USMEF BOD Meeting                              ...

USMEF BOD Meeting                                                              

Dr. Keith Belk Sees Japan Agreement As Setting Stage For Opening Other Markets To U.S. Beef As He Accepts USMEF Distinguished Service Award

“The agreement with Japan sets the stage for opening several other markets,” commented Dr. Keith Belk, associate professor in red meat safety at the Department of Animal Sciences of Colorado State University as he received the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 4.

USMEF honored one of its foremost allies in the world of meat science and academia at the USMEF Board of Directors Strategic Planning and Marketing Conference for his exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to U.S. red meat exports.

“I’ve spent most of my career working in the field of international trade trying to improve the opportunities that exist for exporting red meat products,” said Belk. “I’ve gained more from my experiences and the opportunities that have been given to me by USMEF than I’ve provided in return, and it was a surprise and a real honor to be recognized.”

After a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy was discovered in a single animal in the United States, Dr. Belk conducted seminars for USMEF for Japanese meat importers, processors, distributors, foodservice operators, and trade journalists in both Japan and China. Dr. Belk explained the measures taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent BSE in America prior to the one Canadian-born case and the new steps taken since. By teaching the frontline people who face media and consumers through day-to-day marketing and sales the truth about BSE, Dr. Belk helped USMEF and the U.S. beef industry to spread its message with precision and efficiency.

“USMEF and others are working diligently to try and reestablish those markets and when we accomplish that I think we can continue to grow exports,” added Belk.

Since 1991, USMEF has presented the Distinguished Service Award to outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication responsible for the federation’s success. A news release with more details of the award to Dr. Belk is online.

USMEF BOD Meeting                                                              

Dr. Keith Belk Sees Japan Agreement As Setting Stage For Opening Other Markets To U.S. Beef As He Accepts USMEF Distinguished Service Award

“The agreement with Japan sets the stage for opening several other markets,” commented Dr. Keith Belk, associate professor in red meat safety at the Department of Animal Sciences of Colorado State University as he received the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 4.

USMEF honored one of its foremost allies in the world of meat science and academia at the USMEF Board of Directors Strategic Planning and Marketing Conference for his exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to U.S. red meat exports.

“I’ve spent most of my career working in the field of international trade trying to improve the opportunities that exist for exporting red meat products,” said Belk. “I’ve gained more from my experiences and the opportunities that have been given to me by USMEF than I’ve provided in return, and it was a surprise and a real honor to be recognized.”

After a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy was discovered in a single animal in the United States, Dr. Belk conducted seminars for USMEF for Japanese meat importers, processors, distributors, foodservice operators, and trade journalists in both Japan and China. Dr. Belk explained the measures taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent BSE in America prior to the one Canadian-born case and the new steps taken since. By teaching the frontline people who face media and consumers through day-to-day marketing and sales the truth about BSE, Dr. Belk helped USMEF and the U.S. beef industry to spread its message with precision and efficiency.

“USMEF and others are working diligently to try and reestablish those markets and when we accomplish that I think we can continue to grow exports,” added Belk.

Since 1991, USMEF has presented the Distinguished Service Award to outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication responsible for the federation’s success. A news release with more details of the award to Dr. Belk is online.