In The News

Sep 29, 2022

Key Issues: Research

Author: Stacey Stiens

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce that eight Research Ambassadors have been selected for 2022-2023 academic year:   Julian Cooper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities   Brendan Hanson, Purdue University   Kirsten Hein, Colorado State University   John Searl, University of Wisconsin-Madison Aimee Schulz, Cornell University Seth Tolley, Purdue University Rachel Veenstra, Kansas State University Brandon Webster, Michigan State University   Just in its second year, the program is continuing to build great momentum. Developed and funded by NCGA’s Sustainable Ag Research Action Team, the objective is to build a network of future leaders in the agricultural sector; ambassadors must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and be involved in research relevant to corn production.   “The first year of the Research Ambassador Program was even more successful than we imagined it would be,” said NCGA Sustainable Ag Research Action...

Sep 28, 2022

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture today for expanding the Post-Application Coverage Endorsement insurance option for corn farmers who “split-apply” nitrogen. The expansion will include most counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin where non-irrigated corn is insurable. “PACE provides an additional risk management tool for corn growers who split-apply nitrogen,” said Iowa farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington. “We believe in this crop insurance product and are glad that the Risk Management Agency is expanding access to PACE for the next crop year.” PACE provides coverage for the projected yield lost when producers are unable to apply the post-nitrogen application due to field conditions created by weather. It is available as supplemental coverage for Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion policies. PACE was developed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association,...

Sep 28, 2022

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Dusty Weis

As Chris Edgington wraps up his term as NCGA President, we look back at the meaningful progress corn growers made in 2022.   2022 has been another one of those years that throws a lot of curve balls at you.   But in the world of agriculture, you can’t just hit home runs all the time.   It might not get the headlines, but the real work gets done in the singles and doubles that you hit, and you’ve got to hit those reliably.   And so in this episode, we look back at some of the wins for the industry that you might not have heard about, with outgoing NCGA President Chris Edgington as he winds down his term in office.   From tariffs on inputs to new regulations, the association has battled back against developments that would have cost farmers dearly. At the same time, new support for ethanol fuel is moving forward in Washington and could be a huge boon to growers.   Make sure to REGISTER YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE EPA about its plans to revise registration for atrazine, which...

Sep 27, 2022

Key Issues: Farm PolicyProduction

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraging growers to join its call-to-action and submit comments to the EPA on the important role atrazine, a popular herbicide, plays in their work. The call-to-action was launched over the summer as EPA began revising its registration for atrazine. EPA is proposing a level of concern for atrazine at 3.4 parts per billion, down from the current level of 15 parts per billion. The move would significantly impair the effective use of atrazine on farms, according to NCGA. “Atrazine allows corn growers to experience higher yields using less land with fewer inputs, which is good for the environment and saves growers money,” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “Reducing the effectiveness of this important herbicide will hinder the work of farmers and turn the clock back on our conservation efforts.” Since the organization launched the call to action on July 20, more than...

Sep 22, 2022

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) praised the credentials of Alexis Taylor today and encouraged the Senate to act quickly to confirm her as undersecretary for trade and U.S. agricultural affairs at USDA. NCGA’s comments came after Taylor testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee as it considers her nomination. “Alexis is someone with a deep understanding of agriculture, and she is widely respected by policymakers on both sides of the aisle,” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “We are very excited by the prospect of having someone of Alexis’s caliber serving in this role.”   During her testimony, the nominee told the committee that “ag is not just what I do, but who I am.” Taylor, who currently serves as director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, has served as a policy expert on ag issues for several members of Congress and managed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Foreign...

Sep 21, 2022

Author: Michael Granché

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted a group of Agriculture Future of America (AFA) student delegates in the Washington D.C. office as part of AFA’s Policy Institute. NCGA staff provided a tour and overview of the work the organization does and led discussions around how the national and state associations work collaboratively across the country to increase opportunities for America’s corn farmers.   NCGA staff were able to engage with the student delegates through different workshop and roundtable opportunities including an office tour followed by an “NCGA 101” to help provide students with some visibility of all of the different opportunities and skillsets needed within a trade association. Brooke Appleton, NCGA Vice President of Public Policy, participated in AFA’s ‘Careers in Policy’ roundtable, Angus Kelly, Director of Public Policy, Trade and Biotechnology, was a panelist for the ‘Foreign & Domestic Affairs’ discussion, and Michael Granché, Market Development...

Sep 20, 2022

Author: Kris Martinez

Exhibitor Applications Being Accepted for Nearly Sold-Out Trade Show   Plans for the 2023 Commodity Classic are well underway as America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience returns to Orlando March 9-11, 2023. The theme for the 2023 show is “Preparing for the Next Generation.”   The preliminary schedule for the 2023 Commodity Classic can be found online at commodityclassic.com/2023-schedule-at-a-glance. The schedule highlights tentative dates and times for the dozens of educational sessions, presentations, special events, and trade show. Additional sessions continue to be added to the schedule as available.    “We’re excited for Commodity Classic to return to Orlando, which has historically been a very popular location for us,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “We encourage everyone to check out the schedule to start planning their trip to Orlando.”   Fellow 2023 co-chair Kenny Hartman,...

Sep 19, 2022

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

Later this month, viewers of Cattlemen to Cattlemen on RFD-TV will get a firsthand look at the value of corn and beef exports at the Port of New Orleans. In 2021, beef and port exports accounted for 537 million bushels of corn usage.   “The U.S. is the world’s leading exporter of corn and when you pair that with the success of exports of the beef industry, it is an important demand driver for corn farmers,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) incoming President and Minnesota farmer Tom Haag. “Being at the Port of New Orleans for this episode was a great backdrop because of the amount of agricultural goods and product that goes out of this port.”   Panel participants include Tom Haag, incoming NCGA President and Minnesota farmer; National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Minnesota farmer Don Schiefelbein; NCGA Market Development Action Team Chair and Colorado corn and beef producer Troy Schneider; and Kyla Hamilton, a Texas corn and beef producer who...

Sep 15, 2022

Key Issues: Farm PolicyTransportation and Infrastructure

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) on Thursday said a tentative agreement between union leaders and rail workers is a positive development for farmers and the agricultural community. “We are thankful that the White House has announced a tentative agreement between rail carriers and union leaders and applaud the efforts from all parties to avoid this crisis.” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “It is critical to farmers, who are approaching harvest season, that rail service remain fully functional and reliable. The agreement, announced by the Biden administration on Thursday morning, appears to end a months-long stalemate between union leaders and the rail industry. The dispute prompted President Biden to establish a Presidential Emergency Board to broker agreement between the two sides. As the Friday deadline for agreement approached, preparations were being made for major disruptions to the nation’s...

Sep 14, 2022

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today applauded a decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allocate up to $95 million in funding to help farmers accelerate cover crop adoption.   The funding will support Farmers for Soil Health, which works to advance conservation practices to improve soil health across the U.S. The collaborative is comprised of commodity groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, the National Pork Board, and the United Soybean Board. The group also includes the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Association of Conservation Districts, the Sustainability Consortium, the Soil Health Institute, the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and DTN.   “We are appreciative of the USDA for recognizing the important role farmers play in combatting climate change,” said NCGA Vice President of Production and Sustainability Nathan Fields. “These funds will help us identify and support practices that...

Sep 13, 2022

Key Issues: Farm PolicyTransportation and Infrastructure

Author: Bryan Goodman

As the country braces for a possible large scale interruption on Friday to freight rail service over a dispute between unions and industry, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is reminding leaders that the agricultural sector relies heavily on a consistent and reliable rail service and calling for Congress’s involvement. “Rail is an essential piece of the agricultural supply chain, particularly as we approach harvest season, so any disruption to rail services would have a negative and lasting impact on our growers,” said Brooke S. Appleton, the vice president of public policy at NCGA. “Given the effect this could have on farmers and the nation’s economy, we urge both sides to do whatever it takes to resolve this issue by the end of the week. If an agreement is not reached soon, Congress needs to act.” Appleton noted that NCGA has spent the summer actively encouraging industry officials and members of Congress to resolve the dispute. NCGA has also partnered with other...