In The News

May 24, 2024

Key Issues: Farm Bill

Author: Bryan Goodman

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 has passed the House Committee on Agriculture by a vote of 33-21. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said many of the recommendations made by corn grower leaders are reflected in the legislation and language in the bill would improve programs for corn growers across the country.   “We are deeply appreciative of the members on the committee and their staff for their work on this legislation,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “Advancing the farm bill through committee is an important milestone in the legislative process.”   During the markup, corn growers supported several amendments that were filed by committee members to improve the farm bill. Wolle said growers were appreciative of Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) for offering an amendment on sustainable aviation fuel that was adopted by the committee. He also thanked Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) for leading and offering an amendment requiring a mandatory base acre update...

May 21, 2024

Key Issues: Farm Bill

Author: Bryan Goodman

In a letter sent today to the House Committee on Agriculture, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Harold Wolle reacted to the recently released House Farm Bill legislation. The committee is expected to markup the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 on Thursday, May 23. “NCGA’s farm bill recommendations seek to make existing USDA programs more effective, efficient, and responsive,” Wolle said. “Many of these recommendations are reflected in the proposed legislation and would be an improvement upon existing programs for corn growers across the country.”   The organization’s priorities include protecting federal crop insurance, bolstering U.S. international market development efforts, strengthening the producer safety net, supporting voluntary conservation programs, championing initiatives important to rural America and providing a base acre update.   The letter noted corn growers’ appreciation for the leadership of Chairman GT Thompson (R-Penn.),...

May 17, 2024

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. International Trade Commission today agreed to advance a petition by Corteva Agribusiness to place anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D shipped from China and India. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said the decision will impact farmers. “We are disappointed that ITC did not listen to the feedback from farmers about how harmful these tariffs could be to rural America,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “Corn prices are already low and input costs have been rising. This decision will only compound our problems.” Six of the nation’s major commodity groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission in April encouraging it to vote against advancing a petition.   Growers have said the imports covered by this case are the major sources of supply other than Corteva, which is the only U.S. manufacturer, and that America’s farmers cannot rely...

May 16, 2024

Author: Kris Martinez

Plans for the 2025 Commodity Classic are well underway as America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience takes place March 2–4, 2025, in Denver, Colo. The theme for the 2025 show is “Elevating Excellence in Agriculture.”   The preliminary schedule for the 2025 Commodity Classic can be found online at CommodityClassic.com/2025-schedule. The schedule highlights tentative dates and times for the dozens of sessions, presentations, special events, and trade show. Approximately 30 educational sessions on the newest farming technologies will be added to the schedule beginning this fall.   The Denver show also features a new schedule that will run from Sunday, March 2 through Tuesday, March 4, which is a change from past years’ usual format. The new format will also include a pancake brunch, closing reception, and other exciting farmer-focused events.   “Our 2024 show in Houston was a record-breaking event with over 11,500 attendees, so we’re excited to see what...

May 8, 2024

Author: Sadie Lackey

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted a celebration for women in agriculture on Tuesday, bringing together corn growers, Congresswomen, and women who work in agriculture policy in Washington, D.C. Congresswomen Angie Craig (MN-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Yadira Caraveo (CO-08) were all in attendance. Corn growers who joined the event are volunteers in the CommonGround program, which NCGA has long supported and invested in. The women represented Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, Maryland, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri.   According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, 1.2 million women accounted for 36% of all producers in the United States. NCGA is proud to support women in the corn industry and celebrate the women who advocate for agriculture in Washington, D.C.

May 3, 2024

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

Leaders at the National Corn Growers Association said today that they are worried about the availability and price of inputs after the Commerce Department announced plans to raise tariffs on phosphorous fertilizers imported from Morocco from 2.12% to 14.21%.   Commerce’s actions come after the domestic fertilizer company Mosaic requested action from the agency in 2023 over an import dispute with another multi-national company. “The price of corn has dropped, and input costs are already high, so the Commerce Department’s decision is the last thing farmers need,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “If fertilizers continue to go up in price and are hard to secure, farmers will only have Mosaic and the Commerce Department to thank.”   The proposed new rate would be the final retroactive tariff for 2022 imports and serve as the new provisional rate required to be deposited with U.S. Customs for imports from November 2024 and onward until the conclusion of the...

May 1, 2024

Key Issues: New Uses

Author: Bryan Goodman

An announcement this week by the U.S. Department of Treasury regarding the final guidance on eligibility for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credits enacted in the Inflation Reduction Act was met with concern from leaders at the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) who say they are now committed to ensuring that the updated guidelines for the credit are vastly improved.    NCGA raised specific issues with the changes Treasury made to the Department of Energy’s GREET model, which is used to measure greenhouse gas emissions and will be a crucial mechanism in determining who receives the tax credit.   Corn grower leaders said they are particularly troubled that the updated model requires farmers to bundle the use of no-till practices, enhanced efficiency fertilizers and cover crops for their grain to meet the standards now required to qualify for the tax credit.   “We are deeply disappointed that this updated model requires farmers to implement environmental practices that...

May 1, 2024

Author: Stacey Stiens

Celebrating a remarkable milestone, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) proudly announced the launch of its 60th annual Yield Contest on Wednesday, May 1. This iconic event—spanning six decades—has been a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of corn growers across the nation. From humble beginnings to its current prominence, the contest continues to attract participants eager to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation.   "As we celebrate sixty years of the Yield Contest, we reflect not only on the remarkable achievements of our past winners but also on the enduring legacy of innovation and excellence that defines this event,” said Minnesota grower and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “From generation to generation, this contest has not only showcased the incredible potential of American agriculture but has also fueled a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among growers nationwide. As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering this legacy,...