Protein Demand, Local Corn Impact: Shelby Watson Shares Insights

We recently caught up with Shelby Watson following the announcement of her promotion to Director, The Americas & Allied Industry Programs at USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC). In her expanded role, Shelby is taking on new responsibilities across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean while continuing to lead USAPEEC’s work with key commodity partners like IL Corn. We asked Shelby about the connection between poultry exports and corn demand, and what she’s watching in global trade. Check out our Q&A to learn more about how Shelby’s work helps build markets and value for U.S. poultry and Illinois corn farmers alike.

Q: For those who may not be familiar, can you explain what USAPEEC does and how your work impacts global markets for U.S. poultry and eggs?

A: The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) is a non-profit trade association whose members account for more than 95% of all U.S. poultry exports. We work to increase U.S. poultry and egg exports by protecting markets, opening markets, developing markets and serving as the industry’s voice on trade and policy issues. At the heart we are a marketing organization, but over the years we have evolved into a well-rounded organization heavily involved in the day-to-day trade issues that our U.S. poultry companies and traders face.

Q: Corn farmers in Illinois might not immediately connect poultry exports with corn demand. Can you walk us through how these two are linked?

A: Illinois corn farmers’ profit potential stands to grow as the demand for U.S. poultry and egg exports increases. Growth of U.S. poultry exports is particularly important as the poultry industry is the largest user of corn meal among livestock groups, accounting for 36 percent of all corn meal produced in the U.S. The U.S. poultry industry exported 3.6 million metric tons (MMT) of poultry and egg products which is equivalent to 254 million corn bushels worth over $5.84 billion in 2024. By comparison, U.S. pork and beef export quantity in 2024 was 3.0 MMT and 1.2 MMT, respectively.

Q: As global trade dynamics evolve, what are some current opportunities or challenges you're watching when it comes to poultry exports?

A: There are both significant challenges and exciting opportunities shaping poultry exports today. High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains a constant hurdle, as outbreaks can trigger immediate trade restrictions and disrupt our carefully built supply chains; however, USAPEEC has worked diligently to facilitate regionalization agreements and have staff working daily to make sure those agreements are observed and that restrictions are lifted quickly to minimize impact. These efforts are in great thanks to IL Corn Marketing Board funding that allow us to maintain our Trade Policy Taskforce whose focus is ensuring smooth consistent trade. Despite these disruptions and broader trade complexities, the global appetite for protein is a huge win for us. We're witnessing a growing worldwide focus on protein consumption in consumers' diets, and since poultry is often the most affordable and accessible animal protein, this sustained demand offers a strong foundation for continued growth and new market development, even in a volatile trade environment.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you hope USAPEEC continues to grow its impact and how might that continued growth benefit U.S. / Illinois corn farmers?

A: Moving forward, I hope USAPEEC continues to grow its impact by strategically building demand for U.S. poultry in key international markets. Also, our ongoing efforts to gain more market access and our work towards removing trade barriers in important markets will be crucial. This growth directly benefits U.S. and, specifically, Illinois corn farmers because increased exports of U.S. poultry inherently lead to a greater consumption of corn meal.

Shelby’s leadership at USAPEEC represents a vital link between global poultry markets and the economic future of Illinois corn farmers. As she continues to expand opportunities for U.S. poultry exports, her work directly supports corn demand and builds long-term value for agriculture. We’re excited to see what’s ahead and proud to work alongside partners like Shelby and the USAPEEC team.

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From the Archives to the Field: A Student's Take on Illinois Corn History

By Tara Desmond • June 11, 2026

How much do you know about the farmers who came before you and the decisions that still shape Illinois agriculture today? That's what University of Illinois student Lyndon Shi set out to explore during his internship with IL Corn . What began as an archival research project became a deeper look at the history of farmer leadership, innovation and advocacy in Illinois. While digging through university archives, Lyndon uncovered an undigitized manuscript from agricultural economist Harold Guither explaining the case for checkoffs. When he mentioned the discovery to IL Corn Director Rod Weinzierl, he got an unexpected response: "Oh yeah, I know him. We worked with him." It was a reminder that agricultural history isn't as distant as it may seem. Lyndon's research connected two eras of the IL Corn Growers Association: the original organization founded in the 1890s and the modern ICGA established in the 1970s. He learned how University of Illinois agriculture dean Eugene Davenport helped organize corn growers and sent professors across the state on "Corn Gospel Trains" to share the latest farming research. One story stood out in particular: the adoption of hybrid corn. Farmers who once judged corn by the appearance of the ear had to shift their focus to yield. Lyndon sees a similar transition today, as farmers increasingly balance yield with profitability amid rising input costs. "Illinois corn farmers are very good at organizing, and they are genuinely very grassroots," Lyndon said. "They've had a much more active role in shaping policy rather than just being on the receiving end." This Summer and Fall, Lyndon will travel to Taiwan on a federal scholarship to study food security. He'll do so with a new appreciation for Illinois agriculture's global connections, including Taiwan's longstanding role as an important trading partner. Watch the full conversation on IL Corn TV to hear Lyndon's research firsthand and discover how Illinois corn's history continues to influence the future.