KEARNEY - State officials and cattlemen always will focus on Japan, South Korea and other huge long-term markets for Nebraska beef, but they're also keeping an eye out for near-term opportunities in smaller markets.

Central America is a region of increasing opportunities, according to Stan Garbacz, agricultural trade representative with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Garbacz said that as former Gov. Mike Johanns left his post as U.S. secretary of agriculture, he was asked where Nebraskans should look for new markets. Johanns identified Guatemala and other Central American countries.

Garbacz and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach of Sumner went to Guatemala and El Salvador in February on a two-day fact-finding visit arranged by the USDA's Foreign Ag Service.

Because of limited resources for foreign trade promotions, Garbacz said NDA officials "try not to do anything unless we see a real opportunity." They're taking advantage of an opportunity Sept. 8-10 to promote Nebraska beef at Guatemala's largest food show, which is expected to attract 4,000 food buyers, sellers and consumers.

Nebraska will be represented by Denver Chef Jay McCarthy, who will give daily demonstrations on the show's main stage featuring Nebraska beef. Garbacz said the focus will be on preparing underutilized cuts of the chuck and round.

Three importers using Nebraska beef will have booths at the show and also are working on programs to train staff at groceries and restaurants about using beef.

Meanwhile at home Sept. 9-14, Nebraska ag and economic development officials will host a reverse trade mission in Lincoln and Omaha that's expected to draw more than 130 people from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Costa Rica and Brazil.

"It's everything," Garbacz said. "It's manufacturing and agriculture."

Gov. Dave Heineman also has announced plans this fall to speak before the European Union Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee about beef production, genetically modified crops and biofuels production in Nebraska. A biotechnology specialist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln also will speak to the committee.

Garbacz told the Hub he's always doing research on different countries and looking for opportunities to sell Nebraska ag products.

He said Costa Rica just lifted its U.S. beef ban that was imposed after the first U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy case was identified in December 2003. He also sees opportunities in Central American countries to sell dry beans from western Nebraska.

"I don't think it's a new path," Garbacz said about looking at more ag exports to smaller markets. "We're always looking at where a new opportunity exists. ... Central America is not that far from here. We saw an opportunity and decided to take advantage of it."