Agricultural News
USMEF's Dan Halstrom Discusses Growing Global Beef Demand
Wed, 02 Feb 2022 13:42:29 CST
The final results from a phenomenal year for beef exports are set to be released next week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So far, global U.S. beef exports have totaled more than $10.6 billion, according to Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He told Ron Hays, senior reporter for the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network, that he is most impressed by the broad-based, global growth.
"It is not only China; it is Japan, Korea, Mexico, Central America and South America," Halstrom said. "Four of five years ago, we were not even talking about exporting to Central America for U.S. beef."
Just like an investment portfolio, it is healthy for the U.S. beef market to be diversified, Halstrom said. So why now? Halstrom said as the middle class expands, purchasing power grows and the demand for higher-quality food grows too.
"We are always trying to tell (beef's) story and educate consumers in these markets," Halstrom said. "Our goal is to get to the point where the price is not the first priority, but instead, quality is the first priority. I think we are seeing that in markets like Colombia and Chile."
Educating consumers about beef production and the products themselves are integral for the successful establishment of broad-based demand. In addition to that, building relationships with importers, distributors, retailers and foodservice companies with U.S. beef producers drives U.S. beef's value home, according to Halstrom.
Hit the LISTEN BAR below to hear Ron Hays and Dan Halstrom talk about growing global beef demand and how USMEF has helped accomplish that goal, supply chain issues and more.
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