May 28, 2004 * Volume 11* Number 20

NCGA's Mission: To Create and Increase Opportunities
for Corn Growers in a Changing World

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 Prepares for Attacks on Farm Support Programs, HFCS
• NCGA Applauds Signing of CAFTA and Urges Rapid Congressional Passage
• NCGA Urges Members to Press for RFS Passage
• Study Confirms Value of DDGS to Livestock Industry, NCGA Notes
• Record Attendance Expected at Corn Utilization and Technology Conference
• First Deadline for Corn Yield Contest Rapidly Approaching
• Severe Weather Likely to Delay Completion of Corn Planting
• NCGA, U.S. Grains Council Applaud Continued Pursuit of WTO Case

NCGA Prepares for Attacks on Farm Support Programs, HFCS
Despite a lack of scientific evidence to support their claims, prominent mass media outlets continue to wrongly link federal farm support programs to the increase of obesity in the United States. Accordingly, NCGA is bracing for the wave of negative publicity that is sure to result from the ABC News-Time magazine “Summit on Obesity” June 2-4. (More On This Story)

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, third from left, and ambassadors from five Central American nations gathered in Washington, D.C., today to sign the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). NCGA Chairman Fred Yoder, who attended the event, said CAFTA is a good deal for corn growers.

NCGA Applauds Signing of CAFTA and Urges Rapid Congressional Passage
NCGA Chairman Fred Yoder on Friday attended the Washington, D.C., signing ceremony for the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), an accord that is expected to significantly increase export opportunities for U.S. corn growers. (More On This Story)

NCGA Urges Members to Press for RFS Passage
With Congress on Memorial Day recess until June 1 and members in their respective districts, the timing is ideal for corn growers to reiterate their support for a comprehensive energy bill containing a renewable fuels standard (RFS), as well as other key issues, NCGA notes. (More On This Story)

Study Confirms Value of DDGS to Livestock Industry, NCGA Notes
The preliminary results of a University of Illinois study reveal farmers can increase the value of livestock and cut feed costs by raising the percentage of distillers dried grains (DDGS) used in their feed, the NCGA notes. The study, scheduled for completion next month, proves that combining DDGS with other feed – such as soybean meal, corn or silage – is a viable method for enhancing the protein and energy in an animal’s diet. (More On This Story)

Record Attendance Expected at Corn Utilization and Technology Conference
A record number of researchers, corn growers, industry representatives, government officials and others will convene in Indianapolis June 7-9 for “Corn, Feedstock of the Future,” the fourth Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC). (More On This Story)

NCGA: First Deadline for Corn Yield Contest Rapidly Approaching
With the first entry deadline for the National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC) just around the corner, corn growers across the country are gearing up for what promises to be another exciting contest. Growers whose entry forms are postmarked by June 15 pay just $55 to participate in the contest, which is sponsored by NCGA. (More On This Story)

Severe Weather Likely to Delay Completion of Corn Planting
Severe weather and flooding last week significantly slowed planting progress in many parts of the Corn Belt, but National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Chairman Fred Yoder said it’s too early to tell how the bad weather may affect earlier predictions of record corn yields and a record crop. (More On This Story)

NCGA, U.S. Grains Council Applaud Progress of WTO Case
The U.S. government is proceeding full speed ahead in its World Trade Organization case against the EU moratorium on genetically modified products. The U.S. trade representative’s office is continuing to pursue the case despite the European Commission announcing this week it has approved Bt11 (sweet corn) for importation. “This Syngenta event approval is positive, but it is only one of many steps the Europeans need to make to fully comply with international rules,” said David McGuire, the council’s director of biotechnology. “We are pleased to see that the U.S. government is not going to be distracted from their original goal in filing the case, that being full elimination of trade distorting practices.”
Story courtesy of U.S. Grains Council

Of Special Interest:

For Information About the NCGA Corn Utilization & Technology Conference June 7-9 in Indianapolis, Ind., (Click Here)

Next Week:

More calendar information is available on the NCGA Leader Resource Center, http://www.insidencga.com

© 2004 National Corn Growers Association

ST. LOUIS OFFICE

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE