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"The World of Corn 2002" details a lot of facts about production, consumption, challenges and opportunities. This is the only place all of this information is compiled in one single source. Our job is to examine those facts on your behalf to identify trends and opportunities. As an organization, we ’re looking closely at where resources can be spent to extract value for the corn grower in the longterm. Consider the example of transportation. Our antiquated system of locks and dams that allows us to serve our export markets is grossly inefficient for barge traffic. Those inefficiencies hamper the price that you are paid for your crop both at the river and at your local elevator, regardless of where your grain is headed. The NCGA is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Congress to replace our current river system with longer, more efficient locks and dams on our most important river ways. In biotechnology, we continue to work with both government and industry to ensure new technologies have a sustainable future, meaning long-term product acceptance and value for our customers. We ’re working to enact a Renewable Fuels Standard that has the goal of tripling the demand for ethanol by 2010. We can also thank industry for their leader- ship in helping to drive ethanol demand. Recently John Rabby, Vice- President, Ag Products Division for BASF, sent a letter to all employees urging them to support the industry by using ethanol in their own vehicles. With the support of industry and our membership, we will continue to fund research and development that identify new innovative ways to use corn and create markets. As representatives of U.S.corn growers, we ’re not immune from the feeling of pride we have in what you and I do. We represent the most innovative, productive and efficient corn growers in the world. You are our greatest strength. With your support, we will continue to establish new uses, new markets and new opportunities to ensure that the United States remains the world ’s leading corn producer for decades to come. I wish you a productive and prosperous 2002. Sincerely,
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It ’s a tough time to be a corn grower, but an exciting one.
While the corn price remains low, overall yields were strong in
2001.While corn exports remained about the same in 2001, ethanol
consumption grew. And while the Farm Bill does not solve all of
our problems, the work of the National Corn Growers Association
(NCGA) with our nation’s leaders is beginning to pay dividends
in the opening of new markets for corn and corn products. So while
the year 2001 brought about many challenges, we do have a lot to
look forward to – and much to accomplish.
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My friends, given the current environment there is little question that we live in a small world. Never before has it been so apparent that we are part of a global marketplace – one that can be radically changed by a single event on a single day.
It makes our job all the more critical. The world has changed a bit, but be assured that the National Corn Growers Association has been back at work on your behalf. While the critical need to improve the safety and security of our country did divert attention from issues critical to the corn grower, such as the Farm Bill, ethanol, trade and biotechnology, we all regrouped and our agenda is again on the minds of our nation’s decision makers. There is a great, positive symbol of what this country has to offer: It’s the U.S. corn grower. You represent resilience, innovation and strength. We salute you and thank you for your part in leading the World of Corn.
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