NCGA's Mission: To Create and
Increase Opportunities for Corn Growers
This is Corn Commentary, the weekly newsletter for state and national
grower leaders of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). For
complete stories and updated NCGA information, visit www.ncga.com or
the NCGA Leader Resource Center, www.insidencga.com.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- New Analysis of Ethanol Energy Balance Studies Underscores Ethanol’s Benefits
- NCGA Welcomes Fords, GM E85 Initiatives
- Ten Percent Ethanol Standard Headlines Testimony in Missouri Capitol
- NCGA PLA Swatch Cards Available
- NCGA Membership Symposium Early Registration Deadline One Day Away
- NCGA Provides Opportunity to Learn ‘Ins’ and ‘Outs’ of Trade
- Top Notch Talent Highlights Commodity Classic Entertainment
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New Analysis of Ethanol Energy Balance Studies Underscores Ethanol’s Benefits
According to a new analysis issued Thursday by the University of California–Berkeley, ethanol made from corn reduces overall petroleum use and leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. NCGA Ethanol Committee Chairman Bruce Noel said the analysis again supports the fact that ethanol is energy efficient and should set the record straight about the misconceptions about the practicality of ethanol production. (More On This Story)
NCGA Welcomes Ford, GM E85 Initiatives
The NCGA this week welcomed announcements by Ford and General Motors that indicate the automakers are stepping up their efforts to produce and promote flexible fuel vehicles. Ford on Wednesday unveiled the Escape flexible-fuel hybrid and General Motors announced its “Live Green Go Yellow” initiative, a national advertising and marketing campaign to build awareness and market acceptance for E85. (More On This Story)
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| Jon Doggett, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) vice president of public policy, was interviewed this week by Norah O’Donnell for MSNBC Television. Doggett discussed the impact of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal and potential legislation to reform lobbying in Washington, D.C. Doggett also spoke about the changing moods on Capitol Hill and discussed how, for grassroots associations like NCGA, it is critical to be able to invite members of Congress on barge tours and to family farms so those members can experience in person the needs of producers.
The interview is scheduled to be on “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” Friday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
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Ten Percent Ethanol Standard Headlines Testimony in Missouri Capitol
Addressing the ongoing debate on ethanol and corn supply, Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) President Terry Hilgedick, and NCGA Director of Public Policy Samantha Slater testified this week before Missouri State Legislature Agriculture Committees, which are currently considering legislation requiring a 10 percent ethanol standard. (More On This Story)
NCGA PLA Swatch Cards Available
PLA swatch cards, featuring two square inches of fabric made from corn, are now available courtesy of the NCGA. PLA, also known as polylactic acid, is a corn-based material used for products such as fabric, utensils and cups. PLA displaces oil as a key ingredient in these products, which are completely compostable. (More On This Story)
NCGA Membership Symposium Early Registration Deadline One Day Away
Recruiters enrolling in the fifth annual NCGA Membership Symposium Feb. 6-8, 2006, in Tampa, Fla will save 50 percent on registration if they sign up by tomorrow’s early-bird deadline. (More On This Story)
NCGA Provides Opportunity to Learn ‘Ins’ and ‘Outs’ of Trade
NCGA growers have the opportunity to learn the “ins” and “outs” of domestic and international trade issues at the upcoming NCGA Trade School, Jan. 26-27 at the Rosemont Hyatt, Rosemont, Ill. (More On This Story)
Top Notch Talent Highlights Commodity Classic Entertainment
Attendees to the 10th Annual Commodity Classic, the annual convention and trade show of the NCGA and the American Soybean Association, will enjoy a musical experience unlike any other, as three country music stars take the stage. The trade show and convention is March 2-4 in Anaheim, Calif. (More On This Story)
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AROUND THE CORN BELT
News
from State Associations
Minnesota: More than 400 corn producers from around Minnesota got a real boost from Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who gave rousing addresses at the Minnesota Ag EXPO, the annual gathering of Minnesota's corn organizations. Chambliss, who serves as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, came to EXPO specifically to address the outlook for the next farm bill, which Congress is set to craft this year, in order to have it ready by 2007, when the current farm bill expires. Chambliss believes it will be possible to maintain most of the provisions of the current farm bill, and he advised that in order to assure this, all the groups representing producers of all the farm commodities need to get together and speak with a unified voice.
Illinois: Illinois became the first state in the United States to offer farmers and other landowners the opportunity to earn and sell greenhouse gas emissions credits by adopting various conservation practices. These practices limit airborne levels of carbon dioxide and methane that are believed to contribute to global climate change. The new project is called the Illinois Conservation and Climate Initiative (ICCI), and it is being implemented in partnership with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX®), the Delta Institute, and an Advisory Committee representing Illinois agriculture and conservation groups. CCX is North America’s only voluntary, legally binding greenhouse gas emission reduction and trading system. CCX allows the carbon benefits from these conservation practices to be quantified, credited and sold to its members, including large companies, municipalities, and institutions, that have made a commitment to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and wish to do so by purchasing “carbon offset credits.”
Nebraska: As discussion on the next farm bill heats up, the Nebraska Corn Board is encouraging grassroots input from the farming community. There are four ways producers can provide input to the Nebraska Corn Board:
- Go to the special “Farm Bill Comment” page on the Nebraska Corn Board web site at www.nebraskacorn.org.
- Send an e-mail to ne.corninfo@necorn.state.ne.us.
- Mail a letter to the Nebraska Corn Board, P.O. Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509, or fax it to 402-471-3345.
- Call the Nebraska Corn Board office in Lincoln at 800-632-6761.
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KEY ISSUES
