U.S. Red Meat Demand Expands in Central America on Reputation for Quality, Safety

Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (RFD-TV) — The American meat industry is working to build on Central America’s strong demand for U.S. red meat, a key topic at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) annual conference taking place this week in Indianapolis.

Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share insights from the event and discuss what’s driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.

Ruano highlighted the factors driving rising consumer demand, as well as how USMEF is engaging with buyers and consumers to strengthen awareness and loyalty for U.S. red meat products. She also discussed this summer’s Latin American Product Showcase in Guatemala, which brought together buyers from across the region. Ruano said the event demonstrated strong interest and readiness among buyers to expand purchases of U.S. beef and pork.

Related Stories
Variety meat demand is helping offset weaker beef exports.
Corn exports remain the clear demand leader.
Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover Campaign raises millions of dollars each year for 4-H youth programs and scholarships. Local store community marketing manager Lexie Gamble joined Tuesday’s Market Day Report alongside 4-H student Matthew Rochford to discuss the partnership.
Superior Livestock Auctions markets more than 1.7 million head of cattle nationwide while also building long-term relationships between both cattle raisers and beef producers.
The cast of “Farmer Wants a Wife” joined us to share their stories and preview Season 4 of the series, which premieres April 21 on FOX.
Lane Howard and Adam Andrews with the National Corn Growers Association joined us in the studio discuss EPA’s approval of summer E15 sales, ongoing fuel market concerns, and the industry’s push for a long-term biofuels solution for farmers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Overall, the report suggests a shift toward more comfortable supply levels, with demand emerging as a key factor to watch in the months ahead.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the University of Nebraska joined us to explain public health in rural communities and highlight resources residents can access to stay healthy
ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman gives an update on Corn Belt farmland values, buyer activity, and what to expect for the rest of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and bridge payments move
Tidal Grow’s Align-N system delivers urea nitrogen directly to leaves, improving nutrient efficiency and boosting crop yields for farmers.
Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
“Cow goggles” are helping farmers experience cattle vision in real time, offering new tools to reduce stress, improve movement, and enhance livestock management.