Taylor said the possibilities are endless but stressed the importance of safeguarding U.S. beef from unscientific standards. To ensure a level playing field for U.S. beef, Taylor voiced support for permanent normal trade relations legislation.

"While Russia is a tremendous opportunity for our beef, we need to ensure that we don't run the risk of facing unscientific restrictions. In particular, ensuring that Russia lives up to its WTO commitments on sanitary and phytosanitary standards along with other technical issues for beef is crucial," said Taylor.

Taylor said with 96 percent of the world's population living outside the borders of the U.S., cattlemen must have access to foreign consumers' demand for beef. Tariff-related trade barriers are a big roadblock to expanding demand in several global markets.

"We need to ensure that Russia fully implements the concessions they have agreed to make on beef," said Taylor.

"Our competitiveness depends on profitability and attracting the next generation of ranchers back into the business. Our ranch families' livelihoods depend on exports, which are our most dynamic and vibrant opportunities for long-term sustainability."

Taylor recognized Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) for his "constant commitment" to move the U.S. toward trade agreements that are based on sound science and international standards. 

—From Beltway Beef Newsletter