Of the $150 in profit from each hog produced, $30 comes from exports, McCain said.
"If we approve a free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea, that will be 10 more dollars," McCain said. "Agriculture products here in the state of Iowa can feed the world and we're not afraid to compete with anybody."
Democrats quickly responded, saying McCain's position on ethanol subsidies and his opposition to the new farm bill would make it difficult for him to win in Iowa.
"He voted against ethanol subsidies, he's opposed to the farm bill," said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan. "What it proves is he doesn't care about what's important to Iowa."
McCain also continued his criticism of Obama's energy policy, saying "America is hurting right now, we've got a lot of work to do."
McCain was making the most out of his visit to the fair on a relatively cool day with sunny skies. He stopped to see the top-prized boar, a 1,253-pound hog named Freight Train, and vowed to search for a pork chop on a stick, a fair favorite.
He also continued to focus on his long record of serving the country, making the point he has far more experience than the younger Obama.
"I promise you I will put my country first and I will never let you down," McCain said.
