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:
- NCGA Tells Senate Panel: Enough Corn for all Markets
- NCGA Leaders Attend Academy, Meet with Congress
- NCGA Asks Congress to Approve Cellulosic Ethanol Funding
- USDA Farm Bill Proposal Highlights Merit of Revenue Based Program, NCGA notes
- NCGA Answers Ethanol Critics
- USTR Schwab Scheduled to Deliver Commodity Classic Keynote Address
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NCGA Tells Senate Panel: Enough Corn for all Markets
With the spotlight this week on biofuels, NCGA President Ken McCauley told the Senate corn growers will continue to provide enough corn for all markets – food, feed, export and fuel – through NCGA’s 15 x 15 x 15 goal. (More On This Story) |
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(From left) S. Dakota Sen. John Thune, corn grower Chad Blindauer and his wife, Kristina, discussed NCGA's 2007 farm bill proposal yesterday. Blindauer took part in the NCGA Leadership program, under way in Washington, D.C. |
NCGA Leaders Attend Academy, Meet With Congress
Grower leaders from a dozen states complete the NCGA Leadership Academy today in Washington, D.C. (More On This Story)
NCGA Asks Congress to Approve Cellulosic Ethanol Funding
While President George Bush prepares his long-term budget proposals, the NCGA is working to ensure important research and development work continues for cellulosic ethanol. (More On This Story)
USDA Farm Bill Proposal Highlights Merit of Revenue Based Program, NCGA notes
Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Mike Johanns released 2007 farm bill recommendations, some components of which mirror a revenue-based farm program similar to the NCGA proposals, which is based on revenue rather than price. NCGA’s proposal is designed to be more market-oriented, but also more effective in protecting farm crop revenue against production losses, depressed prices and rising input costs. (More On This Story)
NCGA Answers Ethanol Critics
Since President George Bush set a national goal of 35 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2017, critics of the policy have been vocal in their opposition. Many have cited inaccurate statistics, out-of-date studies and biased speculation. In a continuing effort to set the record straight about the role of corn in helping the U.S. achieve energy security, the NCGA has published another in the Our View series of commentaries.
USTR Schwab Scheduled to Deliver Commodity Classic Keynote Address
The General Session of the 2007 Commodity Classic promises to be one of the most dynamic ever with a full lineup of speakers, highlighted by scheduled keynote speaker U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Susan Schwab. (More On This Story)
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AROUND THE CORN BELT
News
from State Associations
Iowa: Corn growers Pam Johnson and Ron Litterer were in Washington D.C. this week meeting with congressional and administration officials. As part of their trip, they were able to stand and applaud as the President unveiled his aggressive renewable fuels initiative that included 20% usage by 2017. Both growers also met with USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns to talk about renewable fuels, corn supply, demand, research, and the next farm bill. During their visit, Secretary Johanns rolled a 1.6 billion dollar proposal for renewable energy as part of the 2007 farm bill recommendations.
Minnesota: The state’s 16 operational ethanol plants will produce 620 million gallons of the cleaner-burning renewable energy source this year, according to the latest report from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Marketing Service Division. The report foresees Minnesota ethanol production nearly doubling by 2008. "To see the economic powerhouse that ethanol has become in Minnesota and across America confirms that all the efforts put into the development of this industry have been worthwhile," said Curt Watson, a Renville, Minnesota farmer and president of Minnesota Corn Growers Association. "The government investment in this industry has been repaid many times over, and the robust prices that ethanol demand has generated are bringing new prosperity to our farmers, allowing them to earn their livelihood from the market alone."
Nebraska: Terms for three members of the Nebraska Corn Development, Utilization and Marketing Board will expire June 21, 2007. The members represent Districts 1, 4, and 5. The current directors have indicated they will pursue reappointment. Appointments to the board are made by the Governor. Any candidate for appointment may place his or her name on the candidacy list by filing a petition with the Nebraska Corn Board. Petitions may be obtained by writing the Nebraska Corn Board, P.O. Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509-5107 or by calling (800) 632-6761. A candidacy petition must carry the signature of at least 50 corn producers from that district. All petitions must be received by the Corn Board no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 18, 2007. Faxed copies do not qualify.
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KEY ISSUES
