Nebraska Ag Exports Exceeded $8 Billion in 2024
Recently released USDA figures show Nebraska’s agricultural exports were $8.19 billion in 2024, 4% more than 2023 exports (Figure 1). It marked the third-highest export total on record (in nominal dollars) behind $10 billion recorded in 2022, and $9.3 billion in 2021. Nebraska was the fifth-largest agricultural exporting state trailing California, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. Nebraska topped the nation in exports of beef ($1.67 billion) and hides and skins ($116 million); was the third-largest exporter of corn ($1.65 billion), feed ($1.19 billion), and processed grain products ($458.1 million); the fifth-largest exporter of soybeans ($1.61 billion) and soybean meal ($420.7 million); and the sixth-largest exporter of vegetable oil ($180.6 million).
Figure 2. Value of Nebraska Agricultural Exports (2000-2024)
Soybeans, corn, and beef remained entrenched as Nebraska’s top agricultural exports, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total exports (Figure 3). Exports of each exceeded $1.6 billion in 2024. Of the three, corn export value was up 14% and beef up 5%, but soybeans were down 8%. Poultry products (+44%), wheat (+16%), and pork (+13%) also saw exports increase in 2024. The largest purchasers of Nebraska agricultural products were Mexico, Canada, China, European Union, and Japan.
Nebraska agricultural exports in 2025 most likely trailed 2024 levels. The value of U.S. exports through October was off 1% compared to the same period in 2024. Trade conflicts, global competition, and economic uncertainty created headwinds to export growth. Of Nebraska’s big three export commodities, red meats were off 6% and soybeans down 25%. Corn exports, though, were up 31% compared to the prior year primarily due to a greater volume. More of the same is expected this year. The USDA forecasts agricultural exports in the fiscal year ending in September to be down almost $2 billion.
Figure 3. Nebraska Export Value by Commodity (2000-2024)
