In The News

Oct 28, 2021

Key Issues: New Uses

Author: Julie Busse

Today, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the Consider Corn Challenge III winners at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in San Francisco, California. The six winners were chosen because their technologies can improve a product or process, scale-up and produce biobased materials from field corn.   “We know we produce an affordable, abundant and sustainable crop that can be used for a variety of uses and applications, which is why we held the contest,” said NCGA Market Development Action Team (MDAT) Chair and Iowa farmer Bob Hemesath. “The value of corn as an industrial feedstock continues to improve thanks to advancements in technology, production and logistics efficiency. Corn is the perfect solution for biobased products, especially as society becomes increasingly interested in more sustainable products.”   The six winners of the Consider Corn Challenge III are the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, BioAstra...

Oct 27, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

It may not be January 1, but there’s a new president at NCGA, and we’re getting to know him better.   With harvest season winding down, NCGA members are observing another fall milestone—the induction of a new NCGA president, Chris Edgington.   Administratively speaking, NCGA’s “new year” began on October 1.   And, hailing from St. Ansgar, Iowa, Chris has been sworn in to lead the organization in the year ahead.   So in this episode, we’re going to get to know him a little bit better… his operation, what drives him to lead, and what he sees as the biggest hurdles that growers face in the year ahead.     Direct Share Link   Transcript   Chris Edgington: Those of us in agriculture, we need a team. We need people that are working on this daily because we can produce a lot of products in the U.S. that we cannot consume here. So we need a team promoting them.   Dusty Weis: Hello and welcome to Wherever Jon May Roam, the National Corn Growers Association podcast. This...

Oct 25, 2021

Key Issues: Production

Author: Stacey Stiens

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the winners of the Next Generation Fertilizer Innovations Challenge.  Along with EPA and USDA, the competition is a collaboration with The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).   “This collaboration allows us to propel advancement with unified efforts from the private and public sectors.  Corn farmers are committed to continuous improvements in sustainability and efficiency—we are always looking for new ways to be better,” said Iowa corn grower and NCGA President Chris Edgington.  “This competition is an opportunity to encourage the development of new technologies and innovative practices which will help bolster productivity and profitability for growers.”   The goal of the competition is to improve the efficiency of fertilizers to increase...

Oct 22, 2021

Key Issues: Transportation and Infrastructure

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association joined 51 other agricultural groups in submitting comments this week to the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing the many disruptive factors facing the U.S. supply chain. The comments provide recommendations on how to alleviate these challenges through legislative and regulatory actions.    “To be successful, farmers must have a reliable and fully functioning national transportation system that will allow us to receive our fall fertilizer shipments and deliver our products to consumers in a timely fashion,” said NCGA President Chris Edgington. “That’s why NCGA, along with other groups, are making our voices heard in these discussions.”    The comments address several key areas of concern to corn growers, including:   Inland Waterways. The inland waterways system is vital to the American supply chain and gives U.S. producers a significant advantage in terms of cost and efficiency over international competitors. The comments urge...

Oct 21, 2021

Key Issues: SustainabilityPollinators

Author: Stacey Stiens

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is proud to announce their partnership—funded by NCGA’s Production Technology Access Action Team (PTAAT)—with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. This new collaboration will focus on increasing pollinator and wildlife habitat in corn-producing states. Initially, the partnership will focus on corn producers in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, with room for expansion down the road.   “Pollinator health is a leading sustainability issue in 21st-century agriculture,” said Ohio grower and PTAAT Vice Chair Patty Mann. “As public interest in pollinator health continues to increase, stakeholders in this discussion – our members and producers nationwide – have a critical role to play for implementation. By partnering with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, NCGA can assist growers with profitability and sustainability measures on their farms for win-win scenarios.”   Pollinators are essential to the health of upland bird habitat and...

Oct 20, 2021

Key Issues: Consumer Engagement

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

This week, CommonGround shared the story of American agriculture at the world’s largest meeting of food and nutrition experts at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE), which was held online this year. With more than 10,000 registered dietitian nutritionists, nutrition science researchers, policymakers and healthcare providers in attendance, CommonGround volunteers attracted enthusiastic attention and engaged in meaningful dialogue that helped this influential audience delve further into how America’s farmers grow and raise the healthy foods they recommend.   “FNCE provides a great venue for us to connect with people who directly impact the food choices of countless others,” said CommonGround volunteer Paula Linthicum, who farms in Laytonsville, Maryland. “The audience is receptive and appreciates the work that we do to provide a direct link to farming.”   The activity, organized by CommonGround MidAtlantic with support from the National Corn Growers Association,...

Oct 19, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

There are many benefits to including corn in your pet’s diet, but have you ever wondered about the benefits that your cat or dog brings to the corn industry? A comprehensive study unpacked the $30 billion U.S. retail pet food industry, thanks to the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), the Pet Food Institute and the North American Renderers Association.   The study found that corn and corn gluten meal are the top two most used plant-based ingredients in pet food products. Corn is the dominant plant-based carbohydrate at 1,283,674 tons, and corn gluten meal is the dominant plant-based protein ingredient at 476,649 tons used on an annual basis. Thanks to Fido and Fluffy, the corn industry moved 1,958,061 tons of product, valued at a total of $438 million.   “Farmers and farm-product processors sell $6.9 billion worth of products to pet food manufacturers every year that are used as ingredients. Sales made by farmers and processors of farm products to pet food...

Oct 15, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Bryan Goodman

As the White House met this week with executives from the oil and gas industry seeking help with high fuel prices, NCGA reminded administration officials that corn growers offer an immediate solution for lowering fuel prices.     NCGA issued a response on social media, saying: “@WhiteHouse Trying to cut gas prices? How about blending more biofuels – homegrown ethanol costs less than gasoline, and even the small step of choosing a 15% ethanol blend at the pump today saves drivers 10 cents or more per gallon while cutting carbon emissions too.”   This latest action is part of a larger campaign by NCGA to demonstrate the benefits of ethanol to policymakers. When it comes to fuel price concerns, ethanol currently costs less per gallon than gasoline, so blending more ethanol lowers fuel prices while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.   NCGA has been working closely with Washington policymakers, reminding them that they can address these issues by:   Ensuring consumers...

Oct 15, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

Beef and Corn: Working Together in a Sustainable System was the focus of a recent episode on the National Cattlemen Beef Association’s (NCBA) series Cattlemen to Cattlemen on RFD-TV. Panelists 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 aired 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 Chairman 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...

Oct 14, 2021

Author: Julie Busse

Time is running out to submit your photos in the Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. This is the eighth year of the annual photo contest of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and the deadline to submit photos is November 30, 2021.   “We have had some great photos submitted already this year and harvest is a great opportunity to snap a few more pictures while farmers are in the field to submit to the contest,” said NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. “The entries we get throughout the year tell the story of agriculture and rural America and show how the crop progresses during the season. This year we added the new categories of equipment and bird’s eye view.”   A total of 26 cash prizes will be awarded with the single, most popular photo with Facebook “likes” receiving a $500 prize and First ($300), Second ($200), Third ($100), prizes will be awarded for each of eight categories and, as in prior years, judges will select a single Grand Prize winner to be...

Oct 13, 2021

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association is now accepting applications for the 2022 Scholarship Programs. NCGA is proud to support three scholarship programs for three distinct audiences:    Technical School/Community College Scholarship Program    NCGA William C. Berg Academic Excellence Scholarship Program   Graduate Student Scholarship Program     “In order to ensure a strong rural economy for years to come, we must invest in the next generation of agriculture leaders,” said Membership, Communication, and Engagement Action Team Chair Lowell Neitzel. “NCGA grower-members are committed to opening doors for students who are passionate about serving rural America.”     To apply, students or a parent/guardian must be a member of the NCGA. Past scholarship winners and employees and the families of employees of any division of BASF or their subsidiaries or the NCGA are not eligible for the scholarship.   Applications are currently open, and the scholarship application...

Oct 8, 2021

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

In the next few weeks, a U.S. Department of Agriculture representative may contact you to participate in the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). This survey is a major source of U.S. farm production and economic data that has a direct impact on farm policy. This year the survey will focus on production practices and chemical use for corn producers.    Please help enumerators complete the survey by providing input on your nutrient and fertilizer use, tillage and pest management practices, and production costs for corn farming. To protect the health and safety of producers, partners, and employees, NASS has suspended in-person interviews. Instead, representatives from USDA will call to schedule a telephone interview.   For more information about ARMS, visit: nass.usda.gov/go/arms     For analysis of ARMS data, visit: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Ag_Resource_Management/ If you have additional questions about this survey, please contact...

Oct 7, 2021

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

The new fiscal year may have just begun, but farmers always work toward building for tomorrow. Play an active role in creating that bright future by stepping forward to help lead the National Corn Growers Association as a candidate for the 2023 Corn Board.   The NCGA Nominating Committee is currently accepting applications for 2023 Corn Board candidacy from interested members.  Through the Corn Board, members can become an integral part of the organization’s leadership. Click here for the application, which provides complete information on requirements, responsibilities and deadlines.   The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations.  Board members serve the organization in a variety of ways.  They represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress....

Oct 5, 2021

Author: Julie Busse

Today, National Corn Growers Association President and Iowa farmer Chris Edgington held a news conference with the media to outline his goals for his year as president.   Edgington told reporters, “Making family farms like ours better is what drives me. It’s why I ran for the Corn Board, and it’s why I ran to be president of NCGA. And just like it is for our farm, my goal as president is to make NCGA the best team it can be. That starts with staying focused on our top priorities. These include Growing demand for our products; Protecting the profitability of our businesses; and Building trust in our sustainable production methods.”   Edgington acknowledged that there’s a lot of work to tackle in the year ahead. “The thing about this job is there will always be issues to work on - good ones, bad ones and others that fall somewhere in between. I can’t say for sure what they’ll be or when we’ll be confronted with them, but I know our chances of success are greater if we are on the...

Oct 4, 2021

Key Issues: ProductionResearch

Author: Stacey Stiens

Growers across the country are reporting unprecedented incidences of tar spot this harvest season.   When conditions are favorable for the disease, it can cause significant yield loss in susceptible corn hybrids. Tar spot was first detected in the U.S. in 2015 in northern Illinois and Indiana, and it has quickly spread through the Corn Belt. The disease causes significant losses for farmers’ livelihoods. Efforts to combat tar spot have been hindered by the difficulty of growing Phyllachora maydis—the fungus responsible for the disease—in a laboratory setting which, in turn, limits researchers’ capabilities to study and understand it.   The National Corn Growers Association has two Action Teams, both armed with support from state checkoff dollars, focused on aiding the fight against tar spot.    In 2019, the Sustainable Ag Research Action Team (SARAT)—along with Corteva Agriscience, Wyffels Hybrids, Illinois Corn Growers Association and Purdue University—helped to provide...

Oct 4, 2021

Key Issues: Research

Author: Stacey Stiens

Autumn is here and the school year is well underway!  Nourish the Future—a national education initiative developed by science teachers for science teachers—has put out the call for the next round of Teacher Leaders!  This national leadership program is a year-long cohort experience especially designed for middle and high school teachers.  The Teacher Leader Community (TLC) program offers participants opportunities to:   Enhance professional development capacities to fit diverse audiences and venues. Become skilled in inquiry-based lesson design. Become a leader in exploring solutions with your students on issues affecting sustainability, climate, environment and food production. Expand a professional network to include teachers and industry experts from different states. Become a career coach for students. The national program is limited to 20 teachers, and the deadline for TLC III application is December 1, 2021. The leadership experience begins in January 2022 with a...

Oct 1, 2021

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Brian Goodman

Farmers who have been impacted by extreme weather patterns will see relief thanks to funding that was included in the continuing resolution that passed Congress this week.   "Farmers will be pleased with this development,” said NCGA President Chris Edgington. "The funding will be extremely helpful to our members who have struggled with adverse weather conditions in recent years."    The bill provides $10 billion to continue the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus, or WHIP+, for the losses in 2020 and 2021. It requires that recipients of that assistance purchase crop insurance or Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage for the two following crop years.     Assistance will be available for losses caused by droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, winter storms, freeze, polar vortexes, smoke exposure, quality losses of crops and excessive moisture in 2020 and 2021.     The Secretary of Agriculture will be required to submit a...