Beef Bridge to Baghdad

A University of Utah agricultural extension agent is hoping a little bovine diplomacy will help strengthen relations between the United States and Iraq.

Lyle Holmgren’s is back after his first trip to Baghdad, and says he believes the Iraqis have a taste for U.S. beef.

He’s hoping to introduce Utah cattle to Iraqis, form a relationship with Iraqi ranchers, and build a partnership with the right people there to create a new beef market.

“It was a great trip. We had a wonderful opportunity,“ he said.

The highlight of his visit to the Baghdad trade show was a big dinner during which Iraqis tasted Utah beef for the first time.

“They ate it all up,“ Holmgren said.

Now they want more, meaning there’s a good chance Utah cattle ranchers will have new customers.

William Westbrook was a consultant for the trip.

He helped with paperwork, financing, logistics, and other red-tape type issues.

He says the selling point is the quality of our beef versus what Iraqis are accustomed to.

“They will just butcher it right there on the ground, and it will be immediately hung and sold,“ he explained.

Utah State’s presence there also interested some Iraqi students, who want to learn more about engineering and agriculture.

It all could be the beginning of a great relationship.

“I think that’s the best way to encourage peace in the whole world, is for people to do business with each other,“ Holmgren said.

Especially if that business includes some Utah barbecue sauce, which Holmgren says was an Iraqi favorite.

Of course, there is still a lot of work to do before this happens, but the trip, Holmgren believes, was a good step forward.