CheCk-in on
the CheCkoff:
Supporting Trade with
Our Neighbors

As Iowa corn farmers, we are currently navigating a challenging
economic landscape. We’ve done our job, producing a recordbreaking harvest, but that success has flooded the market and
tightened margins. In times like these, we don’t just need new
markets; we must also protect our current markets.

“boots on the ground” to defend our market access and remove
trade barriers. These efforts deliver a 6:1 return on every dollar
invested, proving the value of building strong trade relationships
and increasing market access for corn products around the
world.

Take Canada and Mexico for example, these neighbors buy
nearly one-third of all U.S. agricultural exports, totaling over $60
billion annually. Canada is the top destination for U.S. ethanol,
importing $1.5 billion worth in 2024, while Mexico remains our
#1 customer for corn and a primary market for dried distillers
grains (DDGS). Additionally, trade with these countries supports
13 million American jobs across food and agriculture.

With 31% of all trade-related rail traffic tied to our North
American partners, the stability of our local elevators and rural
communities depends on this trade. We grow the best corn in the
world, and through your checkoff, we are ensuring our closest
neighbors continue to be our best customers.

This is where your Iowa Corn Checkoff investment proves
its value. By funding organizations like the U.S. Grains and
BioProducts Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation, we put

Joe Roberts, ICPB President

Joe Roberts is a farmer from Belmond, Iowa, and serves as
the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President and on
the Exports and Grain Trade Committee.