Brian Hansen of the Illinois Corn Growers Association leads a discussion and update of ethanol production in corn-growing states

Grower association and corn board staff from 15 states traveled to St. Louis this week to discuss corn issues with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) staff members.

NCGA hosted three days of meetings, which included sessions ranging from new software training to help associations manage their member and financial data, to discussions about future issues, opportunities and challenges relevant to corn farmers.

“One of the objectives of the meetings is to share knowledge and make sure we all know the same things,” said NCGA Chief Executive Officer Rick Tolman. “Another is to get input from the states.”

The NCGA Corn Board values the contributions of the state associations, Tolman told the audience. “One of the things the Corn Board constantly asks us is, ‘How do the states feel about this? What are they saying?’” he said. “A lot of the discussion that comes out of this meeting goes directly to the Corn Board.”

Staff members also heard updates and forecasts from industry representatives, including the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council, Governors Ethanol Coalition, Monsanto, National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition and ProExporter.

NCGA appreciates the generous support of Monsanto in sponsoring the meeting.