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Iowa beef producers on trade mission to MexicoIowa Iowa beef producers participated in an Iowa Meat Trade Mission to Mexico in early April. They report that Mexico, the United States' largest beef export market, offers growing potential to increase shipments of underutilized beef cuts and beef variety meats. Elaine Utesch, Correctionville, Iowa Beef Industry Council treasurer, and Craig Utesch, cow/calf producer, represented Iowa's beef producers along with IBIC Executive Director Nancy Degner. "Opportunities to export U.S. beef to Mexico focus on price," said Elaine Utesch. "Mexico desires beef cuts and variety meats that are low in value compared to the U.S. Their most requested cuts include inside rounds, goosenecks (bottom round), skirt steaks, chuck clods, and variety meats such as tripe (stomach) and salivary glands. Local processors told us they sell everything but the 'moo' and we believe them. We learned that you can put anything in a taco." Consumer trends are similar to the U.S. since more Mexican women are working outside the home, and there is more interest in convenient food products. "Many of the traditional beef cuts are very thin, so that they cook quickly. Inside rounds are sliced paper-thin (1/8-inch) and sold as Milanese, for use in sandwiches. We thought this thin-cut round steak might be a hit in U.S. markets, and a new use for round steak," said Elaine. "It's evident that NAFTA has made a major impact in the Mexican meat industry," adds Craig Utesch. "We visited state-of-the-art harvest facilities and processing plants. There are now about 350 plants that have sanitary systems equivalent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture standards; many of them import U.S. beef. This has improved meat safety and quality for the Mexican consumer," he said. Mexican cattle producers and meat processors are struggling with the same issues as Iowa cattlemen and meat processors. "We visited with a local cattleman who is losing money due to high feed costs, low beef prices, labor challenges, inexpensive chicken imports from the U.S. and even urban sprawl," said Craig. "We learned that trade has to be two-way, to benefit both countries." The U.S. Meat Export Federation conducts many educational programs to train meat distributors and processor's sales forces, chefs and restaurant owners, and supermarket meat case personnel. The seminars focus on the benefits of U.S. beef and pork, but also teach new cutting techniques and product safety and handling. The beef checkoff helps fund USMEF's educational and promotional activities. The trip was coordinated by the Iowa Department of Economic Development International Division. Other attendees included members of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and private Iowa meat businesses. The team met with a variety of meat processors, government agencies, importers and meat industry officials. Partial funding for the mission was provided by the beef checkoff. 4/28/08 Date: 4/23/08 Advertisement
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