In The News

Dec 14, 2021

Author: Beth Musgrove

More than 300 photos were entered in the National Corn Growers Association’s 2021 Fields-of-Corn.com photo contest. Entrants and interested observers are invited to use the month of December to ramp up popularity through Facebook Likes.   Entrants compete for 26 cash prizes across 8 categories, with two $500 prizes, one for popularity and one of a panel of judges. The number of Facebook likes are an influential factor across all categories.   Annually the National Corn Growers Association invites amateur and professional photographers alike to help tell the story of farming field corn in America through the  Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. Through this contest, NCGA seeks high-quality photos of corn growth from seed to harvest and the families that grow it.    Visitors can pick their favorite photos at Fields-of-Corn.com/vote by using the Like and Share buttons to accumulate votes through Dec. 31.     Winners are to be announced in...

Feb 11, 2021

Author: Beth Musgrove

In 2020 we went from one unprecedented event to another. A challenging year for so many, yet photographers continued to share essential farmers’ stories of perseverance through the seventh National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest.   Also unprecedented was the number of social shares, breaking records overall for NCGA’s photo contest. NCGA awarded two Grand Prizes.  A grand prize was awarded for the single most popular photo, taken by Amanda Bush of Ohio, “Cotton Candy Harvest,” which gained more than 1700 likes on Facebook. Also, one selected by a panel of judges, submitted by McCullum Steen from Illinois with the photo titled “Harvest 2020.”   “Grit and grace characterize the photos of the year,” said NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. “The Facebook engagement this year is telling that people are appreciative of the beauty of rural America in their daily feed.”   “We continue to look at different ways to improve the contest by...

May 8, 2020

Author: Beth Musgrove

The seventh annual photo contest of the National Corn Growers Association, Fields-of-Corn.com is open for photographers to enter their submissions. This year there are two new categories and additional prizes.   The single, most popular photo with Facebook “likes” will be awarded a $500 prize. 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 awarded $500. Two new categories: Livestock and Farm Pets A total of 26 cash prizes will be awarded.    “It is important to continue re-evaluating the contest and category offerings for photographers to submit their images as the landscape of agriculture changes and expands,” said NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. “Each year, we continue to get new photographers who enter, and it’s exciting to see the story of agriculture portrayed through their eyes.”   Visit Fields-of-Corn today to enter your...

Dec 9, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Beth Musgrove

Continuing to expand pollinator habitat was a central issue at the recent annual meeting of the Monarch Collaborative attended by Nicole Hasheider, NCGA Biotechnology and Crop Inputs Director.   NCGA has been an active member in the collaborative for several years, which brings together a variety of national organizations representing farmers, ranchers and landowners, businesses working along the agricultural supply chain, researchers, academic institutions, federal and state entities and conservation organizations.   U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is scheduled to release its decision on whether or not to list the monarch as an endangered species by the end of next year so increasing habitat is more important than ever.   Monarch butterflies face a wide array of challenges including a loss of habitat and lack of access to milkweed and nectar resources. Monarchs also face threats from weather and...

Nov 1, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

Each year growing season kicks off the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) annual online photo contest Fields-of-Corn.com. The entry period is coming to an end at the stroke of midnight CST on November 30, 2019.   Photographers compete for 21 cash prizes across 7 categories this year and two individuals will receive $500 grand prizes.   Voting continues through December 31. The winners will be announced in January.   You can learn more about the contest, review the rules and submit your photos today at Fields-of-Corn.com.   NCGA invites amateur and professional photographers alike to help tell the story of farming field corn in America through the Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. NCGA seeks high-resolution photos of corn growth from seed to harvest and the families that grow it. 

Oct 30, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

Minnesota farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Ethanol Action Team member Brian Thalmann today called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to follow the law and accurately account for expected refinery waivers in the 2020 RFS volume rule.   Thalmann testified at an EPA hearing to review the agency’s supplemental proposal to the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) rulemaking.   “We’re in the thick of harvest and, quite frankly, I would rather be in the field. But the issue we’re discussing today is too important to corn farmers like me not to be here. I have a simple message - when it comes the Renewable Fuel Standard, we need EPA to follow the law. As farmers, we follow rules put in place by state and federal agencies, including the EPA. We are simply asking EPA to do the same for us,” Thalmann said.    Today’s hearing follows an October 4 announcement from President Trump directing the EPA to follow the letter of the law and keep the RFS whole by...

Oct 30, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

  As farmers look to improve their profitability in an unpredictable agricultural environment, the educational sessions at the 2020 Commodity Classic are designed to provide farmers with the clarity and insight they need to make better-informed decisions that can have a powerful impact on their bottom line.   The 2020 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, Feb. 29 in San Antonio, Texas.  This year’s theme is “See Your Future Clearly.”   More than 40 educational sessions are on the schedule in San Antonio. They will cover a wide range of important topics including soil health, grain marketing, farm policy, farm succession planning, nutrient stewardship, weather trends, mental health, fertility programs, rural broadband access, on-road ag equipment regulations, ag technology, international trade, African Swine Fever and more.   “Every educational session is selected by the Commodity Classic Farmer Committee to ensure the content and the presenters...

Oct 23, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Beth Musgrove

Driving sustainable farming practices is a priority of NCGA. That’s why it joined the America’s Conservation Ag Movement, a unique partnership between Farm Journal’s Trust in Food Initiative and leading agribusinesses, food companies and non-profit organizations. A national education and engagement program, it’s designed to more rapidly scale the adoption, documentation and beneficial outcomes of conservation agriculture. It will build upon the work of NCGA, USDA, land grants and others that have worked to improve the ecological impact of agriculture.

Oct 17, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

The days are shorter, and it’s finally getting cooler outside, which means yard work is winding down across the country. That’s the signal that it is time to think about winterizing your lawnmower and other outdoor yard power equipment so you’re ready to go in the spring.   There are several online resources available with tips and tricks to get your equipment ready to store, but the best place to find specifics is in your owner’s manual.   Here are a few standard practices to keep in mind:   Drain Fuel: Completely drain the tank and fuel lines. Gasoline has a short shelf-life; old gasoline may not work in the engine and could possibly cause damage. Change the Oil and Filters: This keeps your engine clean by preventing the build-up of particles and foreign materials. Check Spark Plugs: Replacing spark plugs at the end of the season is a cheap way to keep your engine running smoothly. Clean and Inspect: Thoroughly remove any debris accumulation. Storage: Store in a clean,...

Oct 9, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

The National Corn Growers Association entered a new fiscal year on October 1 and seated the 2020 Corn Board with John Linder of Edison, Ohio assuming the position of first vice president.  Off the Cob spoke with him to delve into his views on what lies ahead for farmers in the upcoming years and his thoughts on the important role farmers play in NCGA as a grassroots organization.   Looking at the year ahead, Linder looks forward to working with the talented team already in place, in both the states and nationally, to maximize these human assets and tap into both the board and membership to maximize NCGA’s impact.   “It’s going to be a great year to explore the opportunity because that is what we are really out here looking for – opportunities for corn farmers,” said Linder. “I’m really looking forward to making the membership feel like they really have a place in our organization. With all of us together, we should be positioning for success.”   Over the coming years, he sees...

Oct 2, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

The 2019 photo contest of National Corn Growers Association, Fields-of-Corn.com continues collecting entries through the harvest season.   First ($300), Second ($200), and Third ($100) place prizes will be awarded for each of seven categories. Judges will select a single Grand Prize winner to be awarded $500 and the single, most popular photo with Facebook “likes” will also be awarded a $500 prize.   Stricter resolution requirements are in place this year, so photographers should use their equipment’s highest resolution settings, and allow extra time for uploads.   You can enter as often as you like at Fields-of-Corn. Pro tip: Once your entry is approved, go to Fields-of-Corn.com/vote to share for more Facebook likes. The “Likes” obtained on the post will automatically tally to your entry.   Open to all, entries will be accepted through Nov. 30 and will be available to accumulate Facebook “likes” through December. Winners will be announced in January of...

Oct 2, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

For the fifth consecutive year, the winning team of the Crappie Masters National Championship powered their boat with clean, renewable ethanol. The 2019 season concluded last week with Robert Carlile and Craig Nichols coming out on top with a two-day weight of 31.97 pounds at Grenada Lake in Grenada, Mississippi.    The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) were co-title sponsors of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail for the third consecutive year.   “We’ve had a dream season,” said Carlile. “When we are filling up our boat before coming to the tournaments, we never think twice about filling up with E10. We will continue to put ethanol in our boat.”    “We are proud to use E10 in our boat and be a part of the group of winning teams who use ethanol,” said Nichols. “Our engine runs great when using ethanol-blended fuel. We see the benefits of running ethanol in our engine first-hand.”   The team received a $2,000 bonus from the...

Oct 1, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

The National Corn Growers Association entered a new fiscal year today and seated the 2020 Corn Board with Kevin Ross of Minden, Iowa assuming the presidency.  Off the Cob spoke with the new president to explore his views on what lies ahead for corn farmers in 2020 and his goals for his term.   Looking at the year ahead, Ross is grateful for the chance to serve and to create opportunities to fully utilize the talents of his fellow grower leaders.   “I am looking forward to having the opportunity to facilitate the growth amongst our board and to lead the organization in which I have spent so much time,” said Ross. “It is such a privilege to be able to step into this role. In doing so, I hope to represent fellow neighbors and farmers across the country well.”   Over the year ahead, he sees many opportunities to build markets and impact change for farmers. A true believer in the power of grassroots action, he sees the power of NCGA coming directly from the farmers who join, act...

Aug 19, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

The American Coalition for Ethanol Annual Conference What It Takes looked at ways the industry can grow the ethanol market internationally and domestically. This was the 32nd annual ACE conference, which was held this year in Omaha, Nebraska.   ACE CEO Brian Jennings emphasized the need for “a vision of how to increase demand for ethanol and break free from the status quo.”   Jennings went on to talk about the positives of E15 being available year-round but told the crowd we have to keep fighting the EPA’s abuse of the RFS. “At ACE, we’ve come to the conclusion we can’t keep doing what we’ve been doing and hope the results get better, playing defense on the RFS and hoping trade wars subside isn’t a growth strategy. We need to turn the page, to go on offense.”   Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and U.S. Grains Council CEO & President Ryan LeGrand were featured speakers among the group. Some of the high-level trends and topics included improving carbon intensity scores of...

Jul 31, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Beth Musgrove

An agriculture and biofuels coalition has petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to lift a stay it placed on a joint 2018 petition asking the court to protect the renewable fuels industry from undue harm caused by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.   The petition, filed late Tuesday afternoon, asks EPA to revise its Renewable Fuel Standard regulations for setting annual percentage standards of renewable fuel to account for small refinery exemptions the Agency issues retroactively.  EPA’s current regulations factor in only future small refinery exemptions granted prior to the compliance year, despite the fact that most of the exemptions granted in recent years have been for compliance periods that had already ended.   The coalition had asked for the stay to give EPA time to review its request to reconsider its current regulations. EPA’s response never arrived, but EPA’s statements and actions over the past 13 months indicate that EPA has...

Jul 26, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

The Farm Journal Foundation’s HungerU program launched a two-year engagement at the Voice of the Farmer Garden on the National Mall. The launch event, which included remarks from U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach and Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey, featured a panel of agricultural industry leaders with CEO Jon Doggett representing the National Corn Growers Association.   “While NCGA continues to support the HungerU tour of universities and proudly partners to further this strategic communications activity, the new partnership bringing the story of modern agriculture to the edge of the National Mall elevates our conversation substantially,” said Doggett. “Today begins a new chapter. We will initiate open, transparent conversations about sustainability and farming with millions in our nation’s capital, building trust that closes the distance between the farm gate and the dinner...

Jul 18, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolTradeFarm Policy

Author: Beth Musgrove

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp today presented NCGA’s 2019 President’s Award to Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer. The President’s Award is given annually at NCGA’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington, D.C. to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.   “It is my great pleasure to present the NCGA President’s Award to Senator Fischer,” Chrisp said. “Senator Fischer has been an outspoken advocate for corn farmers from our shared home state of Nebraska and across the country, supporting policies that will help create market opportunities for corn.”   In her remarks to corn farmers, Fischer voiced her support for the pending U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the top legislative priority for corn growers this year. Fisher was a strong advocate for removing the barrier to year-round sales of E15 and continues to stand up for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and against the Environmental Protection Agency’s...

Jul 17, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress in Washington this morning elected four farmers to serve on the organization’s Corn Board.  Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA’s 2020 fiscal year, are new board members Mike Lefever of Colorado and Dennis McNinch of Kansas. Current board members Chris Edgington of Iowa and Tom Haag of Minnesota were re-elected. All were elected to three-year terms   “During these challenging times, it serves as testament to the importance of NCGA’s work that so many talented, well-qualified candidates stepped forward,” said NCGA Nominating Committee Chairman Kevin Skunes. “These remarkable candidates already have impressive histories of service to American agriculture. I look forward to seeing the work they will do for the benefit of corn farmers across the country in coming years as they share their valuable perspectives and insights with the Corn Board.”    The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all...

Jul 17, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

Delegates to the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress today approved a “Sense of the Corn Congress” urging President Trump to uphold his commitment to America’s farmers and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “We, the assembled voting delegates of the National Corn Growers Association, ask President Donald Trump to uphold his commitments to protect the RFS and support farmers by ensuring EPA’s administration of the RFS does not undermine the law and the benefits of renewable fuels,”the resolution states.   NCGA delegates offered the statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ongoing practice of providing RFS waivers to big oil companies. These waivers have reduced RFS requirements by 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons through refinery exemptions, with 38 more exemptions pending. Undermining the benefits of renewable fuels, the waivers have also reduced corn use for ethanol production, lowered domestic ethanol consumption and blend rate,...

Jul 16, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Beth Musgrove

NCGA today renewed its pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to follow President Trump’s commitment to farmers and stop giving Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers to big oil companies, re-running the organization’s ad that first ran last month.    Watch Ad   NCGA members are in Washington, D.C. this week for Corn Congress and meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Farmers will be urging policymakers to support legislation in the House, H.R. 3006, and Senate, S. 1840, that would seek to stop waiver abuse and address the harm these waivers are causing.   Since early 2018, EPA has granted 53 RFS small refinery exemptions (SREs), or waivers, totaling 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuel. There are currently 39 refinery exemption petitions pending for the 2018 compliance year. NCGA has highlighted 39 reasons why the EPA should not grant additional waivers.  

Jul 16, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

More than 70 farmers, state staff and college students interested in agriculture yesterday participated in the 2019 Trade School, a one-day session meant to deepen their knowledge on trade issues and hone their messaging to help better convey the benefits of agricultural trade to outside audiences.   The event is held annually by NCGA and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and was held this year in association with Corn Congress in Washington, D.C.   NCGA is closely following ongoing trade disputes and negotiations, and members in Washington, D.C. this week will be urging lawmakers to ratify the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The agreement would solidify a $4.56 billion export market for America’s corn farmers and provide certainty to farmers facing challenging times.   “Agricultural trade has vastly expanded market opportunities for U.S. farmers. Today, it seems like everyday farmers wake up to a new headline regarding trade. Whether it is the pursuit of new...

Jul 15, 2019

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Beth Musgrove

By Jesse Fulton, M.S., Director of Producer Education   With the beef industry going through continuous changes and advancements, it is important cattlemen and women across the country are “in the know”, which is where the Cattlemen’s Education Series (CES) comes into play. This partnership between the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is designed to provide resources to NCBA state and breed affiliates through a grant which allows them to extend outstanding educational experiences locally. The mission of the CES is to provide cutting-edge information to beef producers that contributes to increased knowledge, profitability and sustainability.   With approximately 32 percent of the Nation’s 2018 corn crop being utilized as animal feed, this partnership is important as it promotes corn products and by-products utilized in the cattle industry.   “I understand the importance of being able to deliver a quality product for...

Jun 26, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

A recently formed coalition is hoping they can get enough signatures to convince auto manufacturers to offer more flex-fuel vehicles. Organizers are hoping to get at least 10,000 signatures.   Chris Schwarck of Iowa started the grassroots effort to let auto manufacturers know American drivers want more flex-fuel vehicle options, not less.   The petition states, “In recent months, auto manufacturers have signaled they are pulling back on the production of flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on a variety of higher ethanol blends, including E20, E30, and E85. If you want the option to purchase low-cost, higher-performing fuels like E30 and E85, sign the petition today and tell auto manufacturers not to limit your car and truck choices!” Click here to sign the petition today. You can read more about the petition here.  

May 17, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today provided the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with recommendations outlining both short and long-term actions that would provide assistance to farmers facing losses due, in part, to the most recent tariff increases and prolonged trade dispute with China.   NCGA analysis, capturing corn market impacts from May 2018 to April 2019, showed an average price loss of $0.20/bushel. In March and April of 2019, as trade talks with China lagged on, that loss widened again to closer to $0.40/bushel.   Given these losses, NCGA is urging USDA to improve upon last year’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP) which set the payment rate for corn at just one cent per bushel, to make sure that assistance more equitably compensates farmers for market losses. Beyond USDA, NCGA is also urging the Administration to address demand destruction caused by the EPA’s small refinery exemptions to oil refiners, among other actions.   NCGA members have...

May 17, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

Leaders from the United States, Mexico and Canada today announced that a deal has been reached to lift the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs.   Lawmakers on Capitol Hill frequently cited the tariffs as a roadblock to passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley leading the charge. NCGA appreciates lawmakers’ support for USMCA, along with the Administration’s willingness to hear from agriculture and work to resolve the industry’s concerns.   Mexico and Canada are the U.S. corn industry’s largest, most reliable market. In 2016 alone, more than 17.3 million metric tons of corn and corn co-products were exported to Mexico and Canada, valued at $3.2 billion.   USMCA secures and builds upon this important partnership, which is why ratifying USMCA is NCGA’s top legislative priority for 2019.   Tell Congress to Pass USMCA!

May 15, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

We need your help. Friday’s announcement that the Trump Administration is increasing the tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, and China’s retaliatory tariffs, could not have come at a worse time for corn farmers, bringing more uncertainty to markets and impacting commodity prices.   In an effort to ease this impact, the Administration is now pursuing a second round of trade assistance for agriculture with the intent of making an announcement in the next few days. As you’ll recall, the previous Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payment rate for corn farmers was just one cent per bushel.   Please tell the president that a penny didn’t cut it then and won’t cut it now.   On top of trade disputes and tariffs, EPA granting RFS waivers to oil refiners, devastating weather conditions, farm incomes on a downward trend, and crumbling infrastructure have all created a perfect storm for agriculture.   Tell the President that one penny won’t provide the market certainty that...

Feb 22, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

The National Corn Growers Association today welcomed Brooke Appleton back to the NCGA Washington, D.C. office as the organization’s new Vice President of Public Policy.   Appleton served as the Chief of Staff to USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky since September of 2017, assisting the Deputy in leading operational change throughout USDA as well as serving as a senior advisor to both the Deputy and the Secretary on biofuels. Prior to her work at USDA, Appleton was the Director of Public Policy and Political Strategy for NCGA.   “I am excited to be returning to the corn family and eager to get to work,” Appleton said. “America’s corn farmers feed and fuel the world and it is an honor and a privilege to advocate for them in Washington, D.C.”   “It’s a pleasure to welcome Brooke back to the NCGA office,” NCGA CEO Jon Doggett said. “Corn farmers will be well-served by Brooke in this leadership role.”   Appleton has prior experience at the National Association of Wheat Growers,...

Feb 14, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

Happy Valentine’s Day! No matter how you celebrate the day, if you celebrate at all, we here at the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) are thinking about the top 10 reasons why we love ethanol.   Ethanol reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40-45% compared to conventional gasoline. 16.1 billion gallons of ethanol was produced in 2018 in the United States, along with 41.3 million metric tons of distillers grains, a value-added animal feed ingredient. Ethanol is homegrown and displaces roughly 580 million barrels of oil. Exports of ethanol grew in 2018, with exports increasing 20% to 1.6 billion gallons, a new record. 5.5 billion bushels of corn is used for ethanol and distiller’s dried grains (DDGS) production. The ethanol industry contributes $46 billion to the GDP. Consumers have driven more than 7 billion miles on E15 without a single reported negative impact. There are 1,700 stations in 30 states offering consumers...

Feb 14, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

The growing body of research on the environmental benefits of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) just got bigger. A study released last week highlights some of these benefits including improved air quality and public health.   Since the enacting of the pro-biofuel policy in 2007, the use of biofuels in our transportation fuel supply has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 600 million metric tons. This is roughly equivalent to shutting down 154 coal-fired power plants or removing half of our nation’s cars from the road for an entire year!   The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) contracted with Life Cycle Associates, a California-based scientific consulting firm, to update its 2014 GHG analysis to see how actual CO2 reductions match up with the expectations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The use of biofuels—predominantly corn ethanol—reduced emissions far more than what the agency expected (422 million metric tons).   The report attributes the...

Jan 28, 2019

Author: Beth Musgrove

It was a record-breaking year for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. More than 590 images were submitted for judging in the 2018 contest.   In total, 25 prizes were awarded, representing photographers from 16 states. This year’s grand prize photo was submitted by Ryan Kanode from Colorado with the photo titled “Golden.”   “Every year it gets harder and harder to judge the photos as the quality and quantity continues to grow,” said NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. “One of the things the judging committee loved about Ryan’s photo is that it represented part of the story of agriculture that we typically don’t see captured in photography. This photograph could have a variety of different meanings to it, depending on who is viewing it. For some, it signals the last load being delivered and the end of the season. For others, it could represent the beginning of harvest. It’s all in the eye of the beholder.”   “We continue to...

Jan 11, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

Yesterday, the National Corn Growers Association and its CommonGround were recognized for excellence at the National Agri-Marketing Association’s Region II Awards Ceremony. NCGA’s World of Corn Publication, which is sponsored by Bayer, took the first-place award for Company Publications- Annual Report. CommonGround, one of the programs managed by NCGA’s Consumer Engagement Action Team, won the first-place award for Social Media Campaigns Directed to Consumers for its series of carpool moments videos.   See these videos by clicking here.   To see the World of Corn, click here.   “Consumers have many questions about how farmers and ranchers grow and raise food. It is understandable given their desire to raise healthy, happy families,’ said NCGA Consumer Engagement Action Team Chair Ted Mottaz. “Through programs such as CommonGround, NCGA works to bridge the gap from farm to plate so that families who buy the foods we raise can feel confident in their choices.   “When farmers...