IN THIS ISSUE:

• NCGA Encouraged by Introduction of RFS Legislation
• NCGA's Yoder on Planned RFS Rally: Now is the Time
• NCGA Pleased Disaster Aid May Finally Reach Farmers
• NCGA Building Congressional Support for the Missouri River; Encourages Members to Contact their Representatives
• NCGA Provides Future Grower Leaders with Perspective on National Issues
• NCGA's Snider Promotes DDGS at Kansas Bio-Fuels Workshop
• NCGA's Tibbits, Snider Continue Building Partnerships at NCBA Conference
• Growers Gain Valuable Experience on the "Classic Track"
• NCGA Recruiters To Be Recognized For A Job Well Done At Commodity Classic
• NCGA's Klein Earns Nebraska Corn's Golden Ear Award

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REMINDER: There are only 13 more days before the 2003 Commodity Classic! Visit www.commodityclassic.com <http://www.ncga.com> to register!
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NCGA Encouraged by Introduction of RFS Legislation

Leaders of the NCGA said they were encouraged by the introduction of a renewable fuels standard (RFS) bill in the Senate. The bipartisan legislation, introduced Thursday by Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., includes a scheduled required use of ethanol in the nation's motor fuel supply that gradually increases over the next eight years. According to the schedule, a required use 2.3 billion gallons of ethanol is set for next year. By 2012 the requirement would be at 5 billion gallons.

NCGA advocates a national RFS because it would provide a stable demand for the use of ethanol, while reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

The key provisions of the bill are identical to RFS legislation introduced in the 107th Congress. That measure, included in the Senate energy bill, survived three amendments to strike it but died when Congress adjourned.

Cosponsors of the bill include: Sens. Dick Lugar, R-Ind; Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.; Tim Johnson, D-S.D.; Byron Dorgan, D-N.D.; George Voinovich, R-Ohio; Ben Nelson, D-Neb.; Kit Bond, R-Mo.; Tom Harkin, D-Iowa; Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Jim Talent, R-Mo.; Mark Dayton, D-Minn.; Norm Coleman, R-Minn.; and Peter Fitzgerald, R-Ill.

NCGA's Yoder on Planned RFS Rally: Now is the Time

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) took a step forward Thursday in its efforts for a renewable fuels standard (RFS) in 2003 when a group of bipartisan senators led by Tom Daschle, D-S.D., re-introduced legislation for an RFS. The association will now re-energize supporters for the RFS at a rally, March 18-19 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. "With the RFS being re-introduced this week, now is the time to start keying in on our legislators and to get our growers informed on the topic," said NCGA President Fred Yoder. "Timing is everything and now is the time to really focus on this issue, especially with oil prices going sky-high and gas prices nearing $2 per gallon. Right now, ethanol makes more sense than it ever has." Topics to be addressed during the RFS Rally include:

• a presentation on exposing ethanol myths provided by Ed Murphy of the American Petroleum Institute (API);
• a coalition panel made up of groups such as API, American Farm Bureau and the Renewable Fuels Association;
• and a legislative history of the RFS provided by NCGA Vice President of Public Policy, Jon Doggett.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., has also been invited to speak to attendees. For more details and to register for the rally, visit the NCGA web site at <http://www.ncga.com/ethanol/rally/index.htm>.

NCGA Pleased Disaster Aid May Finally Reach Farmers

NCGA President Fred Yoder Thursday said the organization is pleased Congress is sending a $3.1 billion disaster aid measure to the floor. By the same token, Yoder also expressed deep concerns about the source of funds being tapped to pay for the proposal.

NCGA had strongly supported the savings offsets approved by the Senate last month as a more equitable method. To stay within a FY 03 appropriations spending cap of $390 billion, the Senate earlier approved a 2.9 percent across-the-board cut to fund agriculture disaster assistance and increases in Medicare payments. Yoder also said NCGA is troubled Congress did not reform the method of delivering disaster aid to better help farmers cope with future adverse weather conditions.

Yoder said NCGA will continue to advocate for a such a measure. Last fall, Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., introduced a bill backed by NCGA, the Companion Disaster Assistance Program Act. Modeled after the private companion hail insurance policy, Rep. Graves' legislation would deliver graduated disaster payments to cover part of the deductible in federal crop insurance contracts and that vary with the degree of losses.

NCGA Building Congressional Support for the Missouri River; Encourages Members to Contact their Representatives

During the past two weeks, NCGA has been working with congressional members to build support for Missouri River legislation.

NCGA has worked to quickly generate support for Sen. Kit Bond's, R-Mo., amendment to the FY '03 Omnibus Appropriations bill. NCGA then responded to Missouri Reps. Kenny Hulshof's (R), and Ike Skelton's (D) request for help in championing the original intent of Bond's amendment, which was dropped during Senate consideration in order to avoid a lengthy floor debate.

Bond's amendment would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to utilize flow to target releases to manage the Missouri River in 2003. It would also allow the Corps to relocate any bird nests that are affected by rising flows. The amendment was intended to build upon an agreement between the eight basin states on how to manage the river in 2003. This is the first time in 14 years all eight states have agreed on a management plan. Yet, a few Senators from upper basin states refused to recognize the recommendations of their own governors and state hydrologists.

NCGA policy supports placing the highest value on the economical uses of the river, including navigation, flood control and irrigation. It also recognizes the importance of environment and recreation. NCGA is encouraging its members to call their congressional representatives in support of including the original intent of the Bond amendment in the FY '03 Omnibus package.

NCGA Provides Future Grower Leaders with Perspective on National Issues

The NCGA grower leaders of tomorrow sharpened their skill-building tools and reviewed issues facing today's corn growers at the NCGA Iowa Regional Leadership meeting, Feb. 4-5. The conference, held in Des Moines, Iowa, gave future leaders the opportunity to learn presentation and media interview skills, as well as a rundown on NCGA's priority issues. NCGA Membership Services Manager Byron Keelin kicked off the meeting with an overview of what NCGA is doing nationally on behalf of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB). Syngenta Crop Protection Public Relations Manager Ken Gordon also provided some do's and don'ts for the attendees when dealing with the media. ICPB Chairman Curt Jones led a presentation on his leadership experiences, as well as issues faced by the ICPB on behalf of their checkoff contributors. The young leaders-in-training tested their interview skills to with Gary Wergin, co-host of Des Moines-based WHO Radio's "The Big Show." Wergin not only provided them with some tips, but also interviewed them on a subject hitting close to home, the moratorium on livestock establishments.

NCGA's Snider Promotes DDGS at Kansas Bio-Fuels Workshop

While many agree ethanol provides a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum-based fuels, co-products tend to go unnoticed. In a continuing effort to promote ethanol as well as products formed during ethanol production, NCGA Livestock Programs and Information Manager Tracy Snider attended the Kansas Bio-Fuels Workshop in Topeka, Jan. 22-23. Snider was invited to speak on the marketing panel regarding distillers grains use and sales throughout the United States. She also addressed issues such as who NCGA feels are both the customers and consumers of DDGS, the potential market for the product, and the importance of the co-product industry. The conference, hosted by BBI and sponsored by the Kansas Corn Commission, drew more than 200 attendees from the ethanol, livestock and banking industries.

The meeting was effective in reaching new individuals interested in the ethanol industry, Snider concluded.

NCGA's Tibbits, Snider Continue Building Partnerships at NCBA Conference

NCGA has been working with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) to focus efforts on water quality and environmental issues in an effort to mutually benefit both groups. To further this partnership, NCGA Corn Board member John Tibbits and Livestock Information and Programs Manager Tracy Snider journeyed to Nashville, Jan. 28-30, to attend the NCBA Annual Convention.

The pair attended the Cattlemen's College sessions on the farm bill, as well as attending several learning sessions hosted by NCBA. Snider also participated in a session concerning new confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) regulations released by EPA earlier this year. Topics covered included the cost of on-farm implementation, as well as the new phosphorus regulations. NCGA is working on a project focusing on livestock moratoriums and restrictive laws on livestock expansion.

Growers Gain Valuable Experience on the "Classic Track"

Commodity Classic begins in just a couple of weeks. Soybean and corn producers who attend 2003 Commodity Classic can learn how to increase efficiency and profitability to improve the bottom line of their farming operation. Commodity Classic is Feb. 27-March 1 in Charlotte, N.C. It is the eighth annual convention and trade show of the NCGA and American Soybean Association (ASA).

The trade show includes about 600 booths representing a wide range of agriculture companies and organizations. The seminars will address topics ranging from marketing to new products to the future of agriculture. For complete details about Commodity Classic in Charlotte, N.C., visit the www.commodityclassic.com <http://www.commodityclassic.com> or call 636-928-3700 and ask for a registration kit.

NCGA Recruiters to be Recognized For a Job Well Done at Commodity Classic

Question: It's hard work and it's done for no pay, but without it, NCGA wouldn't exist. What is it?

Answer: Recruiting.

NCGA's top recruiters already have full-time jobs and then some. Not only are they farmers, but they're also active with their county, state and national grower organizations.
To show appreciation for their tireless efforts, NCGA is honoring top recruiters for 2002 at a reception Feb. 27 at this year's Commodity Classic in Charlotte, N.C. The event, sponsored by Syngenta Seeds and Syngenta Crop Protection, will be held at the Hilton Charlotte & Towers, Mecklenburg Room. For more information and to make reservations, contact Mike Shelby at 636-733-9004 or e-mail at shelby@ncga.com <mailto:shelby@ncga.com>.

NCGA's Klein Earns Nebraska Corn's Golden Ear Award

In honor of a life spent making positive contributions to agriculture and the corn industry, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) presented NCGA Past President Lee Klein with the Golden Ear award at NeCGA's Husker Feed Grains and Soybean Conference. Klein said the award ranked as a high point of a career in agriculture. "It was neat. When you get honored by your peers, that's always an honor," said the Battle Creek, corn grower. "It ranks pretty high for me."

NCGA THIS WEEK

• Feb. 17 NCGA offices closed in recognition of President's Day holiday
• Feb. 17-20 NCGA Livestock Programs and Information Manager Tracy Snider will attend the Eighth Annual National Ethanol Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett will attend the event Feb. 17
• Feb. 20-21 NCGA President-Elect Dee Vaughan will attend the U.S. Grains Council Structure Task Force meeting in Chicago.
  

© 2003 National Corn Growers Association

ST. LOUIS OFFICE

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE