Idaho Cattle Feeder Elected USMEF Chair

On Friday, the U.S. Meat Export Federation selected a new chairman, Cevin Jones, a cattle feeder from Eden, ID, located 16 miles east of Twin Falls.  Jones said well before his involvement in USMEF, he saw the value in the organization for cattle producers.  He added that was very true when he became President of the Idaho Cattle Association in November 2003, and shortly after that had a chance to see all that USMEF does first hand.

“And about one month later, I got the phone call, “BSE”.  Then I really got to know when our markets closed overnight really how important they were.  And got to see USMEF in action, helping to get those markets back open.”

Following his time with the ICA, Jones chaired the Idaho Beef Council and the Federation of State Beef Councils.  He said he’s humbled to be selected USMEF chairman and is looking forward to the next year.

“We’ve got the people in the international markets that are very dedicated.  People that are on the ground with the intelligence of what’s going on in those markets.  And as we navigate these trade challenges, we have the staff, the resources, to adapt and change.”

Jones succeeds Iowa pork producer Conley Nelson.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com