March 19, 2008

Mexico is key market for US beef and pork producers
 

Mexico has become a key importer of US and Nebraska pork and beef in terms of volume, and US producers have to understand the Mexican market and its available opportunities.

Mexico has also become important for the US and Nebraska corn producers, who see a great amount of their product being shipped to Mexico in the form of beef and pork. As a result, the Nebraska Corn Board sponsored a joint trip, which ended on March 15, to Mexico for a Nebraska pork and beef producer.

"We want to see all Nebraska producers, from corn to cattle to hogs, be successful and profitable, which is why we believe it is important to promote the exports of meat and meat products," said David Merrell, member of Nebraska Corn Board.

Several beef and pork processing facilities as well as cattle yards were toured in Mexico during the trip in a bid to better understand the market and its potential.

"We found that although Mexico is the top market for US pork on a volume basis, there is still room to grow," said Russ Vering of Howells, a member of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association board of directors.

Vering added that it is good for corn, cattle and hog producers to go on a trip together so they can all understand their place in the market and how they could work hand-in-hand. 

Larry Smith, president of Nebraska Cattlemen, said the Mexican market shows a great deal of potential for beef cuts that are in low consumption level in the US, which would help to support beef prices and beef producers.

Mexico imported 371,087 tonnes of US beef and beef variety meat at a record value of US$1.1 billion in 2006, while imports of US pork and pork variety meat totalled 356,418 tonnes at a value of US$557 million, according to USMEF.