America’s protein triangle
In an increasingly competitive world, nations are placing renewed importance on food production as a source of economic strength and national power. With global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, American agriculture’s ability to produce protein efficiently, affordably, and at scale is a tremendous source of economic and geopolitical strength for the United States.
At the center of America’s protein advantage is a uniquely interconnected agricultural system I call the “Protein Triangle.” American poultry, corn, and soybean production work together to reinforce and strengthen one another, forming one of the world’s most efficient and powerful food production systems. Few countries are better equipped to meet rising global protein demand than the U.S.
Corn (high-energy) and soybeans (high-protein) feed chickens, turkeys, and egg layers with exceptional efficiency. In 2024, the feed conversion rate of a broiler chicken was 1.69 pounds of feed for every 1 pound of liveweight. This means an American chicken farmer can produce more meat, using less feed, and in less time than any other viable protein source. Poultry’s efficiency, paired with U.S. farmers’ massive production of 15 billion bushels of corn and 4 billion bushels of soybeans, means the United States has a harvest few nations can match.
America’s poultry industry uses these commodities to good effect, producing more than 9 billion broiler chickens, 200 million turkeys, and 109 billion eggs each year. In total, the U.S. poultry industry accounts for more than $660 billion in economic impact each year.
To put that in perspective, the poultry industry’s economic impact rivals Sweden’s annual GDP.
Adding to the “Protein Triangle’s” strengths is the world’s best inland waterway system, the Mississippi River. Agricultural commodities produced in the Midwest and Mid-South have ready access to domestic and global markets. America has vast amounts of arable land, comparatively abundant water, and well-developed logistics. Many nations must import either feed or meat, but the United States can produce both at scale, making America an unmatched food power.
Today, we are in a unique moment of national consensus. Americans recognize we need to revitalize manufacturing and essential industries, including food, energy, and critical infrastructure. The poultry industry, along with corn and soybean farmers, plays a key role in providing Americans with safe, nutritious, affordable, and abundant food. Too often, agriculture is divided into silos. Midwest vs. South, row crop vs. livestock, large vs. small, but the reality is that agriculture works best when we work together. The “Protein Triangle” is all about win-win partnerships. More domestic chickens, turkeys, and egg layers mean more domestic demand for corn and soybean farmers.
Globally, agricultural trade is changing rapidly, and prior growth strategies are becoming less reliable. China’s purchases of American corn and soybeans have become significantly more volatile in recent years. In 2022, China was the top destination for U.S. corn exports, valued at $5.2 billion. By 2024, however, American corn exports fell to just $331 million. The pattern is similar for soybeans: In 2022, China imported $17.9 billion in U.S. soybeans, but that dropped to $3.1 billion in 2025.
These shifts point to a hard reality: American agriculture cannot rely on bulk commodity exports to China as a primary growth strategy. It’s critical that American agriculture continues to move up the value chain by exporting more value-added products, such as poultry, which uses American corn and soybeans.
The opportunity is enormous. According to the United Nations, poultry is projected to account for more than half of global meat demand growth through 2050.
In an era of international tension and supply chain disruption, nations are placing renewed importance on essential industries such as food production. Countries that can produce protein efficiently, affordably, and at scale will hold powerful economic and national security advantages. America’s “Protein Triangle” positions the United States to compete and lead in the decades ahead.
Editor’s note: Blake Rollins is the President of The Poultry Federation and previously served as USDA’s Deputy Chief of Staff. The opinions expressed are those of the author.