USMEF Awards Honor Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Export Trailblazer Steve Isaf

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the latest recipients of its highest honors, the Michael J. Mansfield Award and the USMEF Distinguished Service Award. The awards will be presented Nov. 12 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Palm Springs, Calif.

Gov. Kim Reynolds recognized as champion for agricultural production and trade

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will receive the Michael J. Mansfield Award, established in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan whose five decades of government service advanced U.S. trade relations throughout the world. With broad support from Iowa's agricultural sectors, the USMEF Executive Committee selected Reynolds for her effective promotion of international trade opportunities and for being a steadfast advocate for livestock production.

"Animal agriculture is such a powerful economic engine for Iowa and the entire United States, and our livestock producers must have the opportunity to capitalize on international demand," Reynolds said. "It has been my honor to represent Iowa agriculture in key overseas markets and see firsthand the importance of promoting and differentiating our high-quality red meat products. So I greatly appreciate being recognized with this award, but I especially value the partnership our state agencies and agricultural organizations have had with USMEF for many years."

Reynolds also noted the importance of breaking down trade barriers and developing new markets for U.S. pork, beef and lamb.

"It is great to see international consumers enjoying our red meat products, which is a testament to our farmers and ranchers and the high standards they maintain every day," she said. "But I have also visited markets where these products lack access, and we must continue to work together to expand export opportunities for U.S. producers."

Isaf honored for decades of visionary industry leadership

Steve Isaf, founder, chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Interra International, will receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award, which honors outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication responsible for the federation's success.

Isaf has spent more than four decades building demand for U.S. red meat around the world. He entered international trade in 1980, when American beef and pork had only a small presence in overseas markets. Building companies at every stage of his career, Isaf founded Global Marketing Associates in 1987 and merged it in 1994 with Berkshire Foods. In 2000, Isaf sold his Berkshire Foods shares and founded Interra International, which has since expanded into a multinational enterprise of 145 professionals, serving customers in more than 100 countries. Interra has operational centers in Atlanta, Shanghai, Paris and Monterrey, Mexico, as well as personnel in 10 other key locations.

Isaf joined the USMEF Executive Committee in 2008 and later chaired its Exporter Committee before serving as USMEF chairman in 2014-15. While bringing a "frontline" perspective to the organization from his hands-on involvement in international markets, Isaf says he quickly developed a kinship with farmers, ranchers and those from other sectors of the meat industry.

"After starting my own business, I came to realize that all the people raising livestock and feedgrains are entrepreneurs and individual business people, so I felt strongly that we were kindred spirits," Isaf explained. "And especially in those early years, most of the packing plants were also entrepreneurial and family owned. So for me, being able to identify with these families, understand their struggles and recognize the financial and work commitments they have to make, is something that I greatly appreciate. It's so rewarding to have been part of this community and, hopefully, in some small way, to have made a difference for others."

Having attended his first USMEF meeting in 1986, Isaf advised anyone new to the export business to fully participate in the organization and make a personal commitment to its continued success.

"In order for USMEF to gain from your experiences and for you to fully benefit from being a USMEF member, you need to be active and involved," he said. "As our company has grown, we have team members working in different parts of the world, and they are very engaged with USMEF out in the field. Whether we are identifying clients, working through trade barriers or getting a container cleared at a foreign port, USMEF is there with help and advice. So I would suggest that anyone with an interest in the export of red meat be active in USMEF - not only to gain valuable information, but to also pass this experience and knowledge on to others."

Founded in 1976, USMEF will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the upcoming conference in Palm Springs. Agenda highlights and other details are available from the USMEF website.

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Photos for use with this release:

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds

Steve Isaf, Interra International founder, chairman and CEO