Kansas Builds Stronger Mexico Trade Ties

By Scout Nelson

In early May 2025, Kansas joined a U.S. trade mission to Aguascalientes, Mexico, to promote beef cattle genetics and strengthen international agricultural relationships. The delegation included livestock genetics and agriculture leaders from Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Idaho, and the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association.

Mexico continues to be Kansas’s top agricultural trade partner, with total trade reaching $1.85 billion in 2024. The mission highlighted the importance of advancing cattle genetics exports while building stronger cross-border collaboration.

“Expanding U.S. beef cattle genetics exports and understanding Mexico’s evolving feedlot operations are essential to fostering resilient supply chains,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA Director of Ag Marketing. “While we work to promote beef cattle genetic exports, we also aim to better understand the needs and priorities of our Mexican counterparts.”

Delegates participated in trilateral discussions with the Confederation Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas and the Canadian Cattle Association. Topics included trade barriers, inspection standards, and emerging threats like the New World screwworm, a pest harmful to livestock and a risk to trade.

The group also toured local cattle breeding farms and regional feedlots. They attended the Feria Nacional de San Marcos, a key agricultural expo in Mexico, to interact with industry stakeholders and observe local livestock operations.

“The trip gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience of Mexican cattle producers who operate successfully in challenging conditions,” said Geiger. “The trilateral discussions underscored how closely our industries are connected. Our strengths complement each other, and strong partnerships benefit both sides of the border.”

This mission supports Kansas’s goal to promote livestock genetics domestically and globally. It was organized through the Kansas Department of Agriculture's partnership with U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc., and funded by the USDA Market Access Program.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix