Mexican Beef Industry Reps Stop In Warren County As Part Of Recent Trip

Seven beef cattle buyers from Mexico just visited multiple Tennessee farms on an international trade mission including Warren County’s Walker Family Farm.

The visitors received a first-hand look at available livestock during the week-long mission. Owner Eric Walker said expanding trade internationally is a good thing for Tennessee livestock farmers as it gives them more exposure.

“It’s very good, beef cattle in general are at one of their all-time highs,” Walker said. “Good genetics sell anytime but right now, current beef market, cattle are in great demand.”

Walker said genetic exports, as well as actual livestock, could be a great trade opportunity for farmers. Walker said international livestock genetic exports can include frozen embryos, animal semen, or live animals.

Walker said he is optimistic his Morrison farm could benefit from this latest visit.

“They asked a lot of questions, they wanted pricing, they wanted to know if we would get them to the border as far as transportation,” Walker said. “They asked lots of good questions and we have exported live animals before to Mexico so we kind of know the routine.”

Walker said Walker said his farm has also exported live animals to Canada and embryos to the European Union. Walker said most international trade offers have contacted him through the internet or as a farm listing by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

“The breed I have is Hereford,” Walker said. “Some were interested in Hereford, some we more interested in Angus and they also visited some Angus operations while they were in Tennessee also.”

Walker said the recent visitors from Mexico were looking for breeding stock for their beef cattle operations. Walker said the seven visitors were representing several different companies.