MENLO, Iowa – Exporting beef and pork can help a corn producer’s bottom line, especially in Iowa, according to a study by the U.S. Meat Exports Federation (USMEF).

The group said key findings from the study, which utilized 2024 statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, and calculations by The Juday Group, showed Iowa beef and pork exports accounted for 92.79 million bushels of Iowa corn usage in 2024.

As a corn and beef cattle farmer, Ralph Lents knows how much one commodity impacts another.

“If the U.S. has a low-yielding corn crop, my cattle feed prices go up,” said the Iowa Corn Promotion Board president, and Menlo, Iowa, farmer. “If beef exports go down, the price of my corn goes down, too. In Iowa, one in two farmers raise livestock and those livestock consume a lot of corn.”

That’s why the Iowa Corn Promotion Board invests in the USMEF, he said.

“The purpose of USMEF is to create new opportunities and further develop existing international markets for U.S. corn-fed red meat,” he said. “USMEF represents red meat producers, packers, processors, traders, farm organizations, grains producers and supply and service organizations. When united, USMEF amplifies the voices of these organizations, increasing red meat exports around the world.

“In partnership with USMEF, Iowa corn farmers host international trade teams, allowing customers from around the world to learn more about corn and livestock produced in Iowa,” he added.

He said, “Additionally, Iowa corn farmers have traveled internationally to share the farming and conservation practices they use to ensure they are raising a high-quality product for consumers. For every dollar the Iowa Corn Promotion Board invested into USMEF’s export programs, a median net return of $3.87 and $7.42 for the beef and pork industries is generated.”

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board told Farm World that USMEF’s key focus areas for the board’s investments in 2025 are Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Mexico.

In Japan, while export value fell 5 percent to $1.4 billion in 2023, it is the second highest value destination for U.S. pork, trailing only Mexico. The board said it is working to expand chilled U.S. pork presence on retail shelves, targeting regional retailers to displace competitor product.

In South Korea, in 2023, consumption of red meat is growing, which presents an opportunity to build a stronger demand for U.S. product. In China, the board said it is working to improve buyer knowledge on the safety, quality and availability of U.S. beef.

In Taiwan, the country’s appetite for beef has increased as consumers desire healthier and more “wholesome” choices. The board said it is working to offer beef as a protein option to all buyers and consumers demonstrating value and versatility of U.S. beef.

In Mexico, U.S. beef variety meat, which is the leading volume destination, increased 16 percent year-over-year in 2023. The board said it is focusing on developing new beef cuts, new uses and clients, while implementing programs in an expanded range of market sectors.

The USMEF said it “carries out market development programs in nearly 100 countries and high-quality feed inputs are a vital selling point for U.S. red meat in these markets. This year, Iowa Corn Checkoff funding is providing crucial support for promotional efforts for U.S. beef and pork in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America.”

Lents said, “If it weren’t for our state’s livestock production, Iowa corn farmers would face lower demand for corn. Similarly, without being the top producers of corn, we would likely not be a leader in red meat production. Our partnership with USMEF is extremely valuable, and we look forward to continuing to support Iowa’s livestock farmers.”