NCGA Introduces Water Quality Guide (3-9-07)

The complexity of the federal Clean Water Act and how it can affect growers is the topic of the latest National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reference guide.

“Clean Water Act and the TMDL Program” was written to educate growers on water quality issues and encourage participation in the process. “We want growers to know what they can do and where they can get assistance,” says NCGA Production and Stewardship Action Team Chairman Bill Chase.

The Clean Water Act involves federal, state, regional and local authorities. While NCGA works closely with the National Resource Conservation service, the Conservation Tillage Information Center and other national organizations, corn grower involvement at the lower levels is also important, Chase said.

The reference guide includes a summary of the Clean Water Act; case study with clear, step-by-step descriptions of the process; and a section on grower involvement in the process. The guide was introduced at the Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla. It proved so popular that NCGA’s first printing was quickly snapped up. The guide is being reprinted.

“Farmers are active conservationists, not conversation activists,” Chase said. “We want to make sure we have the tools we need to be good stewards.”