Trade – The Importance of Ag Exports.
Corn is a Global Commodity
- While most of the corn produced in Kentucky stays in the state to be processed for feed, bourbon, food, or ethanol, exports are still a critical factor in the economic success of Kentucky’s corn farmers.
- About 1 in 3 bushels of U.S. corn is exported in some form. A bushel of corn that leaves the U.S. for a foreign marketplace adds value to the corn we grow and process here in Kentucky.
Exporting Kentucky Corn through U.S. Meat
- Each year, it is estimated that over 550 million bushels of corn are indirectly exported through pork and beef exports.
- In 2022, beef and pork exports accounted for 7.72 million bushels of Kentucky corn usage and the market value of beef and pork exports to Kentucky DDGS was $18.66 million.
- U.S. beef and pork exports contributed $157.56 per Kentucky Corn acre at $1.01/bushel at a yield of 156 bushels/acre in 2022.
Rivers are Kentucky’s Competitive Advantage
- Kentucky has the unique benefit of having great river access. In addition to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in-state, Kentucky has four navigable rivers: Tennessee, Kentucky, Cumberland, and Green.
- With 1,590 miles, the Bluegrass State ranks fourth in the nation in navigable waterways.
- River access is a critical factor for exports.
Kentucky Corn’s Partners in Building Global Markets
U.S. Grains Council
(USGC)
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum, and related products, including ethanol and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The council believes exports are vital to global economic development and U.S. agriculture’s profitability.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)
Every metric ton of U.S. red meat exports utilizes about 1.5 acres of corn. USMEF works to increase the value and profit opportunities for the U.S. beef, pork, and lamb industries by enhancing demand in export markets.
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC)
Through its network of international offices and consultants in key global markets, USAPEEC’s mission is to promote exports of U.S. poultry and eggs worldwide.