USMEF Chair Addresses Iowa Corn Producers on Value of Red Meat Exports

On Sept. 14, USMEF Chair Bruce Schmoll addressed corn producers in Spencer, Iowa, on the important dividends red meat exports provide for the U.S. corn industry. The meeting was part of a series of events sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) this year, as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. At each event, ICGA members were encouraged to bring a potential member. This meeting, which focused specifically on the corn industry’s support for livestock production, was held in conjunction with the Clay County Fair – which is one of the nation’s largest. Schmoll was introduced by ICGA member Dean Meyer of Rock Rapids, Iowa, who also serves on the USMEF executive committee.

Schmoll shared details from a recent independent study commissioned by USMEF on the value delivered to U.S. corn producers through exports of beef, pork and lamb. The study found that with other factors being equal, red meat exports generated about $.45 per bushel in additional value, which in the year studied (2015) equated to $6 billion in value nationally and more than $1.1 billion in Iowa. More details from the study are available online. He also summarized the performance of red meat exports in 2017, discussed USMEF’s role in international marketing and addressed key issues affecting meat trade.

USMEF Chair Bruce Schmoll speaks to corn growers in Spencer, Iowa, on the importance of red meat exports to the U.S. corn industry

While at the Clay County Fair, Schmoll was interviewed by farm broadcaster George Bower of KICD Radio.

“Iowa corn producers have been tremendous supporters of USMEF for many years, and this was a great opportunity to thank them for their investment and update them on USMEF’s functions and activities,” Schmoll said.