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.
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
October 31, 2025 12:50 PM
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Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
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Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
October 30, 2025 03:25 PM
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Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
October 30, 2025 02:30 PM
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“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
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RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
October 30, 2025 01:23 PM
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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
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Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
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With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.
October 30, 2025 10:54 AM
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