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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:

NCGA’s Tolman Says Future of Agriculture is Bright Thanks to FFA
NCGA’s Doggett Emphasizes Ample Corn Supply at U.S. Chamber Biofuels Event
NCGA Comments on Surface Transportation Board Proposed Rate Case Revisions
NCGA Promotes Communications as Key Component in Coexistence Farming
NCGA Releases Analysis of Proposed Revenue-based Program for Corn

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NCGA’s Tolman Says Future of Agriculture is Bright Thanks to FFA National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) CEO Rick Tolman’s faith in agriculture is rarely shaken. But it always helps to have his faith get a boost from time to time. Tolman’s confidence in agriculture received such a boost when he attended the FFA national convention in Indianapolis this week. (More On This Story)

NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett discussed the key issues of corn supply, market demand and ethanol during the "Biofuels and the Future of U.S. Energy," conference hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. The panel included, from left to right: Rick Zalesky, Chevron; Mary Beth Stanek, General Motors; Doggett; David Vernon Lustig, Unilever.

NCGA’s Doggett Emphasizes Ample Corn Supply at U.S. Chamber Biofuels Event
Corn producers are providing enough corn to meet the demands of the bustling ethanol industry and all other markets. NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett delivered this message in Washington, D.C., Wednesday at “Biofuels and the Future of U.S. Energy,” hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (More On This Story)

NCGA Comments on Surface Transportation Board Proposed Rate Case Revisions
The NCGA, as part of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group, submitted comments today to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) reiterating the need for simplified and improved small rail rate case procedures. (More On This Story)

NCGA Promotes Communication as Key Component in Coexistence Farming
NCGA members Martin Barbre and Jimmy Wedel promoted communication as the best method to ensure coexistence among farmers at a conference in Albuquerque, N.M., last week. (More On This Story)

NCGA Releases Analysis of Proposed Revenue-based Program for Corn
The NCGA today released its preliminary analysis on the impact of a revenue-based safety net program for corn growers. (More On This Story)

AROUND THE CORN BELT
News from State Associations

Colorado: The Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) and Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) are pleased to announce the hiring of Mark Sponsler as executive director. He replaces John Cevette who retired last spring. Sponsler, who acted as interim executive director since June, was Colorado Corn's director of agronomic services for three years. "I'm honored to be selected to this position," said Sponsler. "This organization works very hard serving producers and agriculture in Colorado, and I couldn't be happier about this opportunity." CCGA President Trent Bushner and CCAC President Steve Scott made the announcement official after a long interview process. "He'll do a great job," said Bushner. "Five highly qualified individuals made the short list of candidates and Mark rose to the top. We're glad to have been able to hire someone with his knowledge of agriculture and the programs Colorado Corn has implemented."

Illinois: Panamanians overwhelmingly endorsed a plan to modernize the country’s aging Panama Canal. Government officials argued the $5.25 billion project would generate jobs and keep the canal relevant for future generations. The overhaul, to begin next year, will double the canal’s capacity by adding a third set of locks that are 40 percent longer and 60 percent wider than the current ones. Constructed by the United States in 1914, the canal these days is congested and too small to handle the world’s largest container vessels and tankers. American vessels remain the biggest users of the canal, with an estimated 45 to 55 percent of U.S. corn exports traversing the canal, followed by Chinese and Japanese ships, according to the Panama Canal Authority, the operator. The canal handles about 4 percent of global trade. The canal, 50 miles long, employs 8,000 Panamanians and is the nation’s primary income generator as well as a source of national pride. The expansion, which will be financed by loans and higher fees charged to shippers, is scheduled to be completed in 2014.


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Next Week
Oct. 31-Nov. 3	NCGA Corn Board member Bob Dickey attends the U.S. Meat Export Federation Strategic Planning and Marketing Conference in Cancun, Mexico.
Nov. 2:	NCGA President Ken McCauley and CEO Rick Tolman attend 4th Annual South Dakota Corn Growers Association Pheasant Hunt in White Lake, S.D.
Nov. 2-3:	NCGA Chairman Gerald Tumbleson and Vice President of Research and Business Development Dr. Richard Glass attend Monsanto Grower Advisory Committee meeting in St. Louis.
Nov. 4:	NCGA CEO Rick Tolman attends Agriculture Future of America conference in Kansas City, Mo.
	Calendar information is available on the NCGA Leader Resource Center, http://www.insidencga.com
Calendar information is available on the NCGA Leader Resource Center, http://www.insidencga.com © 2005 National Corn Growers Association