I just learned that Dennis Erpelding, Elanco Animal Health, is the new chairman of the U. S. Meat Export Federation.

That came about at their Board of Directors Strategic Planning and Marketing Conference in Cancun, Mexico last week. Knowing Dennis he’s full steam ahead on opening up new markets and promoting red meat exports.

I think the organization is in good hands.

Erpelding took over elected leadership of USMEF from outgoing chair John Bellinger, San Antonio, Tex., of Agri-West International. “I look forward to following the pattern and passion set by John Bellinger over this past year,” Erpelding said during his inaugural address. “Our commitment will continue to be communication – internally as well as to our external audiences – as we focus on market access and development.”

USMEF also elected Dan Halstrom, of Swift & Company, Greeley, Colo., as chair-elect, Jon Caspers, Swaledale, Iowa, representing National Pork Producers Council, as vice-chair, and Jim Peterson, Buffalo, Mont., representing National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as secretary-treasurer.