How Red Meat Exports Boost the Value of Illinois Corn

By Andi Anderson

Illinois corn plays an important role in feeding people across the world, and its impact reaches far beyond American livestock farms.

For almost 50 years, Illinois corn farmers have partnered with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, also known as USMEF, to support global markets for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb.

This partnership helps increase demand for red meat in many countries, which in turn adds value back to every bushel of corn grown in the state.

IL Corn has invested in USMEF since 1976, using checkoff dollars to promote high quality, corn-fed red meat around the world. These efforts have produced strong results. In 2024 alone, more than 525 million bushels of U.S. corn were used through red meat exports.

This added an estimated 59 cents of value to every bushel sold by farmers. Soybean farmers also gain from this export growth because hogs raised for global markets consume large amounts of soybean meal. More than 100 million bushels of soybeans were used in this way.

USMEF does more than promote well-known retail cuts. A major part of its work focuses on finding markets for underused products such as beef liver. Many countries value these items for nutrition and affordability.

In Peru, where iron deficiency is a common health challenge, USMEF has developed unique recipes using liver and other variety meats. These include liver burgers and blended protein snacks that support healthier diets while increasing demand for U.S. products.

The organization has also helped expand markets in places like South Korea. Over the past 50 years, the country has shifted from a rice-based diet to one that includes more than 125 pounds of meat and fish per person each year.

South Korea is now one of the strongest markets for corn-fed American beef and pork.

According to USMEF leaders, continued success depends on investing in market development, innovation, and farmer leadership. These efforts help ensure that the next generation of Illinois farmers remains competitive, profitable, and connected to global opportunities.

Photo Credit: illinois-corn-growers-association