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
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

New Holland VP Ryan Schaefer shares insights into the brand’s legacy and innovations that support U.S. cattle producers.
Corey Owens of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association shares updates about this year’s event and its continued impact on youth, agriculture, and the San Angelo community.
Success requires more than talent — on this week’s FFA Today, agriculture students show us the hard work, dedication, and teamwork required to gain important skills outside of the classroom through the National FFA Organization.
Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses the EPA’s new Right to Repair guidance and other regulatory developments impacting the trucking and agriculture industries.