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July boost for US meat exports

Sep 06, 2024
By Farms.com

Strong performance in beef and pork exports

 

The momentum for US meat exports remained robust through July, as detailed in reports from the USDA and the US Meat Export Federation.

Beef exports escalated to 110,419 metric tons, up 7% year-over-year, achieving a near-record value of $910.9 million due to high demand in Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries.

Pork exports were equally impressive, particularly to Mexico, which set a new monthly record at $244.5 million. The total pork exports for July rose by 10% to 241,210 metric tons, with a 13% increase in value to $710.5 million. This growth was echoed in regions like Latin America and South Korea, enhancing the overall export figures.

The first seven months of 2024 have seen beef export values climb 6% to $6.13 billion, despite a slight drop in volume. Pork, on the other hand, has outpaced last year’s record, projecting an encouraging trend for the remainder of the year.

The consistent increase in US meat exports highlights the competitive strength and quality of US livestock products on the global stage.

With ongoing demand from key international markets, US meat exports are poised for sustained growth, benefiting US producers and reinforcing the United States’ status as a leading player in the global meat industry.


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How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary

Video: How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary

For a long time, soil was all but ignored. But for years, the valuable humus layer has been thinning. Farmers in Brandenburg are clearly feeling the effects of this on their sandy fields. Many are now taking steps to prepare their farms for the future.

Years of drought, record rainfall and failed harvests: we are becoming increasingly aware of how sensitively our environment reacts to extreme weather conditions. Farmers' livelihoods are at stake. So is the ability of consumers to afford food.

For a few years now, agriculture that focuses solely on maximum yields has been regarded with increasing skepticism. It is becoming more and more clear just how dependent we are on healthy soils.

Brandenburg is the federal state with the worst soil quality in Germany. The already thin, fertile humus layer has been shrinking for decades. Researchers and farmers who are keen to experiment are combating these developments and looking for solutions. Priority is being given to building up the humus layer, which consists of microorganisms and fungi, as well as springtails, small worms and centipedes.

For Lena and Philipp Adler, two young vegetable farmers, the tiny soil creatures are invaluable helpers. On their three-hectare organic farm, they rely on simple, mechanical weed control, fallow areas where the soil can recover, and diversity. Conventional farmer Mark Dümichen also does everything he can to protect soil life on his land. For years, he has not tilled the soil after the harvest and sows directly into the field. His yields have stabilized since he began to work this way.

Isabella Krause from Regionalwert AG Berlin-Brandenburg is convinced after the experiences of the last hot summers that new crops will thrive on Brandenburg's fields in the long term. She has founded a network of farmers who are promoting the cultivation of chickpeas with support from the scientific community.