U.S. red meat exports set new records in 2011

Exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb set new records across the board in 2011, according to year-end statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork exports totaled 2.255 million metric tons (4.97 billion pounds) valued at $6.11 billion, breaking the 2008 volume record of 2.052 million metric tons (4.5 billion pounds) and shattering the value record of $4.88 billion. Year-over-year, pork exports were up 18 percent in volume and 28 percent in value.

Export value per head slaughtered was $55.55, an increase of 27 percent (nearly $12) from a year ago.

Beef exports finished the year at 1.287 million metric tons (2.83 billion pounds) valued at $5.42 billion. This broke the 2003 volume record of 1.274 million metric tons (2.8 billion pounds) and easily surpassed the 2010 value record of $4.08 billion. Export volume was 21 percent larger than in 2010, with value up 33 percent.

Beef export value per fed steer and heifer slaughtered was a record $206.37 in 2011, which was more than one-third higher than a year ago ($153.09).

Just as important as feeding corn and its co-products to livestock is developing markets for Nebraska beef and pork overseas. After all, sending corn-fed beef and pork to international customers around the world has a larger economic impact than exporting raw corn and corn co-products.

This is why the Nebraska Corn Board has invested several million dollars into USMEF market promotion activities and supported U.S. beef and pork trade missions around the world.