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Red meat exports add billions in value to corn and soybean farmers

An annual study from the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows red meat exports added more than $3 billion in value to corn and soybean producers in 2025.  

John Hinners is the senior vice president for industry relations with USMEF. “Agriculture today is strained a bit. These value-added programs where exports beef and pork outside of the United States are a tremendous boost to the grain industry.”

Hinners says the results show significant feed demand. “It’s a little over a $100 per acre by utilizing the corn through the value-added exports through beef and pork that we send out through the United States.”

As for soybeans, he tells Brownfield, “Based on 2025 numbers, 10.3 percent of a bushels value can be attributed of exports of hogs. If you look at the soybean value, that’s a $1.05 per bushel of soybeans.”

The report conducted by the Juday Group says exports account for $2.18 billion in market value for corn farmers and about $1 billion for soybean producers.

Hinners says continued market expansion could help further increase the values and provide additional stability for farmers.

John Hinners: