The world around us is in a constant state of change and evolution. Agriculture, and specifically, the world of corn, is no different. Production practices have improved the efficiency of today’s corn producers in the United States and abroad. And it seems everywhere we look, someone has discovered a new use for corn. While the livestock producer remains our industry’s largest customer, there are thousands of products manufactured from corn – from ethanol to industrial solvents to fluffy pillows and corn sweeteners. This is the world of corn.

As president of the National Corn Growers Association, let me welcome you to the World of Corn 2004. This publication is our annual yearbook that showcases the progress and change within our industry. The NCGA represents the corn industry and the interests of more than 33,000 dues-paying corn growers from 48 states. We work on behalf of 25 state affiliate organizations and more than 300,000 farmers who contribute to corn checkoff programs in 20 states.

Our mission is to build opportunity for corn growers with a focus on six key issues that offer producers the greatest potential for market growth and development: biotechnology, ethanol and co-products, trade, transportation, research and business development, and farm and rural development. And it's not only corn growers who benefit from this focus. Our success in these areas creates new jobs throughout the U.S. economy, contributes to a cleaner environment and provides consumers with innovative products.

While many of NCGA's initiatives are national in scope, we strive to build connections via grassroots communication. No one is better at sharing our story with industry, government and consumers than the farmers who plant the seeds. The continued growth of the U.S. corn industry depends on our ability to create meaningful connections with those who benefit both directly and indirectly from the world of corn.

— Dee Vaughan, President, NCGA