Kansas Corn Commission audio

Leaders of the Kansas Corn Commission (KCC) arrived in Japan this week for an opportunity to observe the retail and foodservice performance of U.S. beef and pork products in this critical export market. Commissioners Brian Baalman of Menlo, Ken McCauley of White Cloud and Bob Timmons of Fredonia are joined on the trip by KCC Executive Director Jere White and USMEF Vice Chairman Keith Miller of Great Bend. The group is now on its way to South Korea for a similar visit.

In a telephone interview from Tokyo, Miller says the trip underscores the longtime commitment the Kansas Corn Commission has made to supporting U.S. meat exports.

Audio Clip #1   :23        Outcue:            (…to be shipped overseas.)

After observing U.S. beef promotions in Tokyo supermarkets, Miller says group is very pleased with the promotional activity and sales results they have had the opportunity to view so far. But with U.S. beef in Japan restricted to beef from cattle less than 21 moths of age, he noted that limited market access is a lingering problem.

Audio Clip #2   :28        Outcue:            (…as they wanted.)

Japan is currently the top destination for U.S. pork, and Miller said there is strong evidence of that status in the retail establishments visited by the Kansas group.

Audio Clip #3   :18        Outcue:            (…that is moving.)      

Miller also noted the two-way benefit of U.S. farmers visiting the Asian markets. Not only do they have the opportunity to observe the overseas performance of U.S. meat exports, but it also allows Asian consumers to see the personal nature of U.S. agriculture.

Audio Clip #4   :12        Outcue:            (…to build that trust.)

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The U.S. Meat Export Federation (www.USMEF.org) is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn and soybean checkoff programs.