NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — The new year is upon us, but numbers are still coming in from 2025. That includes export data on U.S. proteins. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) told RFD-TV News that it is focused on new markets and is also targeting the global middle class in 2026.
“Of course, you know, you’ve got places like West Africa, Central Africa, that we’re starting to make some inroads on the variety meat side, but the real opportunity long term is on the muscle cut side for both beef and pork,” explained USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom. “As a global population continues to grow, the middle income, the middle class continues to grow. We are positioned in the U.S. beef, pork, and lamb industry to take advantage of that opportunity as we go forward in 2026.”
Halstrom said that right now, much of the demand growth is coming from areas with favorable trade agreements, such as Mexico, Central America, and several Asian nations.
Fair trade deals are also top of mind for the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. The group recently testified before U.S. trade officials, urging them to maintain momentum on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), as that trade pact comes up for review this summer.
“Our testimony was largely focused on updating those rules of origin that fall within the USMCA to make sure that we are protecting American ranchers and the really superior product that they provide,” said Jenna Stanton. “Mexico and Canada have both been good trading partners by and large. When we take a look at the cattle side of things and on the beef side of things, we maybe see things a little bit differently, but it’s how we can make these trade agreements work.”
Ranchers will get a chance to sound off on their trade priorities for the year at the U.S. Cattlemen’s annual convention. That kicks off on January 21 in Manhattan, Kansas.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
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President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
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From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
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Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
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The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
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Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
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Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
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While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
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