December 30, 2004 * Volume 11* Number 50

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 Reflects on Top Corn Industry Stories from 2004
• New USDA Web Site Provides Information on Obesity Prevention, Nutrition
• Report Examines Economics of Adding More Corn to Corn-Soybean Rotations
• NCGA Encouraged by Vote to Repeal Dominican HFCS Tax
• Upcoming Planting Season Marks 10-Year Anniversary of Biotech Corn Availability

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NCGA Reflects on Top Corn Industry Stories from 2004
As farmers across the country prepare to ring in the New Year, NCGA this week looked back at some of the key happenings that made 2004 one of the most memorable years in the history of the corn industry. (More On This Story)

New USDA Web Site Provides Information on Obesity Prevention, Nutrition
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently launched www.nutrition.gov, a Web site designed to offer consumers reliable nutrition, health and obesity information. NCGA supports such efforts to provide the public with dependable, science-based information on healthy dietary practices. (More On This Story)

A recent University of Illinois report discusses the ramifications of adding more corn to corn-soybean rotations. Report Examines Economics of Adding More Corn to Corn-Soybean Rotations A recent report from the University of Illinois provides economic evaluations and other useful information for farmers who are considering adding more corn to traditional ½ corn—½ soybean rotations. (More On This Story) NCGA Encouraged by Vote to Repeal Dominican HFCS Tax NCGA is encouraged by the Dominican Republic Chamber of Deputies’ approval of a measure repealing the country’s discriminatory tax on beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). (More On This Story) Upcoming Planting Season Marks 10-Year Anniversary of Biotech Corn Corn growers will celebrate a major milestone as the 2005 planting season begins in the spring. The upcoming season marks the tenth year in which biotech hybrids have been commercially available to U.S. farmers, and according to NCGA, biotechnology has thoroughly revolutionized the way producers grow America’s top crop. (More On This Story)

AROUND THE CORN BELT News from State Associations MINNESOTA: Congressman Mark Kennedy confirmed his position as a legislator in favor of updated Mississippi River transportation infrastructure when he spoke at the 8th Annual meeting of the River Resources Alliance, held last week at the Minnesota Farm Bureau offices in Eagan, Minn. Kennedy advocated applying pressure on both the House and Senate to pass legislation in line with the US Army Corps of Engineers recommendation to update five locks on the Upper Mississippi River and two locks on the Illinois River, to double the size of the locks from 600 feet to 1200 feet. ILLINOIS: The University of Illinois recently released the dates and locations for its 2005 Corn and Soybean Classic series: Jan.11, Bloomington, Interstate Center; Jan. 12, Rochelle, Hickory Grove Banquet Center; Jan. 13, Moline, The Mark; Jan. 18, Springfield, Crowne Plaza; Jan. 19, Mt. Vernon, Holiday Inn; Jan. 20, Collinsville, Holiday Inn. The presentations for the 2005 Classics will focus on some of the timeliest issues associated with corn and soybean production and protection. MISSOURI: Missouri high school and college students may now apply for one of six Missouri Corn Scholarships. The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council will award four $750 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and two $750 scholarships to college juniors in the year 2005. Missouri Corn Scholarship applications are now available for download online at http://www.mocorn.org or call (573) 893-4181 to request an application. Applicants must submit a form, official high school or college transcript and at least one letter of recommendation to the Missouri Corn programs office by Mar. 1, 2005.

Want the Inside Scoop? Our weekly “Washington Perspectives” e-mail newsletter gives NCGA members an inside glimpse into what’s happening on Capitol Hill. To begin your free subscription, contact Rhondalee Dean-Royce at (202) 628-7001 or dean-royce@dc.ncga.com.

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© 2004 National Corn Growers Association

ST. LOUIS OFFICE

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE