In The News

Sep 30, 2021

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Stacey Stiens

The Water Quality Working Group (WQWG)—comprised of state and national staff—assembled last week in Janesville, Wisconsin, for the fall session of their biannual meetings.  On Wednesday morning, the group discussed credit trading markets, Waters of the United States (WOTUS), wheat’s consideration as a cover crop, the Hypoxia Task Force, and nitrate/groundwater rules.  The afternoon included a visit to Roger Rebout & Son’s Farm, where the group heard more about the work being done by Discovery Farms, Wisconsin Farmers on the Rock local watershed group and Illinois Corn’s Rock River program.  Attendees also viewed one of the runoff monitoring stations located on the Rebout operation.    Thursday’s agenda focused on state updates regarding ecosystem markets, regional policy and programs, as well as included discussion of Farm Bill conservation policy and the Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 2021.    “Farmers understand what needs to be done and have been responding to...

Sep 30, 2021

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce that Matthew Ziegler has joined NCGA as the Manager of Public Policy and will lead the organization’s efforts on transportation, research and new uses policy.    Matt spent two years at the U.S. Department of Agriculture briefing Secretary Sonny Perdue on key policy issues, such as rural development, inland waterways and rural broadband. He was also responsible for preparing the Secretary for all domestic and international travel, and representing USDA leadership with key stakeholders in Congress and in states and rural communities. Prior to his time at USDA, Matt interned for Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX).   “Matt’s experience working for a member of Congress and someone at the highest level of government has positioned him well for this role, said Vice President of Public Policy Brooke Appleton. “His experience and connections will be of great value to NCGA as we advocate on behalf of farmers.”   A Texas...

Sep 29, 2021

Key Issues: SustainabilityFarm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The Secretary of Agriculture announced today that the administration will launch a new initiative to help farmers address climate change.   In a speech at Colorado State University, Secretary Tom Vilsack said USDA is investing in a series of pilot projects, as part of the “Climate Smart Partnership Initiative,” which will provide incentives to implement climate smart conservation practices on working lands and to quantify and monitor the carbon and greenhouse gas benefits associated with those practices.   USDA will receive stakeholder input over the next 30 days to determine how the partnerships will be structured and will then initiate a series of partnerships over the next six months.   “Today’s announcement underscores the fact that farmers are part of the climate solution,” said NCGA President John Linder. “We look forward to working closely with USDA in the coming weeks to provide input from corn growers.”   Vilsack also announced $3 billion in additional funds and...

Sep 28, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Dusty Weis

NCBA’s Colin Woodall and CAB’s Nicole Erceg discuss corn partnerships and how you might be cooking steak wrong.   After a long day in the field, there's no reward like a tender juicy, corn-fed cut of steak.   And it's made all the sweeter by the fact that the US beef industry is one of the largest consumers of American corn.   So, in this episode, we're going to talk to two beef industry leaders, Collin Woodall from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Nicole Erceg from Certified Angus Beef, about how corn growers can be good partners to the beef industry, what it means to meet modern consumer expectations, and how you might be cooking your steaks wrong.   As Nicole notes, sustainability is a team sport. And with consumer expectations evolving year in and year out, close partnerships between corn growers and beef producers are more important than ever before.   Colin shared his favorite recipe for Grilled Cowboy Steaks.   And Nicole invites you to: Access...

Sep 27, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should focus on opening pathways for all low-carbon fuels and technologies, such as ethanol, as it seeks to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the National Corn Growers Association explained to EPA in comments submitted today.   The agency’s written comments come as EPA hears from stakeholders on its proposed rule to set more stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles for model year 2023 to 2026. Unfortunately, the role that higher blends of low-carbon ethanol can play in meeting new standards was conspicuously absent from EPA’s proposal.   “EPA missed an opportunity in this proposal to broaden the solutions that reduce transportation emissions by beginning a transition to low-carbon, high-octane fuels to advance climate, air quality and environmental justice goals with these and future standards,” NCGA President John Linder stated in the comments. “Furthermore, alternative fuel vehicles such as flex-fuel vehicles, which have...

Sep 22, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

This week, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is highlighting the benefits of corn in pet food and packaging opportunities at the Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. This is the pet food industry’s largest event, with exhibitors and attendees from various backgrounds including research and development, technology and packaging providers, ingredient suppliers and retailers. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Kansas Corn Growers Association had a booth at the event to interact with these stakeholders.   “It’s important for us to engage with the pet food industry and audience, because a recent study found that retail pet food is a $30 billion industry, with corn and corn gluten meal as the top two most used plant-based ingredients in pet food products,” said NCGA Market Development Manager Michael Granché. “This was an opportunity for us to not only discuss the benefits of corn in pet food, but also talk about the role corn can play beyond the bowl in...

Sep 21, 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). The episode will air on Tuesday, September 28th on RFD-TV at 8:30 PM ET.   “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...

Sep 20, 2021

Key Issues: Research

Author: Stacey Stiens

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announces a new round of research grants to help farmers manage aflatoxin issues. Letters of intent from principal investigators, co-principal investigators, and collaborators--not exceeding the $75,000 per year limit--will be accepted by the Aflatoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence (AMCOE) no later than October 15, 2021. For more information about the review process, evaluation criteria and program, click here.   AMCOE’s Research Program will again offer grants for projects focused on solving profit-robbing aflatoxin issues for farmers. These grants, which will be awarded to researchers focusing on one of six priority areas, were designed by Southern corn checkoff boards to bring a unified approach to funding research projects across the region and will therefore favor research teams that include members from multiple states.   The six priority areas for projects funded for 2022 are biological control, transgenic modification,...

Sep 16, 2021

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Julie Busse

Colorado farmer and Market Development Action Team (MDAT) member Troy Schneider recently delivered oral comments at a Stakeholder Listening Session of the UN Food Systems Summit convened by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Organization Affairs along with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The session gave a platform for NCGA to outline our priorities for the upcoming Summit on September 23, 2021.   “Americans today have access to one of the safest, most diverse, and most affordable food supplies in history, thanks in large part to the efficiency, productivity and innovation of U.S. agriculture enabled by technology and the United States’ robust science and risk-based regulatory system,” Schneider said.   NCGA has been engaged in the Summit process through participation in multiple events leading up to the September event, including Independent Dialogues, USDA-hosted National Dialogues, and events...

Sep 15, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

NCGA's involvement in the baseball game in Dyersville, Iowa was a "stalk-off" home run for corn, for MLB and for America.   The Field of Dreams is an iconic movie for baseball fans and corn growers alike, and the image of an idyllic baseball diamond set amongst the Iowa corn stalks has endured now for decades.   But this summer, the NCGA had the opportunity to be part of Major League Baseball’s plan to bring baseball back to that field in Dyersville.   And on this episode, we’ll relive the event with Ron Kittle, former White Sox outfielder and 1983 AL Rookie of the Year, as well as NCGA President John Linder.   Together with Jon and Dusty, they'll revisit the planning that made this special event possible, share stories from game day and explore Ron's career in Major League baseball. Plus, John Linder shares the tale of his run-in with actor Kevin Costner at the game itself.     Direct Share Link   Ron Kittle: If nobody knew what the Corn Growers Association is all...

Sep 14, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

A recent study by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) indicates that U.S. beef and pork exports added 41 cents per bushel to the value of corn in 2020. That’s 11.5% of the average annual price of $3.52/bushel, and the overall value of red meat exports was $5.8 billion.   “Considering everything that happened in 2020, it is encouraging to see how red meat exports continued to show a strong return for U.S. corn farmers,” said NCGA Market Development Action Team (MDAT) Chair and Iowa farmer Bob Hemesath. “The animal ag industry is our largest customer. It’s important to continue to partner with USMEF and expand and grow these markets.”   Key findings from the study, which utilizes 2020 export data, include:   Beef and pork exports used 530.5 million bushels of corn. At an average annual price of $3.52/bushel, beef and pork exports accounted for $1.87 billion in market value to the corn industry. Beef and pork exports also used 3.03 million tons of distiller’s dried grains...

Sep 13, 2021

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The House Ways and Means Committee today released its draft bill, which includes tax provisions that would pay for portions of the proposed $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation legislative package. While the bill would preserve stepped-up basis, there are several provisions impacting family farms, including lowering the current estate tax exemption. Stepped-up basis and the estate tax in the current tax code help protect family farms that are passed down from generation to generation.    In response to these developments, NCGA President John Linder released the following statement: “We are very pleased to see that the House Committee did not include the elimination of stepped-up basis within its initial text. However, we are concerned with the provisions on the estate tax in the Committee draft that could impact family farms. NCGA will continue to work to preserve stepped-up basis and the current estate tax exemption as this process moves forward. “Family farms produce crops...

Sep 10, 2021

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association continued this week to fight to protect tax priorities for farmers ahead of the release of Congress’ $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package. As part of these efforts, NCGA joined hundreds of state and federal agricultural organizations in sending three coalition letters urging Congress to preserve important tax provisions.     Letters that were sent to Congress this week with corn growers support: NCGA and state corn growers were part of a letter with 327 national, regional and state trade associations highlighting agricultural tax priorities including stepped-up basis, like-kind exchanges, the Sec. 199A small business deduction and current estate tax provisions. NCGA and state corn grower associations were part of over 160 signatories in the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition letter, focusing on the importance of preserving stepped-up basis and potential issues that could come with setting exemptions on inherited property. NCGA...

Sep 9, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Bryan Goodman

Today, Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association released the following statement after the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals denied their petition for rehearing 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).   “Our petition for rehearing was an opportunity for the D.C. Circuit to remedy a decision that runs counter to legal precedent and which, if maintained, threatens our nation’s rural economy and progress on moving toward a clean energy future.   “Today’s petition denial is another hurdle to ensuring year-round access to low-carbon E15, however, due to timing, American drivers and retailers will be able to finish out the E15 summer driving season without disruption to their access to cleaner fuel choices at the pump. Moving forward, we continue to push for a permanent...

Sep 9, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Julie Busse

In joint comments submitted last week to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a group of ag and biofuel organizations and companies highlighted the role  renewable fuels like ethanol can and should play in helping the state achieve its goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2045 or sooner. CARB is in the  process of updating its Scoping Plan, which lays out the path toward achieving the state’s carbon reduction targets.   The comments were signed by leadership of the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, Aemetis Inc., Alto Ingredients Inc., Calgren Renewable Fuels, Pearson Fuels, Propel, POET and RPMG. Their letter spotlights recent state-funded research that indicates pathways to carbon neutrality through greater reliance on renewable fuels like low-carbon ethanol.   “The carbon intensity of the fuel continues to drop as farmers and fuel producers invest in better techniques and technologies,” the group writes. “Ethanol in a wide...

Sep 8, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Ken Colombini

Last night, the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol, and National Farmers Union opposed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) motion to remand but not vacate the 31 small refinery exemptions (SREs) the Trump Administration granted in August 2019. The coalition of biofuel and ag leaders is currently challenging the 31 SREs in the D.C. Circuit, arguing that EPA’s issuance of the exemptions was arbitrary and capricious and exceeded the Agency’s authority under the Clean Air Act.   Together, these leaders provided the following statement in opposition to this motion:   “While it is encouraging that EPA intends to reconsider the 31 SREs granted for the 2018 compliance year, we must oppose EPA’s motion to remand without a deadline and without addressing the SREs’ ongoing damage to the biofuel industry. In addition to seeking a remand of the SREs, the Biden...

Sep 7, 2021

Author: Neil Caskey

The Corn Board recently confirmed Kelly Harsh of Ohio as its newest director. Kelly grows corn and soybeans on her family operation in Delaware, Ohio.   Kelly will serve a one-year term on the Corn Board, a position that opened up when Dennis McNinch resigned his seat to spend more time with his family and on his farm.   “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board, but the demands of the farm have forced me to focus my attention on it right now. I’ve served with Kelly and know she’ll be an outstanding addition to the board,” said McNinch.   A Certified Public Accountant and crop insurance agent, she is the current president of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association. Kelly also serves on the NCGA Ethanol Action Team, among other things.   “I am humbled and honored that the NCGA Corn Board has appointed me to serve on the board,” said Harsh. “I look forward to working hard to advance an industry that works hard to provide food, fiber and fuel for the...

Sep 2, 2021

Key Issues: Production

Author: Bryan Goodman

In response to an announcement today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it will offer Post Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) in certain states for non-irrigated corn, NCGA released the following statement:   “PACE will play an extremely important role in helping farmers navigate changing weather conditions. We applaud the Illinois Corn Growers Association and our other partners for working to develop this new insurance product and are appreciative of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for seeing its value and approving its use. We look forward to working with USDA as it rolls out this new product.”   PACE was developed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, Ag-Analytics Technology Company, LLC, Meridian Institute, and others and submitted to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation under provisions in the law allowing for private development of new crop insurance products. More details on PACE will be made available...

Sep 1, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Dusty Weis

The fifth-term Congresswoman from Illinois is the recipient of the NCGA’s President’s Award.    The Next Generation Fuels Act is poised to reinforce the market for American ethanol, and it’s been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support.   And in this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who was honored with the NCGA President’s Award this year for her support as sponsor of the Next Generation Fuels Act.   She’ll outline the specifics of the bill, share the outlook from Washington and detail what you can do to make sure this important piece of legislation becomes law.     Direct Share Link   Transcript   Rep. Cheri Bustos: Creating jobs, opening up opportunities for our family farmers, driving down carbon emissions. All of that happens if we can get the Next Generation Fuels Act passed, this is an opportunity that we have, and I would love to be able to get this signed into law and make this part of how we do business...