustness of Montana’s beef industry and enduring international trade relationships, continued promotion and export of diverse U.S. beef cuts are essential. The Montana Beef Council and USMEF are committed to supporting ranchers amid an evolving trade environment and meeting global demand for U.S. beef.

In conclusion, the Montana Beef Council’s initiative to strengthen ties with Mexico via USMEF is crucial in sustaining U.S. beef exports. Ranchers’ financial contributions underscore the importance of international markets, especially for variety meats. As trade dynamics continuously evolve, the commitment of both organizations remains vital to ensuring the prosperity of Montana’s beef industry and its international trade relations.

Original Source: nbcmontana.com