In The News

May 1, 2024

Author: Stacey Stiens

Celebrating a remarkable milestone, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) proudly announced the launch of its 60th annual Yield Contest on Wednesday, May 1. This iconic event—spanning six decades—has been a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of corn growers across the nation. From humble beginnings to its current prominence, the contest continues to attract participants eager to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation.   "As we celebrate sixty years of the Yield Contest, we reflect not only on the remarkable achievements of our past winners but also on the enduring legacy of innovation and excellence that defines this event,” said Minnesota grower and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “From generation to generation, this contest has not only showcased the incredible potential of American agriculture but has also fueled a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among growers nationwide. As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering this legacy,...

Apr 30, 2024

Author: Krista Swanson

The United States is a global leader in corn production, producing a record 15.3 billion bushels of corn on 94.6 million planted acres in 2023.    Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn growers and the interests of more than 300,000 farmers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state associations and checkoff organizations work together to help protect and advance corn growers’ interests.    NCGA Quarterly Economic Report 2024: 2Q (pdf)  

Apr 8, 2024

Author: Krista Swanson

Motor gasoline use is expected to decline in the future even under a baseline case, but new tailpipe emissions rules really put the pedal to the metal – rapidly accelerating that process. This would be a major shock on demand for corn used to produce ethanol spurring potentially devastating impacts on farmers and the rural economy.       The New Tailpipe Emissions Rule The Environmental Protection Agency recently released its final rule for multi-pollutant emissions standards for model years 2027 and later light-duty and medium-duty vehicles with heavy reliance on the use of electric vehicles. The ruling dictates that sales of non-electric vehicles will drop from over 92% of new vehicle sales in 2023[i] to under 30% of new vehicle sales in 2032. In the EPA central scenario, that translates to a 6.9-billion-gallon reduction in motor gasoline use in 2032, a 5.7% decline from the baseline projection for that year. Motor gasoline use is expected to decline in the baseline, but...

Feb 22, 2024

Author: Stacey Stiens

Get ready to blast off into "New Frontiers in Agriculture" at Commodity Classic 2024! We're just days away from the event of the year, and excitement is reaching astronomical levels. As we gear up to welcome you next week, the National Corn Growers Association can't wait to embark on this memorable journey together.   Houston, known as Space City, is the perfect backdrop for our exploration of new frontiers. Just like NASA pioneers push the boundaries of space exploration, we're pushing the boundaries of agriculture with cutting-edge technology and innovative practices. And what better place to draw inspiration from the stars above than at the NASA Space Center, right here in Houston?   This year's Classic is bringing the spirit of exploration and discovery to the forefront. From the trade show floor to the educational sessions, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of possibility. Just as astronauts boldly go where no one has gone before, we're venturing into uncharted...

Feb 16, 2024

Key Issues: Production

Author: Krista Swanson

USDA released the Grains and Oilseeds Outlook this week providing an initial look at the 2024/25 marketing year projections that include lower production, greater domestic use, increased exports, and higher ending stocks as compared to the current 2023/24 market years. The following is a summary and some additional context for five projections from the latest outlook.   Yield Corn yield is projected at 181 bushels per acre. Yield projections depend on the modeling approach and time series used. While a 3.7 bushel per acre increase over the 2023 record 177.3 bushels per acre may seem like a stretch, a regression on annual yields from 2023 to several different historical points including 1934, 1980, and 1996 all predict 2024 yields within about one bushel of the USDA projection.   Trendline yields are a reasonable expectation at this point. Adverse weather is generally thought to have a negative impact on yields but in 2023 a record yield was achieved in a year with widespread...

Feb 14, 2024

Author: Stacey Stiens

Yee-haw, partners! Love is in the air, and so is the excitement for the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston! Don't let Valentine's Day slip by without securing your spot at the biggest agricultural event of the year. Saddle up and register now before it's too late!   Just like a cowboy needs his trusty steed, you need to be at Commodity Classic to stay ahead of the herd. This year's event promises to be a rodeo of innovation and education, with two levels of trade show exhibits showcasing the latest ag technology. It's your chance to lasso in new ideas and techniques to drive your business forward.   Forget flowers and chocolates – this holiday, give yourself the gift of knowledge and networking. Join us in Houston from February 28 to March 2 for a Wild West adventure you won't soon forget. With exciting events like the Wednesday Welcome Reception and many unique tours in Houston, there's something for every cowboy and cowgirl in attendance.   So don't be a lone ranger – round...

Feb 12, 2024

Key Issues: New Uses

Author: Stacey Stiens

Bluestem Biosciences—one of four grand winners of the National Corn Growers Association's (NCGA) Consider Corn Challenge IV—stands at the forefront of renewable chemicals innovation in the Midwest. Harnessing the power of programmable biology, Bluestem is revolutionizing the biomanufacturing sector by developing sustainable solutions for commodity chemicals. Their groundbreaking decarbonized chemical platform promises far-reaching benefits, from mitigating climate impact to revitalizing agricultural economies and domestic supply chains, thus paving the way for a bio-based future across the chemical sector.   At the heart of Bluestem's success lies their pioneering work in developing novel yeast biology for the anaerobic bio-production of 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP). This chemical intermediate, with a substantial $25 billion total addressable market, serves as a strategic platform molecule with applications across diverse consumer end markets, including personal care products,...

Feb 9, 2024

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Krista Swanson

A combination of climate, conflict, and currency values are factors in cost competitiveness that impacts transits and overall U.S. corn exports.   Climate Climate conditions brought widespread drought to the United States Corn Belt in 2023. Dry conditions in the Mississippi River basin led to record low water levels. As a result, barge weight and traffic restrictions were imposed, and the 7.7 million tons of corn moved by barge on the Mississippi River in 2023 was 30% lower than 2022 and 54% lower than 2021. Ultimately, the cost of added time and weight restrictions were factors contributing to a higher corn price at port but also meant pace of getting grain to the port was slowed.   Climate-induced waterway challenges for U.S. corn don’t end at the Gulf. Extreme drought has forced substantial scaleback of shipping through the Panama Canal, a key global maritime channel. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has reduced traffic to 24 ships a day, about two-thirds of the normal...

Jan 24, 2024

Key Issues: SustainabilityNew Uses

Author: Stacey Stiens

Maïzly—one of four winners in the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Consider Corn Challenge IV—has emerged as a pioneer in the realm of plant-based alternatives, particularly in the creation of a nutritious beverage derived from corn. Founded by Tim Leclercq and Marcel Van Der Merwe, the company has perfected a formula that replicates the mouthfeel of dairy milk while offering a smooth, natural taste that enhances rather than masks the flavors it accompanies. With a range of delicious flavors—original, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry—as well as a tasty custard, Maïzly has positioned itself as a game-changer in the plant-based food industry, capturing customers who cannot consume dairy milk or other plant based alternative beverages due to allergies or intolerances.   The key innovation lies in Maïzly's identification of a specific corn variant that not only mimics the characteristics of dairy milk but also contributes to a unique taste profile. Unlike traditional...

Jan 22, 2024

Key Issues: SustainabilityAnimal Agriculture

Author: Stacey Stiens

The importance of collaborative ag industry partnerships is front and center in a new video funded in part by the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Market Development Action Team. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) partnered with U.S. Pork, U.S. Soy, NCGA, the Beef Checkoff, and American Lamb to produce a visually engaging narrative that showcases how American producers' dedication to the land and animals translates into high-quality, sustainable protein worldwide. The video—Beyond Borders—aims to highlight the U.S. red meat industry's commitment to sustainability, recognizing its growing importance in global markets and meeting customer demand.    "The USMEF Beyond Borders video illustrates the power of collaboration between corn and our valued partners across the meat industry. By working hand in hand with our animal ag partners, we are not just cultivating crops; we are cultivating a future where best practices and a shared commitment to the land will lead the...