National Corn Growers Association President Ken McCauley spoke with House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) during the National Ag Day luncheon held in Washington, D.C., Thursday. McCauley told Peterson corn growers are looking to build on the success of the 2002 farm bill by ensuring new farm programs are more market oriented. McCauley also talked with the chairman about NCGA’s request for increased funding levels.

Members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Board attended a luncheon in Washington, D.C., Thursday to kickoff National Agriculture Week.

This year’s National Ag Day theme is the future of American agriculture by 2025. Ken McCauley, NCGA president, said, “The theme falls in line with what corn growers envision for the future – one filled with many new opportunities and one that is as progressive as corn growers are today.”

“Agriculture is a vibrant and growing industry,” he continued. “And it’s an exciting time to be in agriculture. National Ag Week showcases the important role farmers, ranchers and producers play in the national economy and energy sectors today.”

Keynote speaker House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) commented on the House’s legislative agenda, including pending disaster aid legislation and budget resolutions. Peterson also highlighted the important role agriculture is playing in providing a safe, abundant food supply in addition to the critical role biofuels is playing in U.S. energy security.

“Corn growers have developed a new market that provides renewable fuels such as ethanol made from corn as an alternative to the nation’s dangerous oil addiction,” McCauley said. “The ethanol industry will continue to expand utilizing all feedstocks – corn and cellulosic and that is a very good thing. We are providing food, feed, fiber and fuel to all of our customers and markets. We are proud to be able to play a part in a policy that is good for this country.”