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
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Transportation challenges are mounting as droughts lower Mississippi River levels and push freight rates higher.
U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.
The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
On this week’s episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Longtime MLF pro angler Fred “Boom Boom” Roumbanis shares how he and Jeff Sprague of Team YETI are preparing for the Team Series Summit Cup.
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.
Expanded aerial capacity strengthens the U.S.–Mexico buffer against screwworm, providing cattle producers with stronger protection heading into winter and reducing risk to herds along the southern tier.
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.