Red Meat Exports Add Billions In Value To Corn And Soybean Farmers

By Kellan Heavican

Brownfield

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.