In The News

May 26, 2022

Author: Dusty Weis

With May designated as "Mental Health Awareness Month," a reminder that saying something can save lives.   Farmers work in a business where the finances keep getting tighter and the stakes keep getting higher.   That kind of pressure takes a toll. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate in the agriculture industry is nearly 10 points above the national average, and about one in four farmers struggle with mental health issues.   But mental health doesn’t typically get talked about a lot in the ag community.   So in this episode, we meet Lowell Neitzel, a grower from Kansas who’s trying to change that by sharing his personal story about mental health. Lowell also leads the NCGA Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team, which has targeted grower mental health as a priority.   Lowell is joined by Dr. Heather Sedges, an associate professor from the University of Tennessee who’s working to prioritize mental health...

May 5, 2022

Author: Dusty Weis

Along the banks of the James River in Virginia, David Hula is harvesting some real bin-busters.   The NCGA National Corn Yield Contest is an annual tradition that dates back to 1965.   But in that time, no one has had quite the sustained success as Charles City, Virginia’s David Hula, who has won the contest with record-setting yields on four separate occasions.   In this episode, we talk to David about his formula for success, which includes a combination of precisely-targeted fertilizer applications and a blend of strip-till and no-till.   Plus, we discuss the unique environmental challenges he faces as he works tirelessly to preserve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and how his farm traces its historic roots back to a time when growers planted a dead catfish with their corn seed.     DIRECT SHARE LINK   TRANSCRIPT   David Hula: I like to say there's three great things that produce high yield and corn. A good Lord blesses you. Number two, you got...

Apr 13, 2022

Author: Dusty Weis

Leaders from NCGA, ASA, NAWG, NSP and AEM discuss the changing state of ag in 2022.   150 years of experience, at the very highest levels of the agriculture industry, was on display at the Commodity Classic Executives Round Table a few weeks ago.   As leaders from the five Commodity Classic presenting organizations, these five executives have their fingers on the pulse of the agriculture world and those issues affecting farmers.   Panel members included: Jon Doggett, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association. Steve Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of Ag at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Together, we discussed policy, supply chain, sustainability, infrastructure, biofuels, precision ag, the next Farm Bill, and just about every other issue facing the ag industry today.   And in this episode,...

Mar 29, 2022

Key Issues: Farm PolicyTransportation and Infrastructure

Author: Dusty Weis

Jon celebrates a big win in Congress with the leaders of the Illinois Corn Growers and the Waterways Council.   The Mississippi River transports 60% of American corn and soybean exports to market. The massive barges that ply America’s waterways are more cost-effective than any other form of transportation, and also play a role in getting vital inputs to growers.   And yet, much of the infrastructure that makes this possible hasn’t been updated since the 1930s… until now.   In this episode, we talk about a key win for the NCGA and other groups who have spent decades pushing Congress to act on this critical infrastructure problem.   Joining us are Jim Tarmann, the managing director with Illinois Corn Growers, and Tracy Zea, the president and CEO of the Waterways Council, which is an association dedicated to advocating for a modern national system of inland waterway infrastructure.   We discuss how we got to this point, what it means for growers in the Midwest, and what...

Mar 17, 2022

Author: Dusty Weis

"The Voice of Rural America," Chip Flory has been informing growers about the ag industry for decades.   Chip Flory is sometimes called the Voice of Rural America.   Host of the AgriTalk radio program and podcast, he brings ag news, policy updates and expert insights to a network of more than 135 radio stations across the U.S.   So in this episode, we flip the script on Chip, interviewing him at the National Corn Growers Association booth on the show floor at Commodity Classic.   Plus, we finally settle, once and for all, who’s the biggest music buff—Chip Flory or NCGA CEO Jon Doggett—with a classic rock trivia contest for the ages.     DIRECT SHARE   Transcript   Chip Flory: We went from one day being an operating family farm, a farm that I saw my future on, and the next morning when the bank president called and said, "We've got to have a conversation because things have changed." To being in a position that I felt like I could help farmers make better business...

Feb 18, 2022

Author: Dusty Weis

A potential Russian invasion of Ukraine and other global flashpoints have real implications for the corn industry.   Heightened tensions in Eastern Europe have dominated the news lately, as Russia seems poised to invade Ukraine.   As a result of this and other global flashpoints, the unstable geopolitical climate is creating uncertainty in the world of agriculture, and growers are already feeling the effects.   So in this episode, we’re talking to Colonel Mark Purdy, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Aimpoint Research, about how food security is vital to national security.   We’ll sort out the context of the showdown in Eastern Europe, explore scenarios for what’s likely to happen, and provide some insight about what this could mean for growers here in the U.S.   Most importantly, we’ll revisit how food power is vital to national security in the U.S.     DIRECT SHARE LINK   Mark Purdy: When it comes to the stability of society, I call it...

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...

Dec 13, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

A Democrat and a Republican work together for reason and compromise in our national politics.   Bipartisanship is how things get done in Washington, and what holds us together as Americans. So how’s that going in our nation’s capital?   “Things are not good, from a bipartisan perspective right now,” Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson from South Dakota tells us in this episode.   And Democrat Abigail Spanberger from Virginia agrees.   As members of the bipartisan “Problem Solvers’ Caucus,” these two Congresspeople have developed a reputation for trying to work together instead of tear one another down.   But they can’t do it alone. And so in this episode, they join us once again to discuss how Americans can help bring compromise back, and why it’s important for the corn industry.     Direct Share Link   Rep. Abigail Spanberger: I value bipartisanship. It's being intentional with the desire to say, "I don't need you to agree with everything I'm about to say, but I want...

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...

Sep 28, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Dusty Weis

NCBA’s Colin Woodall and CAB’s Nicole Erceg discuss corn partnerships and how you might be cooking steak wrong.   After a long day in the field, there's no reward like a tender juicy, corn-fed cut of steak.   And it's made all the sweeter by the fact that the US beef industry is one of the largest consumers of American corn.   So, in this episode, we're going to talk to two beef industry leaders, Collin Woodall from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Nicole Erceg from Certified Angus Beef, about how corn growers can be good partners to the beef industry, what it means to meet modern consumer expectations, and how you might be cooking your steaks wrong.   As Nicole notes, sustainability is a team sport. And with consumer expectations evolving year in and year out, close partnerships between corn growers and beef producers are more important than ever before.   Colin shared his favorite recipe for Grilled Cowboy Steaks.   And Nicole invites you to: Access...

Sep 15, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

NCGA's involvement in the baseball game in Dyersville, Iowa was a "stalk-off" home run for corn, for MLB and for America.   The Field of Dreams is an iconic movie for baseball fans and corn growers alike, and the image of an idyllic baseball diamond set amongst the Iowa corn stalks has endured now for decades.   But this summer, the NCGA had the opportunity to be part of Major League Baseball’s plan to bring baseball back to that field in Dyersville.   And on this episode, we’ll relive the event with Ron Kittle, former White Sox outfielder and 1983 AL Rookie of the Year, as well as NCGA President John Linder.   Together with Jon and Dusty, they'll revisit the planning that made this special event possible, share stories from game day and explore Ron's career in Major League baseball. Plus, John Linder shares the tale of his run-in with actor Kevin Costner at the game itself.     Direct Share Link   Ron Kittle: If nobody knew what the Corn Growers Association is all...

Sep 1, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Dusty Weis

The fifth-term Congresswoman from Illinois is the recipient of the NCGA’s President’s Award.    The Next Generation Fuels Act is poised to reinforce the market for American ethanol, and it’s been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support.   And in this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who was honored with the NCGA President’s Award this year for her support as sponsor of the Next Generation Fuels Act.   She’ll outline the specifics of the bill, share the outlook from Washington and detail what you can do to make sure this important piece of legislation becomes law.     Direct Share Link   Transcript   Rep. Cheri Bustos: Creating jobs, opening up opportunities for our family farmers, driving down carbon emissions. All of that happens if we can get the Next Generation Fuels Act passed, this is an opportunity that we have, and I would love to be able to get this signed into law and make this part of how we do business...

Jul 29, 2021

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Dusty Weis

Corn and ethanol still have an important role to play in fueling America’s transportation needs.   Between a couple of recent high-profile court cases and all the hype surrounding electric vehicles, stakeholders in the corn and ethanol industry are looking for a little reassurance right now.   But the reality of the transportation energy puzzle is a little more complex than what you’ve heard on the news.   So in this episode, we’re joined by John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute, for a reality check about the present and future of the transportation energy sector. Together with NCGA CEO Jon Doggett, he discusses the shifting makeup of the American transportation fleet, the hurdles to mass adoption that electric vehicles still face, the probable impact of recent court cases, and why ethanol remains the best option for decarbonizing American transportation today.         Direct Share Link   TRANSCRIPT   John Eichberger: There are very low carbon...

Jun 9, 2021

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Dusty Weis

NCGA charts a course on the future of U.S. corn sustainability for continued improvement, increased marketability and a better future.   In today’s world, farmers face growing consumer expectations, a need for economic resilience and the very real pressures of global climate change.   And they’re meeting these challenges head-on with science-driven practices that prove that sustainability is more than a buzzword in the agriculture industry.   In this episode, Nebraska farmer and NCGA board member Brandon Hunnicutt outlines NCGA’s new sustainability goals, and the benefits he’s seen from thinking about the sustainability of his own operation. He shares his personal insights about smart farming advances, cover crop use, advanced irrigation management and other techniques that make his farm more sustainable, and how he’s saved money and improved yields as a result.   Plus, Jon offers up the view from Washington, and why it’s important for growers to be perceived as part of the...

May 12, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

The Kentucky Corn Growers Association and Green River Distilling have teamed up to produce a locally sourced bourbon that supports corn research.   With a grain content of at least 51% corn, bourbon is a drink that’s near and dear to every grower’s heart.   But in the heart of bourbon country, there’s a really neat partnership taking root between the Kentucky Corn Growers Association and the producers of Yellow Banks bourbon, who source their corn from local growers and donate a portion of their profits to support corn research.   In this episode, we’re back at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville for part two of our discussion about bourbon, as 8th generation master distiller Jacob Call from Green River Distilling talks about the partnerships… and the relationships… that make Yellow Banks possible.   Plus, Frazier Kentucky History Museum president and CEO Andy Treinen talks about how bourbon tourism is helping people reconnect with life on the farm.   And...

Apr 28, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

Jon visits the Frazier Kentucky History Museum bourbon exhibit and hears from an 8th generation master distiller.   Bourbon is a uniquely American beverage.   Not only is its heritage deeply rooted in early Appalachian history, but up to two-and-a-half pounds of corn go into every bottle that’s distilled.   So in this episode of the podcast, we’re going on the road with Jon as he pays a visit to the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville. There, in the midst of the exhibit on bourbon, we’ll learn about the unique way that corn farming contributed to the history of this singular beverage from museum president and CEO Andy Treinen.   We'll also follow the crop from kernel to kettle to bottle with 8th generation master distiller Jacob Call from Green River Distilling. And we'll explore how the corn industry and bourbon celebrate their shared history together from Laura Knoth and Adam Andrews from the Kentucky Corn Grower's Association.       DIRECT...

Apr 7, 2021

Key Issues: COVID-19

Author: Dusty Weis

Rural America faces unique challenges when it comes to beating COVID-19, and vaccination will play a vital role in winning the battle.   Two and a half million Americans are getting their COVID-19 vaccine every day. And as America takes this critical step to beating the virus and re-opening the economy, it’s more important than ever that rural America does NOT get left behind.   So the NCGA has joined a nationwide effort to support that process, the COVID-19 Community Corps. Together with other founding members, NCGA will promote the science behind the safe and effective vaccines that are a critical component in the battle against Coronavirus.   In this episode, we talk about the unique challenges we face in getting rural Americans vaccinated with Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, and Carrie Saia, the CEO of a small-town hospital in Holton, Kansas.       DIRECT SHARE       TRANSCRIPT     Alan Morgan: You understand how science plays a...

Mar 25, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

With planting season upon us, we continue our focus on agronomy for the month of March.   In this episode, we catch up with Brett Begemann, the Chief Operating Officer at Bayer Crop Science. He shares details about the new inputs they’ve got in their technology pipeline, what that means for the future of farming and how their role in the ag industry is evolving.   We also catch a bit of the March Madness and hear Jon Doggett’s secret for filling out his bracket every year.   Before joining Bayer, Brett served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Monsanto Company, where he led global efforts to connect farmers with solutions for growing better harvests. Brett worked for 35 years at Monsanto, holding a number of leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.     Direct Share TRANSCRIPTS   Brett Begemann: I think things are changing faster now than at any time I've seen them, and mostly for the good. And when things are...

Mar 18, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

Planting season is almost here. So we’re digging in on the topic of agronomy this month, talking to the leaders of some of the world’s foremost providers of agriculture inputs.   In this episode of Wherever Jon May Roam, Jon catches up with Tim Glenn, the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Corteva Agriscience, about how they’ve navigated the roller coaster of the last couple years, what new technologies they’re bringing to bear, and what kind of barbecue they cook up in Alabama.    Tim has been in the ag inputs business with Corteva and its heritage organizations for 30 years, and shares insights to help growers maximize their productivity after a roller coaster couple of years in the ag business.       Direct Share Link   Transcripts   Tim Glenn: Twelve months ago, commodity markets were depressed, we had elevated stocks and we had a lot of market uncertainty. Things got to be very concerning about the health of our commodity markets and what...

Feb 3, 2021

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Dusty Weis

The U.S. pork herd consumed over 1.2 billion bushels of corn in 2020. Not only does that make the pork industry a key customer segment for NCGA’s growers, but many of the same trade and sustainability issues that we grapple with in corn impact them as well.   So in this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett chats with Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, to review some of the cooperative efforts the two groups have underway, the challenges they face and the opportunities that await if they work together.   They also recount some of their favorite mouthwatering pork dishes. Spoiler alert: bacon is involved.       Direct Share Link Transcript   Bill Even: We've got producers out there that are paying the corn checkoff, they're paying the soybean checkoff, and they're paying the pork checkoff, and what they're expecting out of their respective boards and their respective staffs of these organizations is that they work together and share those checkoff dollars around and...

Jan 5, 2021

Author: Dusty Weis

After a 2020 calendar year in which it seems like we were always asking, "What next?", we take a look at what the future holds for America's corn industry with the President of the NCGA, John Linder, in the latest episode of Wherever Jon May Roam.   Linder is a fifth-generation farmer from the little town of Edison, Ohio. Prior to his elevation to the role of President, John served as the Corn Board liaison to the Market Access Action Team, on the Resolutions Committee and chaired the Finance and Engaging Members Committees. He also represented NCGA at the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center.   Together with association CEO Jon Doggett, they'll discuss new demand generation opportunities, why it's important to get new growers involved with the NCGA, and what Commodity Classic is going to look like in a pandemic year.     DIRECT SHARE TRANSCRIPTS John Linder: This is where we're heading this year with the...

Dec 8, 2020

Author: Dusty Weis

From his roots on a Nebraska corn farm, Jeff Zeleny has gone on to become one of the nation's foremost experts on presidential politics, covering the White House and campaigns for the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times. Now as CNN's Senior White House Correspondent, he's spent every day of 2020 with his finger on the pulse of the election for U.S. president.   In this episode, Jeff joins Jon to talk about the issues that defined the campaign, what we can expect as President-Elect Joe Biden transitions to the presidency, the future for President Donald Trump, and what it all means for America's corn farmers. With the economy and the COVID-19 response hanging in the balance, he also offers insights about what a Biden presidency means for agriculture-focused issues like trade and the environment.    And, Jeff shares tales about how growing up in the heart of corn country shaped his world view and his work ethic as a world-renowned journalist.     Direct Share...

Oct 20, 2020

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Dusty Weis

The NCGA’s outgoing President Kevin Ross had a term in office unlike any other. From a Twitter battle with the world’s largest beer brewer, to a public speech with President Donald Trump, to the NCGA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, his year at the helm was anything but boring.   In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett asks the Iowa grower to unpack all the highlights from his term and look to the future of the industry. And, in spite of all the uncertainty, Kevin shares his reasons for optimism and a love of farming that's stronger than ever.     DIRECT SHARE   TRANSCRIPT   Kevin Ross: Having that opportunity to speak to the leader of the free world about what you've got going on in your industry and it did hit me right as I was walking up onto the stage and like you said, you see that seal of the president of the United States on a podium and you're sitting there going, "Hmm, that's kind of a big deal standing behind that thing and give a speech."   Dusty...