TOPEKA – J.J. Jones, Marketing and Trade Director, of the Kansas Department of Agriculture has been elected to serve as chairman for the United States Livestock Genetic Export, Inc. (USLGE) board of directors, according to a news release today.

USLGE is a nationwide livestock-specific, not-for-profit, trade association representing the international market development interests of the U.S. dairy, beef, sheep, swine and horse breeding industries. The organization encompasses the embryo and semen industry, livestock export sector, plus leading state departments of agriculture from top livestock producing states across the United States.

Over the past several years, the exportation of U.S. livestock genetics has grown exponentially with sales nearing one billion dollars annually. Kansas ranchers have realized a significant portion of these sales.

As chair, Jones will be representing the organization and Kansas in increasing global trade across multiple livestock markets as U.S. farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses strive to introduce superior livestock genetics to world markets from leading breeders in the U.S.

To learn more about USLGE and its programs and activities visit www.uslge.org.