Still Time to Register for USMEF’s Board of Directors Meeting

USMEF members still have time to pre-register for the USMEF Board of Directors Meeting and Product Showcase, May 25-27 in St. Louis.

Featured speakers at Wednesday’s opening general session include Jonathan Cordone, who was recently appointed USDA deputy under secretary for farm and foreign agricultural services; Jesus Madrazo, vice president of corporate engagement for Monsanto; and Richard Fordyce, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. This session will also feature an address by USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng and a strategic plan update from USMEF Chair Roel Andriessen.

Thursday’s general session will include a panel discussion on Russia’s role in global meat trade and how Russia’s declining meat imports have impacted pork and beef trading patterns worldwide. This will be followed by a discussion of how currencies and exchange rates affect meat trade, featuring USMEF Economist Erin Borror and Michael Drury, chief economist for McVean Trading. Thursday will also feature meetings of USMEF’s standing committees – the Beef and Allied Industries Committee, Pork and Allied Industries Committee and Exporter Committee – as well as the Feedgrain and Oilseed Caucus.

At Thursday evening’s product showcase, USMEF members will have an opportunity to see a wide range of U.S. beef, pork and lamb products displayed for teams of international buyers from across the globe.

Friday’s closing business session will include an address by John Becherer, CEO of the United Soybean Board, and USMEF Executive Committee member Dean Meyer will offer comments on the value red meat exports deliver for U.S. corn producers. This will be followed by a USMEF staff panel discussion on value-added product trends and opportunities.

The meeting also offers many opportunities to network during the breaks, meals and reception. The Hyatt Regency’s central location puts you in the middle of the action, near the city’s best attractions including the Arch, Forest Park and America’s Center with sweeping views of downtown.

Questions? Contact Jackie Boubin, director of meeting services, at (303) 623-6328 or jboubin@usmef.org.