By Jamie Martin
A new study has revealed that red meat exports made a significant contribution to the value of corn and soybean production in 2025. The research was carried out by the Juday Group and shared by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
The findings show that U.S. beef and pork exports added substantial economic value to key agricultural products. Corn producers benefited the most, with exports generating about $2.18 billion in value.
Soybean farmers also gained, receiving close to $1 billion in market support. Additionally, exports contributed $375 million to distillers with dried grains with solubles (DDGS), an important livestock feed product.
The study emphasized the strong connection between livestock exports and crop production. It found that beef and pork exports made up 13.5% of the value of each bushel of corn and 10.3% for soybeans in 2025. This highlights how export demand helps maintain strong prices for grain producers.
At the regional level, the impact was clearly seen in Illinois. The study estimated that exports used the equivalent of 70.31 million bushels of corn in the state. This resulted in more than $301 million in added value for Illinois corn farmers.
These results show that export markets and livestock production are key drivers of growth in agriculture. They not only benefit meat producers but also support crop farmers by increasing demand for feeding grains.
Looking ahead, maintaining global market access will remain important. Continued demand for U.S. beef and pork can help sustain strong returns for corn and soybean producers, ensuring long-term stability in the agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luoman
Categories: National