In late May, international meat buyers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Africa, Angola and Nigeria toured Iowa beef farms. The groups made stops at farms and packing plants to gain a better understanding of Iowa beef cattle production. Will and Deb Frazee of Emerson, west of Red Oak, were hosts to the group from Africa. With beef an emerging market in that country, the buyers and farmers were able to exchange information regarding production practices as well as what types of beef products the market demands. The other groups traveled to eastern Iowa. The tours were sponsored by USMEF in coordination with the Beef Checkoff Program through the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
