Central America has become a bigger and bigger partner in Wisconsin's beef business. Terry and Ardel Quam from Lodi traveled to the Dominican Republic to accompany U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) staff on an educational mission, funded in part by The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's new Ag Export Council grant program.
Through this project, USMEF will work to expand Wisconsin Beef Council sponsored foodservice seminars funded in FY2022 to new countries and importers within the region. While retail has certainly become a more important sales channel for U.S. beef within the region, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, foodservice continues to be the dominant buyer. The foodservice seminars sponsored by the Wisconsin Beef Council demonstrate the important characteristics and attributes of U.S. beef, teaching decision-makers about marbling and the different characteristics of various cuts.