Wisconsinites can rest assured that the meat they eat – and the meat consumers around the world eat – is fed quality Wisconsin soy. 

In a study supported by the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and soy checkoff dollars, the U.S. Meat Export Federation found that pork exports accounted for 2.35 million bushels of Wisconsin soybean usage in 2024.  

“There are an infinite number of uses for the soybeans we grow,” WSMB President Jonathan Gibbs said. “And in Wisconsin, one of the primary consumers of our soybeans are pigs, and USMEF’s study illustrates exactly that.” 

A nonprofit trade association, USMEF works to create new opportunities and develop existing international markets for U.S. beef, pork and lamb. Because pork exports contributed to 13.2 percent of the value of one bushel of soybeans, which equates to $1.46, WSMB recognizes the value of investing checkoff dollars towards growing pork market export opportunities.  

“The soybean industry provides critical support for USMEF’s efforts to expand global demand for U.S. pork,” said USMEF Senior Vice President of Industry Relations John Hinners. “This study helps quantify the return on that investment.” 

The study also found that in 2024 the market value of pork exports to Wisconsin soybeans equals $26.09 million. And, as pork exports grow, so does the value of Wisconsin soybeans. Last year, 30.3 percent of U.S. pork and pork variety meat production was exported, marking a new record.  

“It’s important we ensure that our state’s soybean farmers have not only the tools and research to succeed, but the markets, too,” Gibbs said. “So, it’s important that we do what we can to support all of our export market opportunities such as pork exports.”