Soybean meal ‘gold standard in animal feed’
Meat consumption around the world continues to grow, and pork is no exception. According to a report from the partially checkoff-funded US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), exports of US pork surpassed US$6 billion in value for the third consecutive year in 2013.
Soybean meal has been called ‘the gold standard’ in animal feed,” says Scott Singlestad, a checkoff farmer-leader who grows soybeans and raises hogs on his farm in Waseca, Minn. “Feeding soybean meal to livestock and poultry is a great source of protein, so it is not only beneficial to soybean and livestock farmers, but also to the potential international buyers.”
Animal ag consumes 97% of US soybean meal, making it the biggest user of US soy. Because of its importance to the US soy industry and farmers’ bottom lines, the checkoff has made supporting animal agriculture a top priority. The checkoff works with organisations like USMEF and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council to promote consumption of US meat and poultry abroad. The value of beef exports also rose last year, eclipsing the US$6 billion mark, a record.
Economic growth continues to create a surge in meat and poultry consumption around the world. “Once a country starts eating better, they want more protein in their diets,” Singlestad said. “There’s no better way to do that than eating more meat.”
United Soybean Org
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