One of the things I enjoy most about my job as president of the National Corn Growers Association is the opportunity to meet people from all lines of work.

As a corn grower, I’m often thinking about the issues involved with running a farming operation in Ohio. We often forget that for every corn grower out there, there are agronomists, truck drivers, researchers, marketers and others who make up the world of corn. They help us raise our crop, they help us get it to market, and they help develop new products that will make use of the corn we produce.

Like many corn growers, I’m deeply interested in talking to the other people who live day to day with the concerns and issues that affect us all. At the end of the day, our mission is about people, their aspirations and their vision for the world of corn.

That’s why “The World of Corn 2003” tells our story from six personal viewpoints. As you read, you will meet other corn growers, a barge captain, a scientist, a public servant and a corn trader. And you’ll also gain insight into how your investment in NCGA is paying off.

In fact, we just recently signed our first licensing agreement for a polyol product developed through research funded by your checkoff dollars. The agreement is the first of many that we expect will return dividends to the organization that can be used to invest in additional research and other initiatives that build value in our crop.

As we continue our march forward, the NCGA will rely on you and all of the other people who make up the world of corn to help us drive initiatives on biotechnology, ethanol, farm policy, new uses, trade and transportation. Together we are 32,000 voices strong and making a difference.

I wish you a successful 2003. At the NCGA we are honored to speak for the most efficient producers in the world.

— Fred Yoder, President, NCGA