Increased access to Japan is one reason Erin Borror, U.S. Meat Export Federation, is optimistic about beef. Also, Taiwan has agreed to a “science-based protocol for beef additives, opening up a $200-million market.”

Borror, addressing the Beef Financial Management Conference in Amarillo, said the industry expects to set a record of “well over $5.5 billion in beef sales next year. We will continue to focus on an improved bottom line for beef producers.”

The global supply of beef “is tight. It peaked in 2007 and is down about 2.5 percent now. We expect a small uptick this year. And we expect continued strong demand from countries that cannot meet their demand.”