The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) welcomes the Idaho Beef Council, the Wyoming Beef Council and the Kansas Corn Commission into its select USMEF Million Dollar Club. USMEF president and CEO Philip Seng presented representatives of the three organizations with plaques on Nov. 3 at an awards luncheon at the annual Board of Directors Strategic Planning and Marketing Conference in San Antonio.

The Idaho Beef Council, Wyoming Beef Council and the Kansas Corn Commission have proven to be three of the strongest and most consistent supporters of USMEF's mission to put U.S. red meat on the world's table. Each one of these organizations passed the $1 million mark this year in cumulative funding of USMEF, allowing the federation to promote U.S. products and create new opportunities for exporters in all corners of the globe.

"The Wyoming Beef Council represents beef producers, and it's proud to support USMEF in its efforts to export the high-quality beef being produced in Wyoming and the rest of the United States," said Wyoming Beef Council member Irv Petsch.

"The Kansas Corn Commission has been a proud supporter of USMEF for more than 26 years," according to Jere White, Kansas Corn Commission executive director. "Supporting the export of high-quality Kansas beef adds value to our corn, cattle and economy."

"Idaho beef producers and the Idaho Beef Council continue their active support of the U.S. Meat Export Federation's efforts to export and advertise beef produced in the United States," said Dan Hinman, chairman of the Idaho Beef Council. "USMEF has helped restore foreign markets for our high-quality beef, and the Idaho Beef Council believes that additional markets will be opened through the continued efforts of USMEF."

USMEF created its Million Dollar Club in 1991 to recognize members that have contributed more than $1 million dollars to the USMEF export program since the federation began. To qualify for the Million Dollar Club, funds must be available for USMEF to apply them where they are most needed to achieve the industry's overall export goals, and not be designated for specific programs. The Idaho Beef Council, Wyoming Beef Council, the Kansas Corn Commission and the other members of the Million Dollar Club have been unwavering in their support of USMEF and the industry's export vision. The presentation of plaques is a small token of USMEF's gratitude.