In The News

Aug 31, 2021

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

Federal regulations on remote bodies of water will hurt farmers without providing any significant improvement to water quality, an NCGA leader told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today.   “They [EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] must not assume that achieving desired water quality outcomes means that remote water features must be made waters of the U.S.,” said Andy Jobman, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The facts simply do not support this assumption as it applies to farms, conservation practices and farmland water management.”   Jobman’s remarks were made during a public meeting hosted by the EPA to hear from stakeholders on their perspectives on defining "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act, in light of the agency’s intention to revise the definition.   During the hearing, Jobman expressed support for the goals of the Clean Water Act to restore and protect the water quality integrity of jurisdictional waters.   “Corn farmers...

Aug 27, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Bryan Goodman

Policymakers can meet their ambitious goals of quickly lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by turning to biofuels like ethanol, National Corn Growers Association President John Linder told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week.   “EPA’s proposal for vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards for 2023 through 2026 is an ambitious increase,” Linder said. “The good news is we don’t have to wait to reduce emissions. Thanks to today’s ethanol, we can use fuel available right now to make a difference.”   His comments came as EPA conducted public hearings on proposed revised emission standards for light-duty vehicles for model year 2023 through 2026 and as the Biden Administration announced a goal of achieving a 50% to 52% reduction in greenhouse gas by 2030. Linder was one of several stakeholders providing input to EPA at the virtual public hearing.   Looking at all possible solutions will ensure the country can take advantage of not only the low-carbon benefits of...

Aug 26, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today welcomed the reintroduction of The Next Generation Fuels Act (H.R. 5089), legislation to transition gasoline and vehicles to low-carbon, higher octane fuel to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet future needs of more advanced vehicles by taking advantage of the benefits of higher ethanol blends. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill).   “Ethanol is uniquely positioned to immediately and affordably decarbonize transportation, including through paving the way to future vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions,” said NCGA President John Linder. “The Renewable Fuel Standard was a game-changer for corn farmers, and the Next Generation Fuels Act builds on that success in advancing our commitment to providing the cleanest, most efficient and lowest cost energy solution.”   The bill would require that automakers phase in higher levels of clean, low-carbon octane by model year 2031. The...

Aug 25, 2021

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

As summer draws to a close, the National Corn Growers Association is now accepting yield results of contest entries for the 2021 National Corn Yield Contest. All harvest results are due within two weeks after harvest or by November 30, whichever is the earlier date. The contest winners will be announced on December 15.   Enter your harvest results online, click here.   Please consider the potential availability of supervisors for this harvest. Government offices may be short-staffed, or under restrictions due to COVID-19, so it is important to begin conversations with potential yield check supervisors early.   Learn more about rules pertaining to supervisors by clicking here.   The premier event of every corn-growing season since 1965, the National Corn Yield Contest offers challenges and rewards to each entrant!   NCGA challenges you to take advantage of this opportunity to explore new ideas and production technologies while gleaning knowledge to enhance your future...

Aug 24, 2021

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Earlier this month, grower leaders from seven states met in St. Louis, Missouri, for Session 1 of the NCGA Leadership Academy.  This year’s program included training on transformational leadership, consensus building, forecasting and anticipating future challenges, parliamentary procedures and media training. The group also spoke with staff members from each NCGA department to foster greater collaboration.   Growers gained a keener insight into association management and how different leadership styles can come together in building an efficient organization. A key component of the program is media training and advocacy communication to assist grower leaders as they take a more active role as spokespersons for their state and national corn organizations.   Additionally, NCGA President John Linder joined the group and shared leadership guidance and advice. The grower leaders will meet again for Session 2 in Washington, D.C.  

Aug 19, 2021

Key Issues: Consumer Engagement

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Women from farms across the country, along with state and national staff, came together last week for this year’s CommonGround Summit. Over the course of two days, attendees participated in experiences that built skills, sparked insights, and fostered ideas that will empower the volunteers in their efforts and energize the program as a whole.   Through presentations from experts and group exercises, participants and honed the skills that they use to share their personal story.  Highlights included a look at Building Bridges on Tricky Topics with Roxi Beck of the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) and a consumer panel featuring a diverse group of local moms, led by Allyson Perry, also of CFI.   The diverse group of local consumer moms shared their concerns and the personal experiences that influence them, in an open, honest manner. As the moderator and volunteers brought forth questions that scratched beneath the surface, the common concerns that bother families everywhere and...

Aug 18, 2021

Key Issues: SustainabilityAnimal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) participated in the recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) 2021 Cattlemen’s Convention and NCBA Trade Show, engaging with leaders of the organization to share corn's sustainability story. NCGA President John Linder and NCGA CEO Jon Doggett were invited to present during NCBA’s executive committee meeting to share NCGA’s recently unveiled sustainability goals and report.   Members of the Market Development Action Team (MDAT) had additional meetings throughout the convention with NCBA and Cattlemen Beef Board (CBB) leadership.   “It is very important to engage with our animal ag partners, especially cattle producers as beef cattle are one of our largest customers,” said Bob Hemesath, Iowa farmer and MDAT Chair. “It was great to share our work and talk about opportunities to partner together in the future. We have built a great relationship with NCBA, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with cattle...

Aug 17, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Julie Busse

Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) filed a petition for rehearing with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the recent American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, et al. vs. EPA decision, in which the court vacated a 2019 regulation allowing year-round sales of a fifteen percent ethanol fuel blend (E15). The petition asks the full court to rehear the case because of significant legal errors in the three-judge panel’s decision, handed down on July 2nd.   Together, the three national organizations stated: “If allowed to stand, this court’s decision to vacate EPA’s rulemaking to allow E15 to be sold year-round will have devastating consequences for the market expansion of homegrown biofuels. Petitioning for a rehearing is a critical next step in giving biofuel producers and farmers a fair shot in the marketplace and providing American drivers with better access to cleaner fuel choices. We are hopeful that...

Aug 12, 2021

Author: Neil Caskey

Lovers of all things corn, baseball and America are in for a real treat tonight when the Chicago White Sox play the New York Yankees in the MLB at Field of Dreams game presented by GEICO. The game will be played at a newly constructed ballpark adjacent to the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa and broadcast nationally on FOX.    “This is the first time two professional sports franchises will play a game in a field of corn. This is a big stage, and America’s corn farmers will be proud of how America’s crop will be portrayed tonight,” said NCGA President John Linder, a corn farmer from Ohio.    NCGA’s partnership of this event is made possible through the generous support of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB)and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB). Tune in to your local FOX affiliate at 6:00 pm CDT to watch it.   

Aug 11, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

Beef and Corn: Working Together in a Sustainable System is the topic of the upcoming panel show on the National Cattlemen Beef Association’s (NCBA) series Cattlemen to Cattlemen on RFD-TV. Panelists will discuss sustainability practices on their farms, the benefits of next-generation feed products, how the ethanol industry has impacted corn and beef producers, and more. The episode was filmed at the Certified Angus Beef headquarters in Wooster, Ohio with panelists from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), NCBA, and Certified Angus Beef (CAB).   “It is important for corn farmers and beef producers to work together so both industries remain sustainable, both environmentally and economically, for the years to come,” said NCGA President John Linder. “Beef cattle is one of our largest customers. One out of four bushels of added corn demand is due to beef and pork exports, with the beef industry providing $5.7 billion in corn value and consuming 1.2 billion bushels of grain....

Aug 10, 2021

Key Issues: Transportation and Infrastructure

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauds the U.S. Senate for today’s passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package, which includes investments in important areas to corn growers.     “This is a once-in-a-lifetime investment in America’s infrastructure, and we are extremely pleased that it includes funding for priorities that are important to farmers and rural America,” said President of the National Corn Growers Association John Linder. “The legislation will benefit agriculture for years to come, and it is encouraging for corn farmers to see Senators working together on a bipartisan basis.”   Among the items included in the bill:   $17.3 billion for the nation’s ports and inland waterways. With 60% of corn exports utilizing these waterways, NCGA and coalition partners have a track record of advocating for these key resources.   $65 billion for broadband internet access, including $2 billion specifically for rural broadband, which will provide more farmers...

Aug 10, 2021

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce that Angus R. Kelly has joined NCGA as the Director of Public Policy, Trade and Biotechnology. In his new role, Angus will be responsible for lobbying Congress and providing expert counsel to NCGA leaders, members and key stakeholders.   “Angus’s experience and expertise will be extremely valuable to us as we advocate on behalf of corn growers,” said Brooke Appleton, NCGA’s Vice President of Public Policy. “He is steeped in the intricacies of international trade and has extensive experience working on biotechnology, both of which are crucial issues to farmers. He will play an important role in helping us navigate these issues on Capitol Hill and with international stakeholders.”   Angus spent over a decade with Syngenta, a leading global provider of agricultural science and technology, working first as a lobbyist in the nation’s capital and then in leadership roles with the company in the European Union, Hawaii...

Aug 9, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Julie Busse

On Friday, Growth Energy, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means outlining its recommendations for a sound and effective sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit.   In an effort to decarbonize transportation and reduce aviation emissions, Congress is considering new legislation to establish a tax credit to promote and develop robust domestic SAF production. To be successful, the ag and biofuels coalition notes in their letter, the tax credit must be based on accurate carbon accounting in life cycle analysis (LCA) led by the U.S. Department of Energy:   “Numerous members of our respective organizations are poised to produce SAF or sustainable feedstocks for SAF. Many others are looking to work toward participation in the full value chain in the...

Aug 5, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Bryan Goodman

President Biden today announced proposed revisions to the vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards through model-year 2026 and a non-binding executive order setting a goal of making half of new vehicles sold in 2030 electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Automakers have previously announced similar goals.   “Time is of the essence if we’re going to meet the President’s ambitious goals for reducing emissions,” said John Linder, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “The good news is we don’t have to wait until 2030 for new vehicles and technologies to reduce emissions. Thanks to today’s ethanol, we can use fuel available right now, in the vehicles we’re all driving today, to make a difference.”   Using higher volumes of ethanol is an immediate way to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and more low-carbon liquid fuels will be needed to decarbonize transportation on a timely and affordable basis, Linder added.   “We encourage policymakers to focus more...

Aug 4, 2021

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Stacey Stiens

On June 8 of this year, The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) released its U.S. Corn Sustainability Goals and the first U.S. Corn Sustainability Report. The release of both the report and the sustainability goals is the culmination of an 18-month, farmer-led process; the report documents a long history of continuous improvement by U.S. corn farmers and the goals set targets for further progress over the next decade.   Looking back over more than the last decade, corn farmers across the country have adopted practices to defend against soil erosion, improve water quality and water use, and manage resources and nutrients through continuous improvements found in modern farming.  From 1980 – 2015:    More corn is being produced on less land. The amount of land required to produce a bushel of corn decreased by 41%.  Per bushel, energy use decreased by 41%, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions decreased by 31%.  Through the adoption of practices that reduce soil erosion,...

Aug 3, 2021

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Don’t feel like you missed your chance this year. Be a part of the fun and enter the National Corn Growers Association by the August 18, 2021 deadline.   “Summer seems to be slipping away again this year. But, don’t let your chance to share in good-natured competition with your fellow farmers slip away too,” said NCGA Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team Chair Lowell Neitzel, a farmer from Kansas. “The contest provides entrants and the industry much more than a showcase for improvements, excellence and accomplishments. Entrants add to a pool of knowledge that will help farming evolve and meet tomorrow’s demands. Many also become engaged in NCGA’s work and help create change as grassroots advocates for corn farmers.”   To enter today using the online form, click here.   The online harvest form will be available on August 19. Harvest results must be submitted no later than two weeks after harvest or by November 30, 2021, whichever is the earlier date. Contest winners...