USMEF symposium shows why Mexico matters to cattle, corn and the bottom line

Amid ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions, U.S. farmers and ranchers say strong relationships with neighboring countries remain essential to the future of American agriculture.

That message is front and center this week as the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hosts its Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. The event brings together U.S. exporters, international buyers and American producers to strengthen trade relationships in one of the United States’ most important export markets for beef and pork.

Mexico consistently ranks among the top destinations for U.S. red meat, and producers attending the symposium say face‑to‑face engagement helps protect and grow that market.

“Relationships are important,” said Brian Amundson, a North Dakota cattle producer and vice chair of the North Dakota Beef Commission. “Creating a strong personal relationship can turn into a stronger business relationship, and that’s how we ultimately bring more dollars back to producers.”

The symposium, now in its second year, was designed to offer an alternative to traditional trade shows by matching exporters directly with buyers most interested in expanding their business with U.S. suppliers. Feedback from the inaugural symposium last year was overwhelmingly positive, prompting an expanded agenda in 2025.

Alongside meetings between buyers and sellers, a delegation of U.S. producers is touring retail outlets across Mexico City to see how American beef and pork are merchandised and promoted across a wide range of consumer markets.