Interra International Founder and CEO Steve Isaf Receives USMEF Distinguished Service Award
The honor recognizes more than four decades of leadership in building global demand for U.S. red meat.
ATLANTA, Nov. 6, 2026 – Interra International is proud to announce that our founder, chairman and CEO, Steve Isaf, will receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The award is one of the organization’s highest honors and recognizes outstanding figures in the red meat industry whose dedication has been central to the federation’s success.
It will be presented on Nov. 12 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Palm Springs, California, where USMEF will also celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Steve has spent more than four decades building demand for U.S. red meat around the world. He entered international trade in 1980, when American beef and pork had only a small presence in overseas markets. He went on to found Global Marketing Associates in 1987, and in 2000 he founded Interra International. Today, Interra is a multinational company of 145 professionals serving customers in more than 100 countries, with operational centers in Atlanta, Shanghai, Paris and Monterrey, Mexico.
Steve’s involvement with USMEF dates back to his first meeting in 1986. He joined the USMEF Executive Committee in 2008, later chaired its Exporter Committee, and served as USMEF chairman in 2014-15. Throughout, he has brought a hands-on perspective from international markets and a deep respect for the farmers, ranchers and packers who make up the industry.
“After starting my own business, I came to realize that all the people raising livestock and feedgrains are entrepreneurs and individual business people, so I felt strongly that we were kindred spirits,” Steve said. “It’s so rewarding to have been part of this community and, hopefully, in some small way, to have made a difference for others.”
Steve encourages anyone new to red meat exports to get involved with the organization: “In order for USMEF to gain from your experiences and for you to fully benefit from being a USMEF member, you need to be active and involved.”
Everyone at Interra is grateful for Steve’s vision and leadership, and we are honored to be part of the journey. Congratulations, Steve!
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