U.S. pork and beef exports continue to play a key role in strengthening the nation’s agricultural trade, delivering substantial economic benefits to corn and soybean producers. A recent study conducted by the Juday Group for the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) highlights how these exports contributed $2.24 billion in market value to corn and $1.12 billion to soybeans in 2024.
Despite market fluctuations, U.S. pork and beef exports reached $19.1 billion last year, marking a $1 billion increase from 2023. While slightly below the record set in 2022, these figures demonstrate the resilience of the U.S. agricultural export sector and its importance in maintaining a strong trade presence globally.
Corn and soybean producers play an active role in expanding international market opportunities by investing in programs that promote U.S. red meat exports. USMEF Vice Chair Dave Bruntz, a Nebraska-based grain and cattle producer, emphasized how these exports contribute to a strong agricultural trade system. He noted that the demand for red meat in global markets directly supports U.S. farmers by ensuring steady feed consumption and reinforcing market stability.
U.S. beef and pork exports utilized 525.1 million bushels of corn in 2024, generating $2.24 billion in market value. Additionally, red meat exports accounted for 3.04 million tons of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), amounting to $525 million. The study found that beef and pork exports contributed approximately $0.59 per bushel to the corn market, further highlighting the positive economic impact on producers.
Soybean producers also benefited significantly from pork exports, which required 100.7 million bushels of U.S. soybeans, generating a market value of $1.12 billion. The study indicated that these exports added an estimated $1.46 per bushel to the soybean market, reinforcing the strong link between agricultural trade and the success of grain farmers.
The findings underscore the vital role of international trade in sustaining the U.S. agricultural sector. As global demand for high-quality red meat continues to rise, pork and beef exports remain key drivers of economic growth, supporting grain producers and strengthening the broader supply chain. By maintaining strong export relationships and expanding market reach, the U.S. agricultural industry continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive global trade environment.
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