In The News

Jul 31, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

The National Corn Growers Association today reiterated its call on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to keep the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) whole by accounting for waived ethanol gallons as the agency considers proposed biofuel targets for 2020.   In testimony at an EPA hearing in Ypsilanti, Mich., NCGA Board Member and Ohio farmer John Linder pressed the agency to move forward with a stronger RFS rule that supports America’s farmers, their rural communities, and consumers.   “The proposed rule we are discussing today allows retroactive refinery exemptions to continue to destroy demand for renewable fuels. In addition, the proposal ignores the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision that EPA improperly waived 500 million gallons in 2016,” Linder said.   For 2020, EPA proposes to increase total renewable fuel blending by 120 million gallons and maintain an implied conventional ethanol requirement of 15 billion gallons. The proposal does not take into account EPA’s ongoing...

Jul 31, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Beth Musgrove

An agriculture and biofuels coalition has petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to lift a stay it placed on a joint 2018 petition asking the court to protect the renewable fuels industry from undue harm caused by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.   The petition, filed late Tuesday afternoon, asks EPA to revise its Renewable Fuel Standard regulations for setting annual percentage standards of renewable fuel to account for small refinery exemptions the Agency issues retroactively.  EPA’s current regulations factor in only future small refinery exemptions granted prior to the compliance year, despite the fact that most of the exemptions granted in recent years have been for compliance periods that had already ended.   The coalition had asked for the stay to give EPA time to review its request to reconsider its current regulations. EPA’s response never arrived, but EPA’s statements and actions over the past 13 months indicate that EPA has...

Jul 31, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

The National Corn Growers Association is seeking applications from members interested in working on 2020 NCGA action teams, which now begins Jan. 1, 2020. This service provides growers an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of their industry and to become a part of the national agricultural leadership community.   The teams, which will be entering their first year in this new format and term dates include: Ethanol; Market Development; Member & Consumer Engagement; Production Technology Access; Risk Management & Transportation; Stewardship; and Sustainable Ag Research. Positions are also available on Standing Committees, which include CornPAC and the Resolutions Committee.    Qualified applicants must be an NCGA member or prospective member and/or contribute to their state checkoff program, if applicable. Ideal candidates should have interest or expertise in a particular area relevant to the team focus.   Action Teams represent a cross-section of corn...

Jul 30, 2019

Key Issues: SustainabilityFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

    A standing-room-only crowd attended a briefing: “An Overview of Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry” in Washington, D.C. today to hear experts like Executive Director of the Soil Health Partnership Dr. Shefali Mehta, highlight the agricultural practices farmers are adopting that can help mitigate climate change.   The briefing was hosted by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and targeted a diverse group of staffers interested in learning more about how farming practices are helping make farmers more resilient in the face of a changing climate.   “Practices such as reducing or eliminating tillage and growing cover crops can improve soil health, and they also hold the potential to increase carbon sequestration and storage and to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural production,” Mehta said. “In addition to their role in climate change mitigation, these practices can make agricultural land—and farm operations—more...

Jul 30, 2019

Key Issues: New Uses

Author: Mary Quigley

  The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) rolled out a new publication at BIO World Congress in Des Moines, Iowa earlier this month called Corn as an Industrial Feedstock. The publication distills corn’s story by explaining why corn is a great industrial feedstock. The book is divided into three sections: Corn is a Responsibly Produced Industrial Feedstock, Corn is an Abundant Industrial Feedstock and Corn is an Affordable Industrial Feedstock.   “As NCGA continues to work to find new uses of corn, this publication will help us have conversations with potential future partners about why corn is an ideal industrial feedstock,” said NCGA Director of Market Development Sarah McKay. “We have a very positive story to tell. U.S. corn farmers continue to produce a more on less land and corn’s cost as a feedstock has benefited greatly by improvements in technology, production and logistics efficiency.”   NCGA is working to establish at least three new uses of corn by 2020, for a...

Jul 29, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

With farmers in many states experiencing planting difficulties due to weather, the National Corn Growers Association has extended the entry deadline for the National Corn Yield Contest to Thursday, August 15. By providing additional time, NCGA hopes to make participation possible for all interested growers.   To enter today using the online form, click here.    All harvest forms will be due by November 15. Contest winners will be announced on December 16.   For access to additional contest information and a detailed list of the entry and harvest rules, click here.   Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2020 in San Antonio, Texas.   Contact the direct call line at 636-733-5512 or email ncyc@ncga.com with any...

Jul 26, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

The Farm Journal Foundation’s HungerU program launched a two-year engagement at the Voice of the Farmer Garden on the National Mall. The launch event, which included remarks from U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach and Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey, featured a panel of agricultural industry leaders with CEO Jon Doggett representing the National Corn Growers Association.   “While NCGA continues to support the HungerU tour of universities and proudly partners to further this strategic communications activity, the new partnership bringing the story of modern agriculture to the edge of the National Mall elevates our conversation substantially,” said Doggett. “Today begins a new chapter. We will initiate open, transparent conversations about sustainability and farming with millions in our nation’s capital, building trust that closes the distance between the farm gate and the dinner...

Jul 26, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Mary Quigley

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 3rd Annual International Monarch Monitoring Blitz in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The event from July 27 to August 4, 2019, invites people across North America to go out to gardens, parks and green areas and monitor milkweed plants for monarch eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises and butterflies.   The information will help researchers identify priority areas for monarch conservation. It also provides a great way to build overall awareness of the importance of the Monarch butterfly to our ecosystem and biological diversity.   NCGA supports Monarch conservation initiatives because of their contribution to productive agriculture. An increase in milkweed and nectar plants appropriately placed in rural areas can benefit Monarchs without inhibiting production, and farmers are in a great position to establish Monarch habitat.   You can learn a lot more from NCGA’s new publication called Best Management Practice for Pollinator Protection in...

Jul 26, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

The National Corn Growers Association is seeking applications from members interested in working on 2020 NCGA action teams, which now begins Jan. 1, 2020. This service provides growers an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of their industry and to become a part of the national agricultural leadership community.   The teams, which will be entering their first year in this new format and term dates include: Ethanol; Market Development; Member & Consumer Engagement; Production Technology Access; Risk Management & Transportation; Stewardship; and Sustainable Ag Research. Positions are also available on Standing Committees, which include CornPAC and the Resolutions Committee.    Qualified applicants must be an NCGA member or prospective member and/or contribute to their state checkoff program, if applicable. Ideal candidates should have interest or expertise in a particular area relevant to the team focus.   Action Teams represent a cross-section of corn...

Jul 25, 2019

Key Issues: TradeFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp today made the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) release of county payment rates for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP).   “It’s no secret that farmers are facing difficult decisions amid wet spring weather, trade disputes and tariffs, and demand destruction in the ethanol market. While NCGA’s focus remains markets, we welcome USDA’s quick rollout of MFP 2.0 and the Department’s creative efforts to reorient MFP to better reflect market impacts and support American farmers. We look forward to learning more about how MFP will work for corn farmers.”   Following President Trump’s announcement that the Administration would be pursuing a second round of trade aid, NCGA put forward recommendations that would provide both short-term assistance and support market access for farmers. NCGA continues to encourage the Administration to take additional actions to open markets and provide more...

Jul 25, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

Even though the growing season didn’t start out as many had hoped or planned, corn pests won’t be taking any time off this summer. Now is the time to be regularly scouting for the presence of weeds, diseases and damaging insect pests.   Check out the Take Action website for resources on managing corn rootworm beetles that can be damaging during the silking stage, plus herbicide, fungicide and insecticide classification charts to help break down your decisions for in-season control.   Your time scouting can also be useful as you start to think about seed and input selection for the 2020 growing season. Take note of how the control measures you put in place for this year are performing and if you see any problems with resistance. Use this information to help guide your decisions as you wait for yield results later this fall.

Jul 24, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Mary Quigley

If you farm it is very likely you deal with stress on a regular basis. If you farm in 2019, your stress level may be red-lining due to multiple factors making life more challenging than usual.   Low commodity prices, livestock health problems, crop yield, high interest rates, government regulations, large debt loads, disagreements from being in a family business and weather head the list of things that can put a major kink in a farmer’s day, according to Charles Schuster and Jeanette M. Jeffrey, with University of Maryland Extension.   Schuster and Jeffrey, who regularly address farm stress and mental health issues, recently addressed a session of the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness related to the high levels of anxiety in the countryside today.   The notable increase of stress on many farms means it’s a good time to recognize escalating stress in yourself and your friends, family and neighbors in the ag community. That’s...

Jul 24, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

Growers gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota this week for the first class of the NCGA Corn Ambassadors, co-sponsored by Syngenta. The class included 16 aspiring leaders from 7 states. The purpose of this training is to inspire this next generation of leaders to be an envoy to bring new members and advocates to join their state corn association.   At the meeting, participants got an inside look at the important role played by their corn associations and Syngenta trainers provided exposure to hands-on sales tools that will help energize recruitment and political engagement in their state association.   The attendees used the DiSC assessment to review their personal communications style, understand the styles of others and learn how to adapt or flex their personal style to better communicate with others. They also received training in understanding generational differences, motives for decision making, understanding their personal mission, motivation, and opportunities, and...

Jul 22, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

There is still time to enter the 55th installment of the National Corn Yield Contest but entries must be in by Wednesday, July 31, 2019. So, if you are looking to challenge yourself, explore new production techniques and learn about enhancing yields, you should check out the National Corn Growers Association’s contest.   NCYC is where high yields meet innovative production methods and razor-sharp management skills. The contest also helps chart a course for how corn farmers will continue to meet future demand while integrating the drive for more sustainable production practices.   A farmer must have an NCGA membership number to enter the contest. Please call 636-733-5512 or email ncyc@ncga.com to get your membership number or to join the organization. Your full name, mailing address, phone number and email address are required to create your membership number and enter.   Winners will receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as...

Jul 19, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Mary Quigley

You still have time to sign up for a unique webinar to get a U.S. crop update and learn crop scouting techniques and strategies. The Soil Health Partnership sponsored event will be held July 30, 2019 at 11 a.m. EST / 10 a.m. CST.   During the session discussion will revolve around:   How to scout fields with cover crops during planting What to expect with a late harvest? Drone scouting techniques and strategies   If you are unable to join live, please still register. A recording of the webinar will be shared with all registrants so you can listen any time. You can register here.

Jul 18, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolTradeFarm Policy

Author: Beth Musgrove

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp today presented NCGA’s 2019 President’s Award to Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer. The President’s Award is given annually at NCGA’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington, D.C. to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.   “It is my great pleasure to present the NCGA President’s Award to Senator Fischer,” Chrisp said. “Senator Fischer has been an outspoken advocate for corn farmers from our shared home state of Nebraska and across the country, supporting policies that will help create market opportunities for corn.”   In her remarks to corn farmers, Fischer voiced her support for the pending U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the top legislative priority for corn growers this year. Fisher was a strong advocate for removing the barrier to year-round sales of E15 and continues to stand up for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and against the Environmental Protection Agency’s...

Jul 17, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress in Washington this morning elected four farmers to serve on the organization’s Corn Board.  Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA’s 2020 fiscal year, are new board members Mike Lefever of Colorado and Dennis McNinch of Kansas. Current board members Chris Edgington of Iowa and Tom Haag of Minnesota were re-elected. All were elected to three-year terms   “During these challenging times, it serves as testament to the importance of NCGA’s work that so many talented, well-qualified candidates stepped forward,” said NCGA Nominating Committee Chairman Kevin Skunes. “These remarkable candidates already have impressive histories of service to American agriculture. I look forward to seeing the work they will do for the benefit of corn farmers across the country in coming years as they share their valuable perspectives and insights with the Corn Board.”    The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all...

Jul 17, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

Delegates to the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress today approved a “Sense of the Corn Congress” urging President Trump to uphold his commitment to America’s farmers and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “We, the assembled voting delegates of the National Corn Growers Association, ask President Donald Trump to uphold his commitments to protect the RFS and support farmers by ensuring EPA’s administration of the RFS does not undermine the law and the benefits of renewable fuels,”the resolution states.   NCGA delegates offered the statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ongoing practice of providing RFS waivers to big oil companies. These waivers have reduced RFS requirements by 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons through refinery exemptions, with 38 more exemptions pending. Undermining the benefits of renewable fuels, the waivers have also reduced corn use for ethanol production, lowered domestic ethanol consumption and blend rate,...

Jul 16, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Beth Musgrove

NCGA today renewed its pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to follow President Trump’s commitment to farmers and stop giving Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers to big oil companies, re-running the organization’s ad that first ran last month.    Watch Ad   NCGA members are in Washington, D.C. this week for Corn Congress and meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Farmers will be urging policymakers to support legislation in the House, H.R. 3006, and Senate, S. 1840, that would seek to stop waiver abuse and address the harm these waivers are causing.   Since early 2018, EPA has granted 53 RFS small refinery exemptions (SREs), or waivers, totaling 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuel. There are currently 39 refinery exemption petitions pending for the 2018 compliance year. NCGA has highlighted 39 reasons why the EPA should not grant additional waivers.  

Jul 16, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

More than 70 farmers, state staff and college students interested in agriculture yesterday participated in the 2019 Trade School, a one-day session meant to deepen their knowledge on trade issues and hone their messaging to help better convey the benefits of agricultural trade to outside audiences.   The event is held annually by NCGA and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and was held this year in association with Corn Congress in Washington, D.C.   NCGA is closely following ongoing trade disputes and negotiations, and members in Washington, D.C. this week will be urging lawmakers to ratify the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The agreement would solidify a $4.56 billion export market for America’s corn farmers and provide certainty to farmers facing challenging times.   “Agricultural trade has vastly expanded market opportunities for U.S. farmers. Today, it seems like everyday farmers wake up to a new headline regarding trade. Whether it is the pursuit of new...

Jul 15, 2019

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Beth Musgrove

By Jesse Fulton, M.S., Director of Producer Education   With the beef industry going through continuous changes and advancements, it is important cattlemen and women across the country are “in the know”, which is where the Cattlemen’s Education Series (CES) comes into play. This partnership between the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is designed to provide resources to NCBA state and breed affiliates through a grant which allows them to extend outstanding educational experiences locally. The mission of the CES is to provide cutting-edge information to beef producers that contributes to increased knowledge, profitability and sustainability.   With approximately 32 percent of the Nation’s 2018 corn crop being utilized as animal feed, this partnership is important as it promotes corn products and by-products utilized in the cattle industry.   “I understand the importance of being able to deliver a quality product for...

Jul 12, 2019

Key Issues: SustainabilityProduction

Author: Mary Quigley

Joe Breker needs his own tee shirt that reads “No Tillage, More Plants” or “Cover Crops Are Good Risk Management.” The North Dakota farmer thinks the tandem of no-till farming and the use of cover crops are key to making farmers more resilient in good times and bad, deluge or drought.   That’s because National Corn Growers Association’s 2017 Good Steward Recognition Recipient has spent four decades working to make his farm more sustainable and he has seen the conservation and business benefits of protecting and enriching the soil with cover crops, especially when mother nature provides too little or too much rain.   “If you already have established cover crops in a wet spring as we’ve had, it protects the soil from erosion and in some cases can get you in the field faster. That’s important when getting planting done is a challenge,” Breker said. “Sure, some fields are just too wet but cover crops generally improve your chances for success in most years.”   And Breker is not...

Jul 11, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolBiotechnology

Author: Mary Quigley

This week, farmer leaders, state staff and National Corn Growers Association staff attended and participated in BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and AgTech in Des Moines, Iowa. Topics at the event ranged from sustainability, transforming chemical markets to biofuel market growth. NCGA staff participated in three different panels throughout the event.   To kick-off the week, NCGA announced the winners of the Consider Corn Challenge II, holding a session where the winners were able to share with a large audience their technologies that will utilize field corn. NCGA Vice President of Market Development Jim Bauman moderated the session.   “Making the announcement at BIO was a great fit for our winners because they were able to participate in a number of one-on-one meetings with companies and researchers interested in learning more about their technology,” said Bauman. “It also allowed NCGA to talk about the various benefits of corn as an industrial feedstock with the...

Jul 10, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

The annual photo contest of National Corn Growers Association, Fields-of-Corn.com started in 2014 to help tell the story of farming field corn in America. Since its start, NCGA has collected 2,000 photos across ten categories and awarded more than one hundred cash prizes.     A few updates have been made for the 2019 contest:   Stricter resolution requirements are in place, so photographers should use their equipment’s highest resolution settings. The single, most popular photo with Facebook “likes” will be awarded a $500 prize. First ($300), Second ($200), Third ($100), prizes will be awarded for each of seven categories and, as in prior years, judges will select a single Grand Prize winner to be awarded $500. New category: True Grit, Women’s Edition    Visit Fields-of-Corn today to enter your best farm photos, and vote for your favorite photos.   Open to all, entries will be accepted through Nov. 30 and will be available to accumulate Facebook “likes”...

Jul 8, 2019

Key Issues: New Uses

Author: Mary Quigley

Today, at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and AgTech in Des Moines, Iowa, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the winners of the Consider Corn Challenge II. Three winners were chosen, each with a unique technology to improve a product or process using field corn to produce biobased materials.   “Corn is a sustainable, abundant and affordable industrial feedstock that, as these companies have demonstrated, has myriad uses,” said Director of Market Development Sarah McKay. “The winners of the Consider Corn Challenge will help America’s corn farmers partner with industry to establish new uses of corn. This challenge continues to highlight the fact that U.S. corn is an extremely flexible feedstock for biobased products.”   The three winners of the Consider Corn Challenge II are ExoPolymer, Inc., based out of San Carlos, California, Sumatra Biorenewables, LLC. from Ames, Iowa, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural...

Jul 5, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Julie Busse

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the proposed Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) rule for 2020. Once again EPA has failed to account for lost volumes due to refinery exemptions and uphold the President’s commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).   “We are frustrated the EPA did not account for potential waived gallons going forward in the proposed rule,” said National Corn Growers Association President and Nebraska farmer Lynn Chrisp. “If the EPA continues to grant retroactive waivers, the RVO numbers are meaningless and the EPA is not following the law. Farmers are facing a very tough economic environment and the continued waiver abuse chips away at farmers’ bottom line.”   Since early 2018, the EPA has granted 53 RFS exemptions totaling 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuel. There are currently 38 pending petitions for 2018.   EPA also failed to uphold the D.C. Circuit Court’s 2017 ruling, requiring the Agency to account...

Jul 3, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

This week, the National Corn Growers Association continued its ninth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities.   Field Notes caught up with Lowell Neitzel, who farms near Lawrence, Kansas, earlier this week. The USDA report earlier in the week indicated 97 percent of corn acres in his state had reached emergence, and he sees that number being accurate so far as the progress he has heard from fellow farmers.   “I talked to some friends in western Kansas, and their corn has all emerged,” said Neitzel. “Everything around here is fairly well along. Some of the corn that I saw in my travels today is actually starting to tassel, and some is about six inches tall. There is a wide variety in term of progress in...

Jul 3, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Are you dreaming of getting away this summer? Members of the National Corn Growers Association can save on travel by using exclusive discounts. Through partnerships with Association Motor Club Marketing, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Cabela’s and the Worldwide Hotel Discount Program, NCGA offers members valuable savings on emergency service, car rentals, outdoor adventure gear and hotel bookings whether they travel across the country or even too many locations around the world.   “NCGA works hard to increase opportunities for farmers in the marketplace, but we also strive to offer a wide array of benefits to our members,” said NCGA Engaging Members Committee Chair Brandon Hunnicutt. “Summer vacations often build memories that last a lifetime, and we want to provide discounts that make these magical moments more affordable.”   Members taking their own vehicles on the road this summer can save with the new Association Motor Club Marketing benefit. AMCM is a roadside service provider...

Jul 2, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Fireworks, grilling out, road trips and spending quality time with family and friends is typically on the top of the list of must-dos for the Fourth of July. This year, as you head out on your excursion, be sure to look for E15 at the pump. Not only is it homegrown by American corn farmers,  it is also typically 3-to-10 cents cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline. Chances are your car was made after 2001; if so, it can benefit from E15!   AAA reports nearly 49-million Americans will be traveling for the Fourth of July this year, with 41.4 million hitting the road. That’s an increase of 4.3 percent over last year and the highest number by AAA for Independence Day holiday travel.   You can find E15 stations by going to either getbiofuel.com or e85prices.com.

Jul 1, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

July 1 is Canada Day, the national day of Canada. The holiday celebrates the anniversary of July 1, 1867, the effective date of the Constitution Act, 1867, which united the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into a single Dominion within a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada.   Canada is an incredibly valuable trading partner for American corn farmers. Our northern neighbors are the No. 9 international buyer of U.S. corn, No. 8 buyer of U.S. DDGs and No. 2 buyer of U.S. ethanol. Canada purchased more than $2 billion worth of feed grains in all forms during the 2017/2018 marketing year.   The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) strengthened this important trading relationship, tripling U.S. agriculture exports to Canada over the past 20 years. Now, through the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we have an opportunity to solidify this relationship further.   Ratifying USMCA continues to be NCGA’s

Jul 1, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

July 1 is Canada Day, the national day of Canada. The holiday celebrates the anniversary of July 1, 1867, the effective date of the Constitution Act, 1867, which united the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into a single Dominion within a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada.   Canada is an incredibly valuable trading partner for American corn farmers. Our northern neighbors are the No. 9 international buyer of U.S. corn, No. 8 buyer of U.S. DDGs and No. 2 buyer of U.S. ethanol. Canada purchased more than $2 billion worth of feed grains in all forms during the 2017/2018 marketing year.   The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) strengthened this important trading relationship, tripling U.S. agriculture exports to Canada over the past 20 years. Now, through the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we have an opportunity to solidify this relationship further.   Ratifying USMCA continues to be NCGA’s