Why Getting Cows Bred Earlier Pays Off More Than You Think

February proved to be a robust month for per-head export value, with US pork exports equating to more than $67 per head slaughtered and beef exports reaching nearly $423 per head of fed slaughter, according to data released by the US Department of Agriculture and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While beef exports trended lower year-over-year largely due to lack of access to China, pork exports increased slightly, and lamb muscle cuts also grew in volume to the largest since May.

In February, pork exports totaled 242,511 tonnes, a 1% increase compared to last year. Export value also rose 1% to $678.8 million.

Once again, outstanding performance to leading market Mexico propelled results. Volume grew 4.5% year-over-year to 97,357 tonnes, and value rose 9% to $220.7 million. Japan also boosted pork shipments with a significant increase from last year’s low total. Pork exports to Japan rebounded 20% from a year ago to 28,138 tonnes, as export value jumped 13% to $107.7 million — the highest since October.

Furthermore, pork exports trended higher to South Korea, Central America, the Dominican Republic and Taiwan.

“It is gratifying to see demand for US pork continue to expand in our Western Hemisphere markets,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and chief executive officer. “But the rebound in Japan really stands out to me, given the strong economic headwinds and intense competition in this important market. To build on this recent momentum in Japan, it is critical that we continue to differentiate US pork and demonstrate its advantages to Japanese importers and consumers.”

As pork exports saw gains, February beef exports fell 13% year-over-over to a total of 85,066 tonnes. Value dropped 10% to $722.7 million.

USMEF attributed much of the gap to China’s lockout of US beef, but noted shipments were also lower year-over-year to Korea, Japan and Canada. However, exports increased to Mexico, Taiwan, the Caribbean and South America. Demand in the Middle East and Central America remained steady.

Excluding China, February exports were 4% higher in value and just 1% below last year’s volume.

A bright spot for beef were variety meat exports, which jumped 12% from last year, while value soared 40% to $106 million.