Making Bacon: 50 years of the U.S. Meat Export Federation

Published by Jayce Brandt

Beans make bacon. It’s a known and loved fact among Kansas Soybean Commissioners, who often recite “soybeans are my favorite protein’s favorite protein.” As pork exports grow, more Kansas soybean production finds itself on tables around the world in the value-added form of American pork. That’s why KSC invests in meat exports, increasing domestic usage of soybean meal.

This year, the United Meat Export Federation celebrates 50 years of international market development. KSC has partnered with USMEF for the last 15 years to promote pork exports in key markets, including Mexico, Japan and South Korea. USMEF works directly with retailers overseas to get U.S. pork in more meat cases and on more menus, translating to more hogs fed in the states.

The versatility of U.S. pork loin was featured at a women’s fun run in Tokyo.

USMEF promotes U.S. pork as high quality because of the superiority of U.S. feed inputs, including soybeans. U.S. pork is often marketed overseas with the label “Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy,” demonstrating the value consumers place on responsible production practices.

This international value has impact at home. It’s estimated that pork exports contribute more than a dollar to the price of a bushel of soybeans. In 2025, pork exports accounted for the usage of 4.55 million bushels of Kansas soybeans, contributing over $46 million to the bottom lines of soybean farmers in the stat

“Every pound of pork exports represents almost a pound of soybeans fed,” says Keith Miller, KSC chairman and former USMEF chairman. “This is the reason why I got involved. Think about all the jobs involved from raising the livestock to shipping them, the grain truckers and feed processors and then all the processing plants and shipping meats overseas. It’s a lot cheaper to ship meat overseas rather than huge volumes of seeds.”

Beyond pork, USMEF implements market development programs in nearly 100 countries, sharing its local intelligence and five decades of experience with U.S. exporters and traders, as well as buyers, processors and end users in each market. It boasts over 300 member organizations, whose partnerships have helped U.S. companies and products to become integral parts of international red meat markets.

Moving pork markets overseas is “moving the pile” in Kansas, creating more domestic demand for soybean meal as oil rises in value. KSC celebrates USMEF’s 50 years of excellence, creating economic opportunity for Kansas soybean farmers.