USMEF Says Value of Exports Significant to Farmers and Ranchers

Leadership of the US Meat Export Federation met with farmers and ranchers from across the country at Commodity Classic in New Orleans last week and talked about the impact of record 2021 US red meat exports on corn and soy growers.

USMEF Chairman-elect Dean Meyer, who raises cattle, corn and soybeans in northwest Iowa, shared why it's so important for USMEF to be at an event like Commodity Classic.

It's important for USMEF to be present here at the Commodity Classic because livestock is the number one consumer of corn and we need to be here. Corn, soybeans, those organizations are very strong supporters through the checkoff of US Meat Export Federation and it's our duty to be here and as a team, we can work together to promote our products.

Meyer says growers were eager to talk about the economic boost red meat exports provide their grain operations, the impact that red meat exports have on the corn market.

“I think the 2021 statistics show approximately 66 cents is attributed to red meat exports per bushel of corn, and soybeans, the 21 statistics are about $1.65 is what is attributed to red meat exports,” Meyer said. “So, it's significant. A lot of times the difference between not making money and being profitable, so it's an important aspect of both organizations. When I'm doing my daily job working with livestock and raising corn, I can realize each time I market cattle that $404 are going to come back to me because of red meat exports. That's significant. And just knowing that I'm working with the packers, I'm working with the processes, purveyors, soybeans, corn, pork and beef. We're sitting around the same table making those decisions together move our products forward.”