NCGA News














NCGA Corn Board member Dee Vaughn and Grower Scott Averhoff meeting with Representative Larry Combest (R-TX) and Tom Sell, Deputy Staff Director for the House Agriculture Committee

NCGA Sees Positives in FY 2003 Federal Budget (2-7-02)

If leaders are made, not born, then the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is a veritable assembly line for leaders thanks to a recent leadership training conference in Washington, D.C., recently.

The conference provided training to growers who are currently state association presidents or just getting active on a state association board, with 15 growers from 12 states taking part in the event, explained NCGA Membership Services Manager Byron Keelin.

The training, sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection, was actually the second meeting of a two-part training class. The first phase took place in Greensboro, N.C., in August where leaders were briefed on issues affecting agriculture on a national basis. The second phase in Washington, D.C., provided an opportunity for leaders to go to Capitol Hill and meet with their elected officials. NCGA members met with elected officials such as Sen. Bill Frist (R-PA), U.S. Representatives Tom Osborne (R-NE), Larry Combest (R-TX), Sam Graves (R-MO), and other elected federal officials from Nebraska, Wisconsin and Ohio.

"During this Washington session, grower leaders received updates about national issues. After the program, growers were encouraged to meet with their elected officials and demonstrate their new skills," Keelin explained.

The quality of individuals who attended this program was outstanding, he added. "It's encouraging to see the growers absorb the training and then put it to use. With meetings like these the future looks bright for the NCGA and its affiliated associations."

"It makes you realize people want to get involved with their community and take and active role in their organization and the business of agriculture. The future of NCGA is in good hands."


Last reviewed February 7, 2002



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