Suggested Lead: It’s been one headache after another for the U.S. beef ind...

Suggested Lead: It’s been one headache after another for the U.S. beef industry as it attempts to open international markets for its products. And no one has felt those headaches more than the individual companies involved in export markets.

Mike Smith is a partnership for quality and special projects manager for Harris Ranch Beef Company in Selma, Calif. He says the U.S. Meat Export Federation plays a key role in helping re-establish beef markets in other countries. And, even though exporting U.S. beef can be trying at times, other countries are crucial to its success.

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Smith, who oversees much of Harris Ranch’s export needs, says from a business standpoint, trade agreements with other countries are not often easy to accommodate.

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Of additional frustration is the multitude of requirements that exist.

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According to Smith, although progress is being made it won’t come too quickly for the U.S. beef industry.

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Smith outlined export challenges faced by Harris Ranch and other companies in a breakout session at the International Livestock Congress earlier this month. The congress was held in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show taking place in Denver. 

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

– USMEF –