Colorado Is Second Largest Beef Exporter To Japan

One of the great things about living in Colorado is we seem to have some of the best of everything, including beef. Colorado ranchers and farmers know just the right way to raise these animals to give us premium cuts to sizzle on the grill or slow-roast in the oven. It's no surprise that Colorado beef is popular not only in other states, but other countries, as well.According to Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar, beef exports represented over 43 percent of of Colorado's total exports to Japan last year. Statistics released by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, say the state is the second largest exporter of beef products to Japan, supplying over 17 percent of all beef exported to Japan and over 25 percent of all frozen beef from the U.S. Who would have thought the phrase coined by the Colorado Beef Council, "beef, it's what's for dinner" would have such a global impact?

Now, thanks to a new agreement between the U.S. and Japan, it's possible even more Colorado beef will end up on Japanese dinner tables. Under the new agreement, around 90 percent of cattle raised in Colorado may be eligible for export to Japan creating a potential boost in the state's agribusiness.

The agreement also opens the door for the export of varietal cuts such as beef tongue.  I'm no fan of this particular cut, but Japan is a premium market for this and other varietal meats which will help Colorado's meat packers and the cattle industry.