NCGA Production and Stewardship Action Team member Jerry Demmer helps Illinois corn grower Mike Hodel at the 2006 Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif., to send letters to his congressmen about the need to pass the Water Resources Development Act and to increase funding for the Plant Genome Initiative. More than 1,000 letters were sent by growers last weekend to congressmen at NCGA’s trade show floor booth.

Commodity Classic Attendees Call on Congress to Pass WRDA, Increase Genome Funding (3-6-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) members and 2006 Commodity Classic attendees sent more than 1,000 letters urging their members of Congress to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and to increase funding for the National Science Foundation Plant Genome Initiative at the NCGA booth at the Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif.

The letters give growers the opportunities to let their voices be heard on two key issues important to corn growers and agriculture.

“These letters are a good way for our association’s members to get involved in the political process,” said NCGA President Gerald Tumbleson. “These letters bring attention to two issues that affect corn growers and agriculture: transportation and genomics. Both issues play a significant role in creating more value for our crops.”

Even if growers did not attend Commodity Classic, Tumbleson said they can still send the letters.

“If you didn’t go to Commodity Classic, NCGA members still have the opportunity to contact their members of congress by visiting www.ncga.com and clicking on the Action Alert icons on the left side of the screen,” he said. “We encourage our producers to send letters and to ask their friends and family to do so as well.”

Jerry Demmer, member of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team, said he was amazed at the number of people sending letters throughout the weekend.

“On Friday, I thought we signed up a lot of people,” said Demmer. “But on Saturday, I couldn’t believe how many people stopped by the booth to sign up. It was nonstop traffic through the booth to send the letters. It’s a good program and a good way to get people involved. I’m glad we are promoting these initiatives.”

The push to get WRDA to the floor continues this week, with a number of Illinois corn growers going to Washington, D.C., to walk the halls of the Senate.