USMEF study finds red meat exports add value to corn and soybean markets

On May 15, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) released results from a recent study which found U.S. beef and pork exports generated billions of dollars in added value for corn and soybean producers in 2025 and significantly boosted domestic feed demand.

According to USMEF Senior Vice President John Hinners, the organization commissions the study each year to better understand the economic impacts of red meat exports on the broader agricultural supply chain.

“We initiate this study every year because it quantifies the value beef and pork exports bring to the red meat supply chain. This added value is why a diverse range of ag industry sectors work together through USMEF to build global demand for U.S. red meat,” Hinners states in a May 15 press release accompanying the study.

Hinners further notes the annual research ultimately highlights the close relationship between livestock producers, grain growers and the biofuels industry.

Key findings

Conducted as an independent analysis by the Juday Group, the study found beef and pork exports accounted for 508.4 million bushels of corn usage, 2.68 million tons of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) and 98.76 million bushels of soybeans.

Using the average annual price of $4.29 per bushel of corn, $139.82 per ton of DDGS and $10.17 per bushel of soybeans, researchers calculated the export-related market value of corn at $2.18 billion, DDGS at $375 million and soybeans at $1 billion.

USMEF notes this means beef and pork exports added 13.5 percent, or 58 cents per bushel, to the value of corn and 10.3 percent, or $1.05 per bushel, to soybean value in 2025.

Additionally, the study found 12.7 percent of U.S. beef and beef variety meat production and 29.6 percent of U.S. pork and pork variety meat production was exported, while beef export value equated to $392 per head of fed cattle and $65 per head of hogs slaughtered during 2025.

“The corn and soybean industries provide critical support for USMEF’s efforts to expand global demand for U.S. red meat,” Hinners states. “This study helps quantify the return on that investment.” 

Research impacts

Ultimately, USMEF Chair-Elect Dave Bruntz notes findings from this study underscore the strong connection between livestock production and grain demand.

“Red meat exports bring significant value to corn and soybean producers by driving demand for feed,” Bruntz says. “This study shows red meat exports accounted for more than 500 million bushels of corn usage and nearly 100 million bushels of soybeans in 2025.”

While the USMEF study focused on national figures, the findings also carry importance for cattle-producing states like Wyoming, where the livestock industry remains a major economic driver. 

Overall, strong export demand for U.S. beef supports cattle prices while also creating additional demand for feed grains used throughout the production chain.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.