NCGA First Vice President Ron Litterer (left) and Public Policy Action Team Chairman Steve Pigg listen to questions and comments from the audience during the issues discussion on Wednesday.

Farm Bill Dominates NCGA Delegate Discussions (3-1-07)

Proposals and counterproposals, opportunities and costs of legislation dominated National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) members’ conversations at the Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday.

NCGA officials noted that whatever the shape of final legislation, the new farm bill will reflect current realities. The association is calling for revisions to the formula used to calculate growers’ safety nets. “Demand for corn is being driven more by use than by the traditional factors such as weather,” said NCGA First Vice President Ron Litterer. “Costs will also change. We need to re-think how we market our crops.”

A wide-ranging issues briefing and discussion included topics ranging from the weather to conservation and stewardship issues. Discussion of the farm bill will also figure in today’s meeting of NCGA’s Corn Congress and its discussion of policy issues.