Editorials

Sep 26, 2023

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Tom Haag

In a few short days, my year as President of the National Corn Growers Association  (NCGA) will come to an end. Those 365 days sure went by quickly.   As I look forward to transitioning the leadership of this organization to another great Minnesotan, Harold Wolle, I find myself reflecting on what we’ve accomplished as an organization in the last year.   There have been many fun and special moments along the way: I’ve met with Secretary Vilsack a number of times, had many conversations with Senators and Representatives, testified in Congressional hearings, and discussed important issues facing our industry with any number of individuals who care about the future of corn and agriculture. It’s been an incredibly special experience, and I’m humbled to have had the opportunity.   But, I am most proud of how NCGA and our state partners made a difference when our trading relationship with our biggest export market was threatened. After Mexico issued a decree banning future imports...

May 10, 2023

Key Issues: Farm Bill

Author: Tom Haag

Spring is proving to be a busy time between corn planting and grower leaders taking full advantage of every opportunity to talk about our priorities for the farm bill.   The farm bill, which governs many of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s agricultural and food programs, is set to expire at the end of September 2023, providing policymakers with an opportunity to review and update existing programs.   NCGA, corn state associations, and grower members are working closely with policymakers to ensure the bill addresses the current and future needs of corn growers. Farm Bill Priorities When I was recently invited to testify about producer perspectives on the farm bill, I was happy to fly to Washington, D.C., and speak before the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. Less than a week later, NCGA’s First Vice President Harold Wolle also shared corn grower views on the farm safety net as he testified in front of the Senate...

Dec 15, 2022

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Tom Haag

Published Real Clear Energy November 6, 2022   You’ve almost certainly driven by one. Maybe visited one as a student on a school field trip or tackled the challenge of their mazes in the fall. You might have even grown up on one, like I did.    Corn farms are an important part of the American ethos. Across the country, millions of farmers and their families help sustain the everyday way of life for millions more Americans they will never meet. Our efforts to grow crops and raise livestock year after year keep our nation self-reliant and secure.   It has been a tough year for a lot of people. Following months of record inflation, our nation faces an ongoing energy crisis while rising interest rates and continued impacts of climate change raise new concerns.    Fuel prices hit Americans especially hard this summer as the national average for a gallon of regular gas reached a record $5.01 in June. Following a steady decline thereafter, prices are rising yet again, averaging...

Nov 10, 2022

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Tom Haag

This week, delegates from around the world are converging in Egypt for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), an international summit aimed at accelerating global action to reduce emissions. The annual event takes place this year against the backdrop of both a global energy crisis and increased extreme weather events around the world. As the international community comes together to drive collective action for a cleaner future, America’s corn farmers remain committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and low carbon energy solutions. Solutions from agriculture and renewable fuels not only help the United States meet its climate commitments but will help countries around the world achieve theirs as well.   Throughout the United States, millions of farmers are wrapping up corn harvest and delivering it to local ethanol plants. As a fuel, today's ethanol cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 52 percent compared to gasoline, according to the Department of Energy’s Argonne...