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Friday, June 26, 2009
Speak Out Now on Ethanol, Boats and Small Engines
 
Several recreational trade associations have recently called on members to contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ask it not to implement a proposed waiver that will allow ethanol blends in gasoline to be increased from 10 percent to 15 percent. As the nation's premier organization representing corn farmers, the National Corn Growers Association is asking farmers and ethanol supporters to reach out to the EPA and provide their own experience on the issue - even if they have already provided a comment on higher blends.
About Us

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) represents approximately 35,000 dues-paying corn growers and the interests of more than 300,000 farmers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state associations and checkoff organizations work together to help protect and advance corn growers' interests.
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 UPCOMING EVENTS
Free Webinar with ACRE Program Experts 
 
Does it make sense to enroll your farm in the Average Crop Revenue Election program for 2009? If you have more questions than answers, mark your calendar for a free "Ask the Experts" webinar session, 8-9 a.m. CDT Wednesday, July 1. The session is open to the public and is especially recommended for farmers, landlords and Farm Service Agency personnel looking to get added insight into the new farm safety net program.
 
NCGA Conference on Land Use
 
Online registration is now available for the National Corn Growers Association's upcoming conference on land use and climate impacts of corn-based ethanol. Scheduled for Aug. 25-26 in St. Louis, it will provide sessions on such topics as land use change, nitrous oxide, new technologies and their effect on greenhouse gas emissions, domestic and international yields, satellite data and land conversion greenhouse gas emission factors, defining renewable biomass and distillers grains. 
 WASHINGTON REPORT
NCGA Commends Peterson for Amendment
 
The National Corn Growers Association has commended House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson for his efforts on behalf of the nation's corn growers throughout the negotiations on pending climate change legislation, H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
 
"We appreciate the dedication Chairman Peterson has shown to U.S. corn growers and the agriculture industry during this legislative process," NCGA President Bob Dickey said. "He has been a true champion for our industry during negotiations and his amendment to the climate change legislation will make several steps in the right direction."
 

Ron Litterer on Capitol Hill
Ron Litterer, center, testifies June 24 on the ACRE Program.
 
Chairman Testifies on ACRE Implementation
 
NCGA Chairman Ron Litterer delivered testimony this week before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. Litterer emphasized the importance of proper implementation of the Average Crop Revenue Election Program both at the federal and county Farm Service Agency levels and expressed the importance of growers being fully informed of the program's benefits.
 
"The ACRE Program can provide far more effective protection against volatile markets and production shortfalls not adequately addressed by crop insurance or disaster assistance," Litterer said. "The ACRE enrollment period opened April 27 and NCGA is urging growers to explore the benefits of the program for their operation before visiting their local Farm Service Agency office."
 

NEW ACRE PUBLICATION:  Also this week, NCGA released a new document on ACRE for landowners  that considers the alternatives of ACRE and the traditional Counter Cyclical Payment Program, along with its effects on landowners. The document analysis compares landowner ACRE and CCP program returns for both share and cash rent agreements under a base 2009 Expected Payout per Planted ACRE, and three other alternatives. Download the document here.
 
 
 NATIONAL NEWS
Yield Contest Deadline Changed
 
To accommodate farmers who had to deal with late planting challenges, the National Corn Growers Association has extended the deadline for early entries to the National Corn Yield Contest. To be eligible for the $75 entry fee rate, mailed entries must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 10.
 
The previous early-entry deadline was July 1. This change does not extend the final deadline of Aug. 1. NCGA will review the national planting progress reports July 20 to determine if there is a need to extend the Aug. 1 final deadline.
 
Meet Pam Johnson, Board Candidate
 
Pam JohnsonNinth in a series of profiles of candidates for the NCGA Corn Board. The election will be held at July's Corn Congress in Washington.
 
Pam Johnson, of Floyd, Iowa, is a director and former chairwoman of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and currently serves as chairwoman of the National Corn Growers Association's Research and Business Development Action Team and a member of the U.S. Grains Council Biotech A-Team.
 
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