B+LNZ Chair strengthening NZ-US ties
The following is a readout on the first part of the trip where Kate attended CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. The event brought together over 8,500 ranchers, industry representatives, and trade experts, and this provided a valuable opportunity to discuss shared challenges and opportunities.
"CattleCon is a fantastic forum and provided a good opportunity to further cement the strong relationships that our US-based B+LNZ trade team member, Jason Frost, has built over the years", says Acland.
"It was great to connect with industry leaders from countries including the US, Canada, Australia and hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges facing the US cattle industry. There are certainly lessons we can take back to New Zealand".
A key theme of the event was trade and the uncertainty surrounding tariffs under the new US Administration. The US cattle sector relies heavily on cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, with cattle often moving multiple times between countries – up to three times in the lifetime of an animal. About 35 percent of US beef imports come from Mexico and Canada each year (667,000 tonnes). The US exports approximately 246,000 tonnes to Canada and Mexico accounting for 20 percent of US total beef exports. Many US ranchers expressed nervousness about potential policy shifts impacting their businesses.
"The interdependence of the North American beef supply chain was really highlighted in conversations about trade policy", Acland says. "It reinforced the importance of strong trade relationships and predictable market access - something that is equally critical for New Zealand farmers".
Sustainability was another central topic, though discussions in the US were framed differently than in New Zealand. Rather than focusing on emissions reductions alone, sustainability was tied to productivity and the long-term viability of family ranches.
"There was a strong emphasis on the sustainable management of grasslands and ensuring the ongoing profitability of ranching operations," Acland explains. "It was a reminder that sustainability and productivity are not mutually exclusive – in fact, they go hand in hand".
Market dynamics were also in focus, with the US cattle herd at record lows and a slow rebuild projected. This supply constraint is expected to support higher beef prices for the next two to three years. Additionally, the US beef export market remains significant, with exports reaching nearly US$10 billion in 2024, primarily to Korea, China, Japan, Mexico, and Canada. Meanwhile, US beef imports exceeded US$11.5 billion in 2024, with New Zealand contributing almost 10 percent, mainly in the form of lean beef for the burger market.
A consumer insight shared during the conference underpinned the importance of beef in the US diet - 51 percent of surveyed Americans had eaten a burger in the past week.
"It’s critical we continue advocating for New Zealand’s interests and ensuring our products remain valued in key export destinations", she says.
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