Beef, Pork and Lamb See Strong Export Totals in Q1

U.S. red meat exports see strong to record-pacing Q1 totals. U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO, Dan Halstrom shares the details.
U.S. red meat exports see strong to record-pacing Q1 totals. U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO, Dan Halstrom shares the details.
(Farm Journal File)

Demand for beef, pork, and lamb proved strong in Q1, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Beef exports showed great momentum, reaching $3 billion in Q1 according to data released by the USDA and complied by USMEF. Top markets included Korea, Japan and China/Hong Kong, while a strong demand in Latin America and a rebound in the Middle East played key roles.

Halstrom cautions on slowing China exports. “The full impact of what's happening in China with the COVID lockdowns most definitely is not reflected yet,” he says. Halstrom expects to see those numbers reflected in April and May.

China has continued to be a key player. However, with an upwards of eight countries driving overall global record growth, beef exports are not dependent on any one country, Halstrom explains.

According to USMEF vice president of economic analysis, Erin Borror, beef exports added an extra $474.10 per head in value to fed, slaughter cattle in Q1, increasing $138.65 from the same time last year.

Pork exports saw the largest month since November 2021, though well below record totals from March of last year.

Mexico and the Dominican Republic continue on record pace in Q1, however China lags behind.

“We're down quite a bit in China on pork. We knew we would be, we totally expected it as they rebuild their herds there,” Halstrom explains.

Halstrom remains positive as China’s downturn is offset by other markets, especially with strong numbers from the Caribbean, Latin America and South Korea, which showed a significant increase fueled in part by Korea’s growing demand for chilled U.S. pork.

For Q1, pork exports added an extra $54.18 per head slaughtered, down $5.91 from the same time last year, Borror says.

In addition to strength in beef and pork, lamb posted its third largest volume on record and the highest value in nearly eight years led by Mexico and growth in the Caribbean, due to the rebound in food service demand.

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.