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Exports Help Fuel Optimism at Cattle Industry Annual Convention

Published: Feb 06, 2015

(from left to right) USMEF Chair Leann Saunders speaks with Iowa cattle producers Ed Greiman and Dan Cook at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio

When cattle producers from across the nation gathered in San Antonio this week for the Cattle Industry Annual Convention, international markets were a key topic of discussion. Record export value totals and continued strong demand in foreign markets have captured the attention of an increasing number of producers who see a positive impact on their bottom line.

“The mood has been very bright and with cattle prices where they have been over the past year, producers are optimistic going into 2015,” said USMEF Chair Leann Saunders. “When they see the contribution international markets are making to their operations, and as more of that information makes its way out to them, it makes them increasingly supportive of our global marketing efforts. That’s really exciting for me, because it’s something I have the opportunity to discuss with producers on a daily basis.”

“Being a livestock producer is such a noble profession, and they take great pride in wanting to feed the world,” Saunders added. “So when they can be directly involved in foreign marketing and see how many people across the globe love U.S. beef, it gives them a real sense of satisfaction and pride – and I feel that way as well through our work at USMEF.”

Media interest in foreign marketing was also very high in San Antonio, as Saunders and USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng fielded a steady stream of interview requests throughout the week regarding year-end 2014 export results, the outlook for 2015 and various issues impacting global beef trade.

The beef industry’s Global Growth Committee is set to discuss many of these issues, as well as international marketing strategies and priorities for U.S. beef, at its Friday afternoon committee meeting. USMEF will report more details from this meeting in next week’s Export Newsline.