United Soybean Board aims to boost livestock industry exports

By Andi Anderson

The United Soybean Board (USB) recently convened in Baltimore to set priorities for the upcoming year, with a strong focus on supporting the livestock industry through export growth and sustainability.

Jim Douglas, a producer of soybeans, corn, and pork from Indiana who serves on both the USB and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) executive committee, underscored the critical role of animal agriculture in soybean consumption.

“Animal agriculture consumes about 60-70% of U.S. soybeans,” Douglas said. “And so it's vitally important that we support that industry, and vitally important that U.S. poultry and all farmers remain profitable. Our export market needs to grow. You know, in the U.S., we depend on the export markets, and we need to grow them.”

USB's commitment to export growth helps the U.S. pork industry take advantage of global market opportunities.

Douglas emphasized the need to maintain and expand export markets, particularly in light of the European Union's reduction in exports.

“I think that just shows you that we realize the value of exports,” Douglas said. “It's a necessity that we maintain those markets, we'd like to grow those markets. You know, the European Union is in a situation where they're cutting back on their exports. There's room for the U.S. to step in and pick those up.”

Douglas also acknowledged the increasing competition from South America, notably Brazil, which is expanding its hog herd. Despite this competition, Douglas highlighted the significant opportunities for the U.S. to capture markets previously served by the EU.

“We’ve got competition, but at the same time, we've got tremendous opportunity to step in and take some of those markets that the EU was providing for,” he said.

The sustainability message of U.S. soy growers plays a crucial role in the marketing of U.S. pork globally, according to USMEF. Douglas pointed out the importance of the U.S. label on meat products, which signifies sustainability and garners respect worldwide.

“The U.S. label on these meat products is important,” Douglas explained. “And it comes with a sustainable label and I think people pay attention to that. And I think they respect the product of the USA very well.”

Photo Credit: istock-heebyj