Kansas Ag Department hosts genetics trade mission from Mexico

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture partnered with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to host a beef cattle genetics trade team from Mexico for a multi-state inbound trade mission in mid-November.

The delegation of seven Mexican cattle producers traveled through New Mexico and Kansas to strengthen commercial ties and explore the importation of U.S. beef cattle genetics. The mission was made possible through KDA’s membership in U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc., with funding from the USDA Market Access Program.

Mexico remains an important market for U.S. beef genetics. This inbound mission enabled New Mexico and Kansas producers to demonstrate the value of their breeding programs to serious buyers; highlight the traits that set U.S. cattle apart; and create new opportunities for semen, embryo, and live-animal sales, supporting increased revenue and long-term customer relationships.

The trip began in New Mexico with visits to several ranches and a tour of the New Mexico State Experiment Station in Tucumcari to observe its long-running bull performance test program.

In Kansas, the delegation visited Smoky Y Ranch, Wedel Beef Genetics, B&D Herefords and Angus, and McCurry Angus Ranch, gaining a firsthand look at the quality and consistency of U.S. seedstock. They also toured High Choice Feeders in Scott City to learn about large-scale finishing, cattle health management, and efficient feeding systems.

Throughout the tour, producers engaged in discussions on breeding objectives, bloodlines, export requirements, and customer-driven selection. Several participants expressed interest in returning for future production sales and began follow-up conversations regarding semen purchases.

Supporting all facets of agriculture is central to KDA’s mission, including facilitating opportunities for producers to market and export livestock genetics to global buyers.