By Andi Anderson
Ralph Lents, a farmer from Menlo, Iowa, currently serves as the president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) and is an active member of the Industrial Usage & U.S. Production Committee. Lents’ work as a corn and beef cattle farmer has taught him the close relationship between these two commodities. When the U.S. faces a poor corn yield, it drives up cattle feed prices, and when beef exports decline, the price of corn also drops. In Iowa, about half of the farmers raise livestock, and those livestock rely heavily on corn for feed.
To support both industries, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board has partnered with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF's mission is to develop new international markets and expand existing ones for U.S. corn-fed red meat. This organization represents a variety of agricultural producers, including meat producers, grains farmers, and processors. By joining forces with USMEF, Iowa corn farmers can promote their products and amplify their voice in the global market.
Iowa corn farmers regularly host international trade teams, offering visitors a chance to learn about Iowa’s agricultural practices and the quality of its products. Additionally, Iowa farmers have traveled worldwide to share their expertise in sustainable farming and conservation practices. These efforts are paying off, as for every dollar invested by ICPB into USMEF’s programs, they see a median return of $3.87 for the beef industry and $7.42 for pork exports.
Without Iowa’s livestock production, demand for corn would be much lower, and similarly, the state’s success in corn production is directly tied to its leadership in red meat production. The ongoing partnership with USMEF is vital for both sectors, helping maintain Iowa’s position as a leader in agricultural exports.
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: Iowa, Business, Crops, Corn