If that isn’t enough reason to support exports of U.S. products to other countries all over the world, I don’t know what is. Now, with low commodity grain prices this year and expected into next year, our best resources are spent right now supporting exports and international trade, which could lead to fast growing markets and more demand.
The world markets offer momentous growth opportunities for U.S. agriculture. The Nebraska Corn Board and other grain checkoffs in our state and across the U.S. work with the U.S. Grains Council to develop export markets for our American farmers and agribusinesses. With the most modern, innovative and productive agricultural system in the world, the U.S. enjoys a longstanding and significant comparative advantage in agricultural trade.
We also know that corn is value-added when first fed to livestock, then exported as red meat. Another reason the Nebraska Corn Board (and other commodity checkoffs – grains and livestock together along with industry support) supports the U.S. Meat Export Federation. USMEF opens up export markets for U.S. read meat – beef, pork and lamb – and leverages checkoff dollars with federal dollars to influence more markets and prevail on more of the 95% consuming U.S. meat.
Beef exports in October were up 2% from a year ago with variety meat exports increasing 14% in volume. Although pork exports were down 2% in volume they still achieved a 5% increase in value. These results were also bolstered by strong variety meat exports, which were up 24% in volume.
The top export customers for U.S. corn (for Sept-Oct ’14) were Mexico, Japan, Colombia, South Korea and Peru. By establishing good relationship and continuing to produce high quality corn, the U.S. can grow these markets and develop new ones like Egypt and others in the Middle East who see the value of U.S. corn for feeding their livestock.
So the next time someone asks you why we don't keep all of our food here for Americans to eat, tell them there are 95 reasons.
View other Nebraska Corn Kernel blog posts about why we promote exports:
Nice Blog about Meat exporters. Very Impressive.
ReplyDeletethis information is good for all who want to know about boneless meat exporters