In The News

Dec 4, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) urges all National Corn Yield Contest participants to enter their harvest results by 4 p.m. CT tomorrow, December 5.   Participants must submit a harvest entry to be included in the Winners Announcement, which will take place on Wednesday, December 13.   Don’t miss the opportunity to make history and be a part of something larger than your operation.   Submit your harvest entry at ncga.com/ncyc and contact the NCYC team at ncyc@ncga.com with any questions.

Dec 1, 2023

Key Issues: TradeTransportation and Infrastructure

Author: Krista Swanson

For the second year in a row, drought conditions are impacting transportation on the Mississippi River at the peak shipment point of the year. Shallower river levels mean barge weight restrictions, slower barge traffic, and higher costs to ship commodities on the river. Ultimately, this translates to a relatively lower price at the farmgate and higher cost for the world buyer.   Drought Slows Grain Barge Traffic in 2022 and 2023 The Mississippi River is an important channel for commodity transportation. The USDA reports the final mode of transport was barge for 13% of U.S. grains in 2020, and 46% of exported U.S. grains[i]. There are normally two peaks in grain barge movements, one in late summer leading up to the end of the marketing year for corn and soybeans, and the other emerging in the fall harvest season and into the post-harvest months.   The impact of low water levels on grain barge movements was notable in 2023, marking the second consecutive year of drought...

Nov 28, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Yield Contest Harvest Entry deadline has been extended to Tuesday, December 5.   After considering the unique challenges that growers across the country have faced during the 2023 harvest season, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has extended the deadline from Thursday, November 30 to Tuesday, December 5.   Contest participants can submit a harvest entry from now until 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, December 5 at ncga.com/ncyc. Participants must submit their harvest results to be included in the 2023 rankings.    The 2023 NCYC Winner’s Announcement will still take place on Wednesday, December 13.   Please direct any questions on the deadline extension to ncyc@ncga.com or 636-733-5512.

Nov 21, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and BASF have partnered for another year to provide scholarships to undergraduate students passionate about agriculture. Over the past sixteen years, more than 80 undergraduate students have received scholarship funds to aid them in their pursuit of higher education.   “BASF has been a long-standing partner in support of this program, and we are grateful for their commitment to building up the next generation of leaders in our industry,” said Dan Nerud, chair of NCGA’s Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team. “Our grower members are passionate about this program, and we are excited for another year of supporting students who share our passion for agriculture.”   The William C. Berg Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship is open to NCGA members and their children pursuing an undergraduate degree in any field. Interested members and students can find more information about this program and the other national scholarship...

Nov 17, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association reminds all corn growers who entered the 2023 National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC) to submit their harvest results by Thursday, November 30. Participants must submit their harvest results to be included in the 2023 rankings.    Don't miss the opportunity to contribute your agronomic data to this 59-year-old contest and be recognized at Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas.    Participants can submit their 2023 harvest results at ncga.com/ncyc.   Please contact NCYC at ncyc@ncga.com with any questions.

Oct 30, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association calls corn growers nationwide to submit their harvest results for the 2023 National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC). The deadline for harvest results is approaching quickly, so farmers are urged to submit their entries as soon as possible to ensure that all requirements have been met.    The National Corn Yield Contest is a long-standing tradition in the corn industry, and each year, corn growers across the country achieve incredible results. Don’t miss your opportunity to contribute your agronomic data and compete with fellow corn growers.    To be included in the 2023 rankings, harvest results must be submitted by Thursday, November 30.  Participants can submit their 2023 harvest results at ncga.com/ncyc. Please contact NCYC at ncyc@ncga.com with any questions.

Oct 25, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association is thrilled to announce the launch of its annual scholarship program for the 2024 academic year. This program is designed to support students who are passionate about agriculture and making a positive impact in their community.   NCGA will award scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. The scholarships are open to students attending technical school, undergraduate universities, and pursuing graduate-level studies.   "We believe that education is critical in shaping the future of the agriculture industry, and we are committed to providing opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career goals," said Membership & Consumer Engagement Action Team Chair Dan Nerud. "This scholarship program is just one way we are fulfilling this commitment."   To apply for the scholarship, students must complete an online application. Submissions are now being accepted, and the...

Aug 1, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced today the hiring of Jennifer Sharkey as Membership Operations Manager. In this role, Sharkey will be responsible for implementing and administering NCGA’s Customer Relationship Management System and will play a key role in membership recruitment and retention strategy.   Jenn brings over 16 years of experience in association membership, chapter management, and database management. Jenn’s focus on member management and customer service has allowed her to use those skills to support members at the national and chapter level. Most recently, Jenn led a team of staff during an association-wide migration to a new database and has spent the last 3 years molding and updating the database to meet the association’s needs as well as training and guiding staff.    "We are thrilled to have Jenn join our team," said Gaylen Holloway, Director of Member Insights and Engagement. "Her experience and expertise in membership management will be...

Oct 17, 2022

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) works every day to build a brighter future for farmers. To support the education of today’s youth as they grow into the ag leaders of tomorrow, NCGA invites eligible students to apply for the 2023 Scholarship Programs. NCGA is proud to support three scholarship programs for three distinct audiences:   Technical School/Community College Scholarship Program 5 - $1,000 scholarships for students pursuing a degree at a technical school or community college  NCGA William C. Berg Academic Excellence Scholarship Program NCGA and BASF Corporation will provide 5 - $1,500 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in any field.  Graduate Student Scholarship Program 2 - $2,500 scholarship for a graduate student whose area of study will benefit the corn sector.   “Scholarships provide an opportunity to help further innovative, bright young minds that will energize the agricultural industry well into...

Aug 15, 2022

Author: Gaylen Holloway

Corn growers from across the country gathered in St. Louis, Mo. for the first session of the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Leadership Academy.   “This year’s Leadership Academy class had participants from 11 states, all dedicated to personal development for the advancement of our industry,” said Lowell Neitzel, Chair of the Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team.   Attendees completed an intensive session on excellence in leadership, polished their professionalism and presentation skills, completed media training, and networked with fellow industry members.   “Leadership Academy aims to enhance corn growers’ personal leadership skills, improve their abilities to serve their state organizations, and equip them to be advocates for the corn sector,” Neitzel said. “It’s important for us to build the next generation of industry leaders.”   The second session of the program will be held in Washington, D.C. in January 2023 where participants will learn the ins and...