USMEF Names New Chair at Strategic Planning Conference

USMEF’s Jay Theiler discusses his leadership role in representing U.S. beef and pork and provides an update on this week’s conference in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), an organization focused on increasing profit opportunities for the American red meat industry, named Jay Theiler as its new chairman. The announcement came during the Federation’s strategic planning conference in Indianapolis.

Theiler joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss his new role and provide an update on the conference, which also included planning for international trade strategies and collaboration with producers, packers, and other stakeholders.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Theiler shared a brief overview of his background, his experience in the red meat industry, and what led him to take on the chairmanship. He also discussed his priorities for the Federation, emphasizing the importance of supporting U.S. meat exports and maintaining strong relationships with global markets.

Theiler highlighted what sets USMEF apart from other trade organizations, noting its focus on connecting producers directly with international buyers and promoting long-term growth for the U.S. red meat sector.

Related Stories
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Merck’s Gary Tiller discusses new virtual fencing technology and how fence-free livestock management could change the way ranchers manage land and cattle.
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.