Nebraska Beef Council member Chris Abbott was part of a United States team traveling to Japan on a recent trade mission hosted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Abbott says it was a chance to follow-up with Japanese meat buyers and food industry professionals, after a similar trade trip last year.

He says the Japanese are hungry for U.S. beef and establishing one on one relationships is critical in being able to sell to them.

Abbott says the key to keeping market share and expanding U.S. beef exports to Japan is staying engaged with them.

Abbott was among 12 farmers and industry officials who visited Japan on this recent trade mission.