Visit aimed at increasing Iowa exports of manufactured products and agricultural goods to one of the United States' largest trading partners.

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) board members Sharyl Bruning and Allen Burt were part of a 13-member trade mission to Mexico last month led by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. 

Bruning, who represents District 4 on the IFBF board of directors, raises cattle, corn and soybeans in Monona County. Burt, IFBF District 5 board representative, raises hogs, cattle, corn and soybeans in Marshall County.

The trade mission, coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), focused on increasing exports of manufactured products and agricultural goods.

“Because of the incredible productivity of Iowa farmers and favorable free trade agreements, we have an opportunity to supply customers here and around the world. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork and dried distillers grains as well as a significant market for soybeans, soybean meal, beef and ethanol,” said Naig. “By leading strategic trade missions to both established and emerging markets, we’re able to thank our customers for their past business, strengthen existing relationships and discover new business opportunities. All of this will create even more market demand for Iowa’s high quality, safe, consistent and reliable agriculture products.”  

Iowa companies exported $4.2 billion in goods to Mexico in 2023, a record for Iowa exports to Mexico. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork and distillers grains, and second for soybeans. Iowa exported $973 million in corn, $706 million in pork and $392 million in soybeans to Mexico in 2023. 

Mexico was the second largest export market for U.S. exporters in 2023, with total of all exports valued at $323 billion. Total U.S. agriculture exports to Mexico are forecast to rise to a record $28.4 billion this year.

In addition to Naig, Bruning and Burt, other trade mission participants included members of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and IEDA staff.

The group toured meat processing and soy crushing plants as well as the port of Progreso, which includes a specialized container terminal and a specialized grain terminal that is the country’s second largest in throughput. The Iowans also met with regional directors from the U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Meat Export Federation to learn more about market development efforts.

The IEDA’s International Trade Office connects Iowa companies with markets for their products and services. To learn more about other trade missions the IEDA is planning, visit www.iowaeda.com/missions.

Pictured above: IFBF District 5 Director Allen Burt, far left, was among 13 Iowans who participated in a trade mission to Mexico last month coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The group toured several ag-related sites, including meat and soybean processing plants and the port of Progreso.  PHOTO CONTRIBUTED