DENVER, Colo. (RFD News) — What is now a global red meat export industry began 50 years ago as a small group of people working to create new opportunities for American farmers and ranchers.
Today, the U.S. Meat Export Federation works in more than 80 countries to help expand demand for U.S. beef, pork and lamb products through trade relationships, market development and consumer outreach.
Joel Haggard, who worked with USMEF from 1989 through 2023, says the organization’s early years felt very different from the global operation it is today.
“Well, it was stressful but you know, we were youthful and it was fun. It was kind of the wild west because there was no precedent.”
Over the decades, USMEF has helped open new international markets for U.S. red meat products while navigating changing trade policies, consumer trends and global competition.
The organization now plays a major role in helping connect U.S. livestock producers with customers around the world.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins shared a behind-the-scenes look at the journey as part of what’s being called the “Great American Egg Road Trip.”
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