Staff from DATCP's International Agribusiness Center (IABC) joined more than 70 industry leaders, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) officials, and nine state departments of agriculture at the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) Annual Meeting February 11-13 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The meeting focused on expanding global market access and aligning 2026 export priorities. Sessions included updates from USDA FAS representatives from Washington and Mexico, RAPP and MAP program implementation discussions, market outlooks, and strategies to enhance international competitiveness.
A dedicated Mexico market briefing reaffirmed Mexico's role as the number one destination for U.S. agricultural exports, with more than $30 billion in U.S. ag sales in 2024 and over $79 billion in total bilateral agricultural trade. Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in bovine genetics, exporting 59% of all U.S.-produced bovine semen in 2024.
During the meeting, IABC staff engaged with USLGE members to identify new global market opportunities while strengthening established trade partnerships. IABC's participation reinforces Wisconsin's leadership in global genetics markets and supports sustained growth for our livestock and genetic sectors