Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has been selected to receive one of the highest honors from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Governor Reynolds will receive the Michael J. Mansfield Award, and Steve Isaf- founder, chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Interra International- will receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award. The awards will be presented Nov. 12 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Palm Springs, Calif.
The Michael J. Mansfield Award was established in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan whose five decades of government service advanced U.S. trade relations throughout the world. With broad support from Iowa’s agricultural sectors, the USMEF Executive Committee selected Reynolds for her effective promotion of international trade opportunities and for being a steadfast advocate for livestock production.
The USMEF Distinguished Service Award honors outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication responsible for the federation’s success. Isaf said he has spent more than four decades building demand for U.S. red meat around the world.
Isaf served as USMEF chair from 2014-2015, and he has encouraged countless others in the export business to become a part of USMEF.
Founded in 1976, USMEF will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the upcoming conference in Palm Springs.
