By Jamie Martin
At a recent United Soybean Board (USB) meeting in Baltimore, board members, including Indiana’s Jim Douglas, outlined a strategic focus on enhancing the U.S. livestock sector's profitability through export growth.
Douglas, who also serves on the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) executive committee, highlighted the critical role of soybeans in animal agriculture, noting that 60-70% of U.S. soybean output is consumed by this sector.
Douglas stressed the importance of maintaining and expanding international markets, particularly as opportunities arise due to export reductions from the European Union. With the EU scaling back, Douglas sees a significant opportunity for the U.S. to capture these markets, enhancing the profitability and sustainability of U.S. livestock products.
Additionally, the competition from South America, especially Brazil, is increasing as they expand their hog herds.
Despite this challenge, Douglas believes that the U.S. has a tremendous opportunity to leverage its reputation for sustainable practices to differentiate its products in the global marketplace.
The meeting underscored the necessity of exports to the U.S. livestock industry's success, with the USB committing to support initiatives through organizations like USMEF to foster market growth and ensure the sector remains competitive internationally.
Photo Credit: united-soybean-board
Categories: National