20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2025 STEVE HANSON | U.S. MEAT EXPORT FEDERATION CHAIR first became familiar with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) several years ago when serving on the Nebraska Beef Council and the Federation of State Beef Councils. Now it is my honor to be USMEF chair where I get a firsthand look at how the organization works every day to expand global demand for U.S. beef, pork and lamb. The U.S. beef industry exports about 15 percent of our total production, so international demand complements our large and robust domestic market. This is essential for maximizing carcass value because much of the product we export is made up of underutilized cuts and variety meat items, including tongues, livers, hearts, kidneys and tripe. My time as a USMEF officer has been a real eye opener on the detailed work required to get each of these products to the destination that values it the most, ensuring the strongest return for producers. Last year, beef and beef variety exports totaled about $10.5 billion, equating to $415 for every fed steer and heifer slaughtered. These results were achieved despite significant headwinds in our largest Asian markets, including South Korea, Japan and China – especially in the first half of the year. Economic conditions in these countries have been slow to recover from the COVID era, and weak currencies have diminished their buying power. However, demand improved in the second half of the year, providing a more optimistic outlook for 2025. Meanwhile, our industry’s efforts to diversify international demand for U.S. beef paid off significantly, as exports set records in Central America and the Caribbean and posted one of the best years on record in Mexico. Demand for U.S. beef also rebounded in the Middle East and strengthened in Taiwan and Southeast Asia. USMEF also plays a critical role in helping U.S. exporters overcome technical obstacles and other barriers to trade. Staff works closely with U.S. agencies each day to minimize disruptions and keep product moving. One recent example is Colombia’s decision to impose restrictions on U.S. beef last year, following detection of avian influenza in dairy cows. The Left to right, USMEF Chair Steve Hanson, AgriTalk Host Chip Flory, AgriTalk Producer Joe Stachler and USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom discuss the latest beef export results and the outlook for 2025 at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio. PERSPECTIVES
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