Foreword

The National Corn Growers Association capitalized on several “Winning Strategies” in 2005. Years of members’ hard work were rewarded with two tremendous legislative accomplishments—a 7.5 billion gallon renewable fuels standard (RFS) contained within the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). A third legislative prize, the Water Resources Development Act, did not receive Senate floor time this fall due to a hectic Senate schedule.

However, it is important to note that the work is not complete. Implementation of the RFS and CAFTA-DR and a grower-education process of new rules set by the laws must be in place. These legislative victories are part of a larger strategy to move products for the nation’s corn growers.

Inside we review the key tactics NCGA employed in fiscal year 2005 on behalf of its 32,000 members and affiliated state organizations. As we head into 2006, NCGA’s grower-led action teams, committees and working groups have set a course to position corn growers for a successful and profitable future.