November 7, 2006

USMEF appoints animal health company head as chairman 

Perhaps in a nod to the great influence diseases have made to sway the meat markets in recent years, the USMEF has elected Dennis Erpelding of Elanco Animal Health as chairman.

The announcement was made at the federation's annual meeting last week in Cancun, Mexico.

Elanco Health is a veterinary supply company owned by Eli Lilly.

Erpelding succeeds John Bellinger of Agri-West International.

Other officers elected include Dan Halstrom, Swift & Co., chair-elect; Jon Caspers, representing the National Pork Producers Council, vice-chair; and Jim Peterson, representing the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, secretary-treasurer.

All will serve one-year terms.

Erpelding said he aims to improve market access for US meats, increase red meat exports and highlight USMEF's efforts to promote US meat globally.