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.
FFA Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank talks about the importance of community service and how National FFA Organization members are making a difference in their communities during National FFA Week.
February 23, 2026 11:30 AM
·
National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.
February 20, 2026 12:06 PM
·
Mason McGuire with the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association recaps this year’s event and looks ahead to the premium sale in April.
February 19, 2026 02:20 PM
·
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
February 18, 2026 01:58 PM
·
Farmer Ed Bell shares how AGRAbility helped him return to his family’s strawberry farm and inspire resilience, legacy, and hope in rural life.
February 17, 2026 03:12 PM
·
Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us to share the latest on farmland real estate markets across the Midwest.
February 17, 2026 12:48 PM
·
