USAPEEC touts global poultry demand creating strong market for Indiana corn 

When Indiana farmers think about corn markets, they often look straight to the grain elevator, but one of its most valuable, high-value corn consumers doesn’t look like an industrial facility, at all. In fact, it has feathers. 

Indiana is a powerhouse in both grain and livestock, ranking as the 5th-largest corn producer in the nation while simultaneously leading the pack in poultry as No. 1 in ducks, No. 3 in total egg production, and No. 4 in turkeys. This intersection of local grain production and poultry production creates a vital symbiotic relationship: the poultry industry consumes sizeable amounts of feed, and in turn, global appetite for U.S. poultry moves the corn pile right here at home. 

The domestic poultry sector is a massive anchor for U.S. corn. In fact, roughly 35 percent of all U.S. corn meal is consumed by domestic broilers, turkeys, ducks and layers. Locally, Indiana poultry and egg production utilizes approximately 92 million bushels of corn annually. 

It is estimated that completely eliminating poultry and egg production would trigger a staggering 45 percent decrease in U.S. corn prices, assuming all other market variables remained constant. While domestic consumption is massive, international trade is the true engine of growth. When foreign markets buy U.S. chicken, turkey, duck or eggs, they are fundamentally buying Indiana corn. 

Nationally, poultry and egg exports account for 243.1 million bushels of U.S. corn usage. For individual corn growers, this international poultry movement contributes an estimated 5 percent of total bushel value — adding about 21 cents per bushel to the bottom line. 

Overall, these poultry and egg exports represent over $5.96 billion in total value, creating a steady upward demand curve that supports long-term stability for corn producers. 

Without these vital global poultry markets, the lack of export demand would cause U.S. corn prices to slide by 6 percent. 

ICMC dollars at work 

Because the connection between birds and bushels is so clear, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council strategically uses checkoff dollars to protect and expand international poultry demand. By partnering with the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), Indiana corn checkoff funds actively back promotional, technical, and trade-building projects in emerging high-growth markets — specifically Mexico, Colombia, India and Vietnam. 

In Mexico, programs focus on the “Mexicanization” of turkey products, creating everyday recipe options that integrate U.S. poultry into local, traditional family meals. 

Colombian activities include retail campaigns and hands-on training seminars for hotel and restaurant operators to ensure the proper handling and preparation of frozen poultry. 

Throughout India, checkoff funds help educate culinary stakeholders and consumers about the nutritional benefits and culinary versatility of duck meat in a rapidly expanding foodservice sector. 

Lastly, our Vietnam marketing efforts include tailored workshops and young chef culinary competitions, building long-term familiarity with U.S. poultry products among the country’s future culinary leaders. 

For Indiana corn growers, the lesson is simple: supporting a robust, globally competitive poultry market is one of the most effective ways to defend the value of the grain in your bins.