September 24, 2008

Colorado's beef exports in the first half of 2008 soared 81 percent on-year, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

The first half export level at US$241 million, is the highest record since 2003, said Tom Lipetzky, markets division director for the state agricultural department.

"With cash receipts totalling more than US$3 billion in 2007, Colorado's beef industry is by far and away the largest segment of Colorado's agriculture industry," Lipetzky said.

Recent statistics showed that Colorado is now the second largest beef exporting US state, with shipments to Mexico, Canada and Japan accounting for 98 percent of the state's total beef and beef variety meat exports.

Beef and beef variety meat exports to Japan were Colorado's no.1 export product category. However, export levels were bogged down by Japan's import restriction of beef from cattle older than 20 months of age, said Lipetzky, adding that they are looking forward to working with the Japanese to expand market access for US beef.

Colorado is the No. 1 supplier to Canada, the No. 2 supplier to Mexico and the No. 3 supplier to Japan.