April 28, 2025

Japanese beef importers in Colorado, US, to understand US beef production practices

A team of buyers from major Japanese beef importers recently visited US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) headquarters in Denver, Colorado, the United States, to learn about US beef production practices.

The team also got an in-depth view of the full beef supply chain at work in Idaho and Kansas. Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef and USMEF's current chair-elect, hosted the team for a tour of the True West Beef processing facility in Jerome, Idaho, as well as a nearby feedlot.

The team also visited a cow-calf operation in Idaho to meet with various Northwest US ag representatives and toured the National Beef processing facility in Dodge City, Kansas, to learn about the Kansas ranching and cattle feeding sectors. Theiler said maintaining a strong relationship with Japanese meat buyers is key for the US beef industry.

Funding support for the team's activities was provided by the Beef Checkoff Program, the Idaho Beef Council, Washington State Beef Commission, and the US Department of Agriculture's Regional Agricultural Promotion Program.

- Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network