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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 Takes Farm Bill Proposals to Capitol Hill
Ag Day Highlights Growing Industry, Notes NCGA
Oberstar Makes Good on WRDA as Priority, Notes NCGA
NCGA Corn Board Hears Ethanol Industry Update
NCGA Touts Revenue Safety Net at Farm Bill Forum
Aflatoxin Research Shows Promise, NCGA Says
NCGA Supports Transparency, Science-Based Regulations in Korea FTA

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NCGA Takes Farm Bill Proposals to Capitol Hill
Members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Board fanned out across Washington, D.C., Thursday to meet with members of their congressional delegations and discuss NCGA’s National Farm Security Act proposal and pending legislation. (More On This Story)

NCGA grower leaders took to Capitol Hill this week to discuss increased funding levels for farm policy and NCGA’s 2007 farm bill proposal. At left, Corn Board member Bob Dickey (left) meets with his Congressman, Nebraska Third District Representative Adrian Smith. On the right, NCGA President Ken McCauley (left) spoke with House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.).

Ag Day Highlights Growing Industry, Notes NCGA
Members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Board attended a luncheon in Washington, D.C., Thursday to kickoff National Agriculture Week. (More On This Story)

Oberstar Makes Good on WRDA as Priority, Notes NCGA
The Water Resources Development Act, legislation that failed in the 109th Congress, has made a splash in the 110th, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Following through on a promise to corn growers last fall, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar introduced the legislation Tuesday, which made its way favorably in and out of subcommittee. It is expected to pass through the full committee today. (More On This Story)

NCGA Corn Board Hears Ethanol Industry Update
Three billion gallons of ethanol production capacity will come online in 2007, giving supplies an opportunity to come into balance with demand, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) was told Wednesday. (More On This Story

Members of the Production and Stewardship Action Team tour the Zen-Noh Grain Corporation export terminal, one of North America’s largest, in Convent, La. From left are: Roger and Carolyn Zylstra; Gary Edwards; Zen Noah facility manager Todd Canatella; NCGA Director of Livestock and Economic Analysis Max Starbuck; Doug Albin; Michigan Corn Growers Association liaison Betsy Atherton; Jim Thyen.

NCGA Touts Revenue Safety Net at Farm Bill Forum
Touting the many benefits of changing farm policy that is price targeted to one that is more market oriented, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) urged commodity groups, Congress and other industry-related representatives to take a constructive look at the merits of its proposed National Farm Security Act (NFSA). (More On This Story)

Aflatoxin Research Shows Promise, NCGA Says
With corn being planted in some areas of the South already, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is cooperating with public and private researchers looking at reducing aflatoxin in corn. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by various fungi, which is produced by two types of mold: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxin is most prevalent in corn, cotton, peanuts and tree nuts. (More On This Story)

NCGA Supports Transparency, Science-Based Regulations in Korea FTA
Negotiations of a free trade agreement (FTA) with Korea will positively impact agriculture as long as biotechnology rules keep market opportunities open for producers, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). While NCGA supports ongoing FTA negotiations, assurances must be made to include regulations affecting food, feed and seed products derived from biotechnology are transparent, science-based and non-discriminatory in addition to more market access for livestock producers. (More On This Story)

AROUND THE CORN BELT
News from State Associations

IIllinois: The signing of an ethanol agreement between the U.S. – Brazilian represents a natural and positive step forward for the development of a international ethanol industry, according to the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA). The memorandum of understanding signed by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim covers various aspects of the ethanol market. Under the memorandum of understanding, the two countries will promote international efforts to standardize technical specifications for ethanol. The goal is to establish ethanol as an internationally traded commodity. “This is a positive development if it raises the world’s awareness of the potential for ethanol fuels and the contribution it can make to our energy needs. However, we will watch these developments closely to assure any future agreements are formulated in the context of fair trade,” said Steve Ruh, ICGA President of Sugar Grove.

Nebraska: In recent months, officials of the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Cattlemen have worked more closely together to address issues of mutual interest. The latest chapter in this cooperative venture is a joint lobbying effort this week in Washington, D.C. “As far as we know, this is the first time that Nebraska corn and cattle industries have actually traveled together to Capitol Hill to discuss issues of mutual concern with federal officials,” said Jon Holzfaster of Paxton, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “In the past, corn and cattle have basically focused on our own agendas. This week we’re working on those issues that we have in common with each other.” According to Stan Boehr of Henderson, chair of the Nebraska Corn Board’s government affairs committee, the two groups have targeted environmental and trade issues, and lobbied for more research on the production and feeding of distillers grains to livestock. In addition to meetings with Nebraska‘s congressional representatives and their staffs, the delegation also plans to meet with Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, other USDA officials, and leaders of the House Agriculture Committee

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Next Week:
March 20-22:	Research and Business Development Action Team meeting in Indianapolis, Ind.
March 21-23:	Grower Services Action Team meeting in Phoenix, Ariz.
March 21:	National Agriculture Day
March 16:	NCGA Chairman Gerald Tumbleson attends the Ag Council of America board of directors meeting in Washington, D.C.
Calendar information is available on the NCGA Leader Resource Center, http://www.insidencga.com © 2007 National Corn Growers Association