United States-Colorado beef exports.

UNITED STATES-COLORADO BEEF INDUSTRY.

Colorado beef exports reached a record $497 million in 2008, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The beef industry makes up more than half the state’s agricultural production.

Colorado is the number one supplier of beef and beef variety meats to Canada and the number two supplier to Mexico and Japan. Colorado is also the number one supplier of fresh chilled beef to Korea. The state ranks second among all states in total exports of fresh chilled beef and third among all states in total exports of beef and beef variety meats.

"Potential for future growth in exports remains quite positive as Korean consumers are again welcoming US beef and a full opening of Japan’s market could add significantly to exports," said Tom Lipetzky of the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture. "More and more, it’s looking like its Colorado beef that is what’s for dinner for customers around the world."