In The News

Jan 28, 2022

Author: Gaylen Holloway

NCGA is proud to support 3 scholarship programs for 3 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.   Don’t miss your chance to apply, the scholarship application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.     More detailed information about the 2022 Scholarship Programs can be found on

Jan 27, 2022

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should look to farmers as it works to mitigate pesticide issues, a corn grower told members of a federal interagency working group (IWG) today.    “We respect EPA’s responsibility in protecting the environment, including endangered species,” said Patty Mann, a corn, soybean and wheat farmer from Jackson Center, Ohio. “We ask that the agency work closely with growers, the ones who often know the land the best, in developing and enacting mitigation measures.”   Mann’s remarks were made to the IWG, which is composed of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency. The IWG was established under the 2018 farm bill to identify and implement improvements to the federal government’s pesticide consultation process.   Mann, who has worked with the National Corn Growers and Ohio Corn and Wheat on these...

Jan 26, 2022

Author: Dusty Weis

We're taking a close look at the state of the market, and its impact on Chris’s own operation.   Last year was a mixed bag of news for the nation’s corn growers.   Corn prices climbed, but so did input costs. News about supply lines, infrastructure and politics came fast and heavy.   And 2022 is giving every indication of continuing on that chaotic, breakneck pace.   So in this episode, we check in with NCGA President Chris Edgington to hear how all these big national news stories have impacted his operation in Iowa, what lessons he learned in 2021 and what growers need to know to thrive in 2022.     DIRECT SHARE   Transcript     Chris Edgington: NCGA and Corn are present. They're involved. They're engaged, at the local level, at the state level, at the national level. Whether it's a federal policy meeting, whether it's a tax discussion, whether it's a local water waste problem, it's not about the people that are sitting on the board, but it's the organization as...

Jan 25, 2022

Key Issues: Farm PolicyTransportation and Infrastructure

Author: Bryan Goodman

As Washington prepares to debate the reauthorization of the farm bill in 2023, one group of grower leaders is well-positioned as a valuable resource for corn growers and policymakers.    The Risk Management and Transportation Action Team (RMTAT) – which oversees much of NCGA’s public-policy work on transportation, the farm safety net and federal taxes – will play an active role in preparing NCGA for the 2023 farm bill.   “NCGA will soon roll out key findings from our nationwide risk management survey of fellow corn growers,” said RMTAT Chairman Bill Leigh.” We are also spending time evaluating current farm bill commodity and crop insurance programs, continuing to support strong risk management tools, and looking for areas of improvement. And implementation of disaster assistance will once again be on the team’s agenda for the year.”   The team is building off a successful year, which saw historic federal investments in domestic infrastructure. Implementation of the bipartisan...

Jan 21, 2022

Author: Kris Martinez

Some of the nation’s leading agriculture experts and well-known personalities will be featured on the Main Stage during the 2022 Commodity Classic held March 10-12 in New Orleans.    The Main Stage, presented by Successful Farming® and Commodity Classic, is located right on the trade show floor. Presentations are scheduled during trade show hours. Highlights of the Main Stage line-up for 2022 include:   Al Kluis, marketing columnist for Successful Farming®: Strategies for Success in 2022 Cashing in on Carbon, presented by Agoro The Future of Agriculture is Data, presented by GrainChain Generation Next, presented by Pivot Bio Xtreme Ag: Oh, the Mistakes We’ve Made, So You Don’t, presented by FMC Kevin Kimberley: The Planter Doctor Carbon Markets Tell-All Panel, presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions A cooking demonstration presented by USA Poultry & Egg Export Council Commodity Classic is unlike any other agricultural event and features a robust schedule of educational...

Jan 20, 2022

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Stacey Stiens

The America’s Watershed Initiative (AWI), recently named their 2022 Board of Directors Executive Team. Rachel Orf, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Director of Stewardship & Sustainability, was elected as Secretary.   “It is an honor to serve on the board and be a part of an organization that works across so many sectors and states,” said Orf. “The health of the Mississippi River Watershed is critical to ensuring the river remains productive and healthy for future generations.”   Other AWI board members are: Chair Larry Weber, University of Iowa Vice Chair Rainy Inman Shorey, Caterpillar Inc.  Vice Chair Kirsten Wallace, Upper Mississippi River Basin Association Treasurer Michael Reuter, The Nature Conservancy   The announcement of the board stated, “America’s Watershed Initiative is made up of public, private and nonprofit leaders working together voluntarily to improve the health of the Mississippi River Watershed by informing, advocating and leveraging...

Jan 19, 2022

Key Issues: Transportation and Infrastructure

Author: Bryan Goodman

Appropriations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed in 2021 with bipartisan support, will soon be funding upgrades to infrastructure projects important to corn growers.   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today it would allocate $2.2 billion from the infrastructure legislation to repair and update the following locks along the Upper Mississippi River System:   Kentucky Lock along the Tennessee River, near Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Montgomery Lock on the Ohio River, 30 miles south of Pittsburgh. Lock and Dam 25 on the Upper Mississippi River, north of St. Louis. Three Rivers Lock along the Ohio River, southwest of Pittsburgh. T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam along the Illinois River. “Corn growers depend on America’s rivers to import supplies, like fertilizers, which play an important part in planting and harvesting our crops,” said Iowa farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington. “These rivers are also important in shipping our products to key...

Jan 19, 2022

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association cautioned EPA on Tuesday about moving forward with a rule that could give the federal government sweeping regulatory power over America’s farmlands.   The testimony from Iowa farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington comes as EPA considers a proposed rule revising the definition of “Waters of the United States,” under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule would give the federal government leeway to assert jurisdiction over features that are remote from and carry only minor volumes of water to downstream navigable waters.   “The Clean Water Act simply does not allow the agencies to insert themselves into local and farmer land-use decisions in the manner that has been proposed,” Edgington said. “There is a limit under the Clean Water Act to the direct federal control over land-use decisions and policies. Such Clean Water Act policy properly respects the roles of each of the principal players in this system: the private landowner, citizen...

Jan 18, 2022

Author: Kris Martinez

Sara Evans to Perform Saturday, March 12 in New Orleans   Multi-platinum country musician Sara Evans will close out the 2022 Commodity Classic with a bang during Saturday night’s Evening of Entertainment. Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, March 10 through Saturday, March 12 in New Orleans.   As the fifth most-played female artist on country radio in the last two decades, some of Evans’ top singles include “Born to Fly,” “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket,” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” which spent two weeks at number one and was certified platinum. Sara’s “stunning country voice” (Rolling Stone) has earned her the prestigious Academy of Country Music Top Female vocalist accolade as well as several American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and nominations from the Country Music Association and the Grammy Awards.   The Evening of Entertainment is sponsored by Bayer Crop Science and admission to the concert is included with full registration or with a one-day...

Jan 14, 2022

Author: Gaylen Holloway

Interested in enhancing your advocacy skills? Apply for the 2022 ACE Series by Friday, January 21st.   NCGA’s ACE Series (Advocating for Corn Effectively) is designed to create prepared, informed, and effective advocates to carry the message of corn growers’ public policy priorities to elected officials across the nation.   This virtual program will be conducted in a series of three live modules.   How Congress Really Works -- Friday, February 4th 9:00 am – 11:00 am EST Effective Advocacy -- Friday, February 11th 9:00 am – 11:00 am EST Becoming a Trusted Resource -- Friday, February 18th 9:00 am – 11:00 am EST   If you have questions regarding the program or would like to apply, email Gaylen Holloway at holloway@ncga.com.  

Jan 12, 2022

Key Issues: Production

Author: Bryan Goodman

A new economic analysis released today by researchers at Texas A&M University has corn growers raising concerns that pending tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will create shortages and cause prices to increase even more for farmers, according to the National Corn Growers Association.   “As part of this study, we conducted a historical analysis going back to 1980 and found that fertilizer costs tend to go up when corn revenues increase,” lead researcher Joe Outlaw, Ph.D., noted. “Notably, these prices tend to go up exponentially even after accounting for natural gas prices and higher demand.”   The study notes that the price of one type of nitrogen fertilizer, called anhydrous ammonia, increased by $688 per ton – $86,000 for a 1,000-acre farm – from the end of 2020 through the end of October 2021.   The study has farmers raising concerns about a petition by CF Industries, one of the country’s major nitrogen producers, with the U.S. International Trade Commission to impose...

Jan 11, 2022

Author: Julie Busse

Only a few days remain to take advantage of registration discounts for the 2022 Commodity Classic to be held March 10-12, 2022 in New Orleans.    Friday, January 21, 2022, is the last day the discounts will be in effect.      Registration fees vary depending on the number of days attended. Full registration covers all three days of the event, and one-day registrations are also available. Members of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Sorghum Producers, National Association of Wheat Growers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers receive additional discounts on registration.     All registration and housing reservations should be made online at CommodityClassic.com. Maritz is the official registration and housing provider for Commodity Classic. In order to stay at an official Commodity Classic hotel, reservations must be made only through Maritz to ensure favorable rates, reasonable terms, and confirmed hotel rooms.   The...

Jan 11, 2022

Author: Julie Busse

Exports and animal agriculture make up nearly 70% of annual corn demand. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Market Development Action Team (MDAT) portfolio includes these, as well as new uses of corn. The team’s primary goal and focus is to drive demand for America’s corn farmers.   “Last fall, we announced the winners of the Consider Corn Challenge III, engaged with our animal ag partners on a variety of projects, and worked with trade industry partners to promote the benefits of corn grown here in the U.S.,” said MDAT Chair and Colorado farmer Troy Schneider. “We are going to build upon our wins from 2021, and continue to make strides in this space in 2022 and beyond. I look forward to seeing what we can get accomplished over the next year.”   The team’s 2022 priorities include:   Increase demand for U.S. Animal Agriculture domestic demand and exports Support research into corn and corn co-product use within animal feed Identify new & support existing...

Jan 10, 2022

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Time is running out to play an active role in a bright future for corn farmers by stepping forward to help lead the National Corn Growers Association as a candidate for the 2023 Corn Board.   The NCGA Nominating Committee is closing the applications period for 2023 Corn Board through January 21.  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. Members also act as spokespeople for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public...

Jan 6, 2022

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

Farmers are encouraged to respond to the USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). Phase II of the work has been extended to January 14. The survey asks about production practices and data from corn producers. Your response helps ensure corn growers are represented in key research and analysis by USDA. This portion of the survey asks questions about fertilizer, pesticide, cropping practice and technology management.    It is important to respond to make sure you are represented in your state. Phase II is primarily conducted by phone and is the best way for USDA to get the information it needs to make sure your operation is counted. Corn producers in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Colorado, and Texas have been contacted to participate in the survey. For more information about this survey, visit www.nass.usda.gov/go/arms .

Jan 5, 2022

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released the details and coverage of the new crop insurance Post Application Coverage Endorsement, or PACE, for non-irrigated corn.   Farmers in select counties in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin are eligible for the endorsement.   PACE, available to farmers who split-apply nitrogen, provides coverage for the projected yield lost when producers are unable to apply the post nitrogen application during the V3-V10 corn growth stages due to field conditions created by weather. It is available as supplemental coverage for Yield Protection (YP), Revenue Protection (RP), and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (RP-HPE) policies.   “PACE is an important addition to the risk management toolbox for corn growers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington. “We are appreciative of our industry partners and the Risk Management Agency...

Jan 4, 2022

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

Timely implementation of meaningful Renewable Fuels Standard volumes provides certainty in agriculture markets, reduces emissions and lowers fuel prices, NCGA told U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials today during the agency’s public hearing on proposed RFS volume standards for 2022 and 2021 and proposed reconsideration of 2020 volumes.   “Corn farmers produce low-carbon feedstock for low-carbon ethanol, offering immediate and affordable emissions reductions and a vital pathway for agriculture to help address climate change,” NCGA President Chris Edgington told EPA. “But our success helping you meet these commitments depends on EPA sending a clear and firm message that volume requirements will be enforced.”   Edgington urged EPA to move quickly to finalize the strong 2022 volume proposal and the denial of pending RFS waiver petitions, actions that would put more clean fuels in the market and repair RFS integrity. He also told EPA that proposed retroactive cuts to 2020...

Jan 3, 2022

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

The National Corn Growers Association announced the slate of new and returning farmer leaders who will serve as members of its action teams and committees, which began on January 1, 2022. These volunteer farmers will actively shape the future of their industry by guiding programs and carrying out the policies and priorities that drive the association.   Leadership for NCGA’s seven major teams in 2022 will be:   Ethanol Action Team: JR Roesner, chair; Kelly Nieuwenhuis, vice chair; Ken Hartman, board liaison. Market Development Action Team: Troy Schneider, chair; Denny Vennekotter, vice chair; Brian Thalmann, board liaison. Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team: Lowell Neitzel, chair; Dan Nerud, vice chair; Jed Bower, board liaison. Production Technology Access Action Team: Kate Danner, chair; Patty Mann, vice chair; Mike Lefever, board liaison. Risk Management & Transportation Action Team: Bill Leigh, chair; Richard Preston, vice chair; Kelly Harsh, board...