PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is hosting its Fall Conference, bringing together industry experts to review milestones that have shaped U.S. red meat demand and discuss future opportunities for the industry.
Dr. David Newman, CEO of the National Pork Board, joined us on Market Day Report ahead of a conference discussion focused on the factors shaping U.S. red meat demand. He discussed the National Pork Board’s longstanding partnership with USMEF, the importance of global demand for U.S. pork producers, and opportunities for future export growth.
Celebrating 50 Years of U.S. Pork Export Expansion
Newman said the National Pork Board’s relationship with USMEF spans decades, with producer investments helping expand the pork industry into international markets.
“The relationship here that we’ve had with U.S. Meat Export Federation has been decades long as it relates to the work that we do with U.S. pork producers,” Newman said. “Since our inception, we’ve actually been investing producer dollars in expanding the pork industry beyond just the United States and into some of our long-standing partners, think about countries like Japan. But also, where are the new emerging Latin, South America, touch points all over the world.”
Newman said the United States currently exports nearly a third of its total pork production, making global consumers an important part of the industry’s profitability.
“We currently export approximately 25 percent to 30 percent of our total production of pork here in the United States, meaning that we need to rely not only on the U.S. consumer, which is very, very important to us, but we are relying on global consumers,” Newman said.
He pointed to consumers in Japan, Mexico, and China, adding that pork remains culturally relevant and is consumed in large quantities around the world.
“Relying on that pull into the global marketplace is how we actually then bring profitability back to our farmers here in the United States,” Newman said.
Red Meat Producers Align on Common Goals
The conference also provides an opportunity for farmers, packers, processors, importers and exporters to come together to discuss challenges, opportunities and strategic investments.
“The core fundamental, why we’re here this week, is that we want to know: how do we strategically allocate producer dollars through the checkoff to maximize profitability for our farmers through the global marketplace?” Newman said.
Looking toward the future, Newman said changes among established customers and competitors are shifting the global pork business. He identified opportunities in Latin America, including Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico.
“There are some really bright spots as it relates to countries that have not only growing GDPs, but consumers who are making more money, therefore eating more red meat,” Newman said.
Newman said the National Pork Board’s role includes providing producers with data, insights, and business intelligence to help them understand competitors and identify opportunities.
