Ag Exports Surge as Farmers Capitalize on Global Market Opportunities

May 10, 2023

Kentucky's Webster County may seem worlds apart from South Korean cities, but the agricultural products cultivated on its farms have found their way to bustling grain ports like the Port of Gunsan, a major hub on the Korean peninsula. As U.S. agricultural exports soar to record highs, Kentucky farm families are integral to the state's thriving export efforts.

According to the latest USDA data, Kentucky's agricultural exports surpassed $3.074 billion in 2021. The value of sales has surged in all of the top 10 U.S. agricultural export markets, with seven of them setting new records. In 2022 alone, U.S. agricultural exports totaled over $196 billion, representing a remarkable 39 percent increase since 2019.

The significance of agricultural exports cannot be overstated, with approximately 20 percent of U.S. farm products by value being exported each year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Eddie Melton, First Vice President of the Kentucky Farm Bureau, recognizes the critical role export markets play in sustaining farm operations and supporting rural communities.

As Congress debates the forthcoming farm bill, agricultural exports are closely intertwined with its provisions. Veronica Nigh, AFBF Senior Economist, emphasizes that around 20 percent of farming income in the U.S. relies on exports, making the pursuit of new markets crucial for the success of farm families nationwide. Southeast Asia, with its expanding purchasing power and preference for U.S. agricultural products, presents significant growth opportunities.

Despite the intensifying competition, the United States possesses a strategic advantage due to its superior infrastructure system, lower transportation costs, and proximity to major river transportation systems like the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Kentucky's unique location empowers the state to efficiently transport agricultural goods to global customers.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, securing favorable trade agreements and advocating for provisions that strengthen the agricultural industry through the farm bill become imperative. By capitalizing on export markets and fortifying their position as a global leader in agriculture, U.S. farmers can meet the rising demands of the future while ensuring food security worldwide,