The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) will honor one of the lions of the U...

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) will honor one of the lions of the U.S. red meat industry at the USMEF Board of Directors Strategic Planning and Marketing Conference in Tucson, Arizona, Nov. 6. Merlyn Carlson, director of agriculture for Nebraska will receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to U.S. red meat exports.

Carlson’s many leadership positions include being at the helm of USMEF as chairman in 2000 after service on the USMEF board of directors, beef committee and executive committee. As chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council, Carlson spearheaded the group’s funding of USMEF and its growing commitment to beef exports. In his role as Nebraska’s director of agriculture, Carlson continues his work with USMEF, furthering the expansion of established and developing international markets for U.S. red meat.

Carlson is a past president both of Nebraska Cattlemen and the National Cattlemen's Association, the NCBA’s predecessor organization. He also spent four years on the board of governors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  

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.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation 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, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.

— USMEF —