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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 Reminder: Last Day for Discount Registration for Commodity Classic
- NCGA Sees World Corn Supplies Increase
- NCGA Applauds House Vote to Improve Biofuels
- NCGA Meets with Opinion and Policy Makers
- Schwab to Keynote Commodity Classic General Session
- Ethanol Paper Takes One More Look at Net Energy Balance, NCGA Notes
- Corn Growers Remind Customers Ethanol is a ‘Tide That Lifts All Boats’
- NCGA ‘Not Surprised’ by USDA Budget
- NCGA Honors Roach as Top Recruiter
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NCGA Reminder: Last Day for Discount Registration for Commodity Classic
Today is the last day NCGA members can save $25 on registration for the 2007 Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla., March 1-3. (More On This Story)
NCGA Sees World Corn Supplies Increase
U.S. corn supplies remain unchanged while favorable weather and strong market demand are expected to increase production in South America, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report. NCGA President Ken McCauley sees the reaction as normal. (More On This Story)
NCGA Applauds House Vote to Improve Biofuels
By an overwhelming margin, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $10 million for research into making biofuels and low sulfur diesel fuel more compatible with the current U.S. infrastructure, the NCGA notes. (More On This Story)
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Public Policy Action Team members meet with USDA officials. (Front row from left) Mike Geske; Ashley McCarty, Mo. Staff; Ken McCauley, NCGA president; USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Connor; Steve Pigg, PPAT chairman; Keith Sexton; Kyle Phillips; Todd Barlow, Ky. Staff. (Back row from left) Steve Van Voorhis; Darrin Ihnen, NCGA Corn Board liaison; Dave Gillen, PPAT vice chairman; Bob Timmons; Bryant Hokeness; Joe Reed. |
NCGA Meets with Opinion and Policy Makers
Grower leaders from the NCGA covered Washington, D.C., this week, meeting with government officials and news media about ethanol, the 2007 farm bill and other issues. (More On This Story)
Schwab to Keynote Commodity Classic General Session
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Susan Schwab has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address at the 2007 Commodity Classic General Session in Tampa, Fla., on March 2. Commodity Classic is the combined convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association (ASA), the NCGA and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). (More On This Story)
Ethanol Paper Takes One More Look at Net Energy Balance, NCGA notes
Arguments over the net energy of ethanol versus other fuels miss the point, according to a new paper by Bruce E. Dale, professor of chemical engineering at Michigan State University. (More On This Story)
Corn Growers Remind Customers Ethanol is a ‘Tide That Lifts All Boats’
The NCGA respectfully reminds its customers that their negative comments could further exacerbate price challenges. (More On This Story)
NCGA ‘Not Surprised’ by USDA Budget
The proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) budget will rise slightly, with total spending increasing to $89 billion in the2008 fiscal year. The budget is in line with expectations, according to the NCGA. (More On This Story)
NCGA Honors Roach As Top Recruiter
That NCGA will recognize member Leslie Roach with the Hall of Fame Top Recruiter Award at this year’s NCGA’s Awards Banquet, held during Commodity Classic. Roach, of Wheatland, N.D., will be honored for his overall recruiting efforts which include more than 1,800 recruits and 7,500 total recruiting points in just the last five years.. (More On This Story)
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AROUND THE CORN BELT
News
from State Associations
Illinois: Ethanol made its mark at the 21st running of the O'Reilly Chili Bowl Nationals. Illinois’ own Justin Allgaier hit the track as part of the largest and most prestigious Midget race going behind the wheel of Ebby Bergfield's Esslinger-powered Ethanol/Auto Xpres No. 86 Spike. Allagier finished third. Illinois corn growers have been sponsoring Bergfield Racing’s ethanol powered Midget and Sprint entries in competitions for the last two seasons, via their corn checkoff investment.
South Dakota: The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA), in partnership with Farm Credit Services of America and the USDA Risk Management Association (RMA), will present “Growing Forward 2007 – Part II,” a risk management series designed to help producers gain valuable insights and opportunities for growing their operations in 2007. The seminars will be repeated five times during the week of Feb. 19-22 in separate cities to offer producers the opportunity to attend a program in their area:
- Feb. 19: Sioux Falls Ramkota, registration 9 a.m., program 9:30 a.m.
- Feb. 19: Watertown Events Center, registration 3 p.m., program 3:30 p.m.
- Feb. 20: Aberdeen Ramkota, registration 9 a.m., program 9:30 a.m.
- Feb. 21: Huron Crossroads, registration 9 a.m., program 9:30 a.m.
- Feb. 22: Yankton Elks, registration 9 a.m., program 9:30 a.m.
Speakers include Steven Johnson, farm and ag business management field specialist, Iowa State University; and Elwynn Taylor, Extension climatologist at Iowa State University.
Also during the programs, a Farm Credit Services of America crop insurance specialist will discuss affordable ways to manage risk, how to tailor coverage to assist cash flow and ensuring maximum protection not maximum cost. The programs are offered at no cost but pre-registration is required. To register call the SDCGA office at 605-334-0100 or go to www.growingforward2007.com. |
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KEY ISSUES
