U.S. cattle producers are in Japan working to strengthen demand for American beef. North Dakota rancher and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association board member Travis Maddock is part of a U.S. Meat Export Federation trade mission. “Our corn-fed beef is thought very highly of in Japan,” Maddock said. “We also export about eighty percent of our tongues to Japan, and beef tongue is a delicacy over here.” He said Japan is a strong market for both high-quality cuts and variety meats. The mission is connecting U.S. farmers and ranchers directly with Japanese buyers. Maddock said those conversations give customers a chance to learn how U.S. beef is raised and build confidence in its quality. “It’s all about relationship building.”
