U.S. Poultry exports drive growth for Indiana soy, corn in Colombia 

Indiana’s corn and soybean farmers serve as a vital engine behind a thriving global protein supply chain. The partnership between the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) is currently demonstrating how strategic investments in international markets like Colombia directly “move the pile” for Hoosier agriculture. 

The poultry industry is the single largest user of soybean meal and a primary consumer of corn in the United States. In 2024 alone, Indiana poultry and egg production utilized 48.7 million bushels of soybeans and 92.7 million bushels of corn. Poultry exports in 2024 accounted for 3.6 million Indiana soybean bushels and 6.4 million Indiana corn bushels. 

Colombia has emerged as a cornerstone of this strategy, and in 2025, it solidified its position as the leading destination for U.S. poultry in South America, with export values skyrocketing by 40 percent to reach $84 million. This growth is vital because, without these robust export markets, U.S. soybean and corn prices could face significant downward pressure. 

Supported by funding from ISA and ICMC, USAPEEC is executing a multi-pronged approach to expand the Colombian market and ensure U.S. poultry remains the preferred choice of protein. 

Traditionally a seasonal product, turkey is being repositioned as a year-round staple through the “Pavo Todo el Año” campaign. Recent efforts targeted the fitness market through gym chains and major retailers, resulting in a 62 percent sales increase during promotional periods. 

Furthermore, the innovative “Noche del Pato” (Duck Night) seminar format has proven highly effective at securing new business. Recent events in Bogotá and Medellín introduced American duck to more than 200 HRI professionals, with more than 90 percent of attendees expressing intent to incorporate these high-quality products into their menus. 

Simultaneously, the HRI Extension Program provides personalized training to chefs and hotel, restaurant and institutional operators. From January to March 2026, 43 training sessions were conducted, focusing on proper cold chain management and the versatility of U.S. poultry. 

These efforts are designed to forge deep-seated regional demand for U.S. protein, ensuring that Indiana-fed poultry becomes a permanent fixture on Colombian menus. 

The results of these joint programs are measurable and provide a clear return on investment for Indiana’s agricultural stakeholders. Recent implementation of the HRI program saw a growth of more than 300 percent in new establishments featuring U.S. chicken. 

Post-training surveys show that 50 percent of participants now cite “excellent flavor” as the primary reason for choosing U.S. products, successfully overcoming previous misconceptions about frozen poultry. Beyond perception, USAPEEC has successfully introduced new SKUs of chicken, duck and turkey into major Colombian supermarket chains and specialized retail stores. 

As Colombia’s economy continues to grow, so does its appetite for high-quality protein. By continuing to support sanitary diplomacy and technical training, Indiana’s corn and soybean farmers are playing a critical role in building a sustainable, long-term preference for American poultry in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.