While the emergence of alternative energy sources is good for the nation it also presents a hosts of challenges as we rethink and our energy production and distributions system, according to a new study commissioned by NCGA.

The current infrastructure for moving things like fuel and electricity developed over decades and has largely been based on power generation near the point of consumption. That paradigm is rapidly changing, according to the Informa Economics study entitled "National Transportation Corridors for Renewable Energy," especially in the case of renewable energy like ethanol, where production is based near critical feedstock like corn, rather than near the end users in cities.

 

 

As the Saturday, Aug. 1, entry deadline approaches for NCGA's annual corn yield contest, a new report looks back at more than a decade of data to show how corn growers in the contest were definitely above average. Since 1996, the average contest yield averaged nearly 64 bushels per acre higher than the average U.S. yield as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

"We've been collecting a lot of information about what works and what doesn't work when it comes to increasing yield," said David Ward, chairman of NCGA's Production and Stewardship Action Team and a grower from Minnesota. "We're especially happy to see that the yields recorded in the contest are significantly higher than the national average. It shows a lot of potential for continuing our work in helping feed the world while developing new markets - and doing it in a more sustainable fashion."

 

The prestigious Dr. James R. Miller award was presented to NCGA Corn Board Member Jamie Jamison, pictured at right, above, by the Maryland Grain Producers Association at the recent Maryland Commodity Classic. Established in 1988, this award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an individual to the grain industry. A grain farmer from Montgomery County, Jamison has been a strong voice for agriculture at both the local and national levels.

 

"Jamie is passionate about the future of agriculture," stated Chip Bowling, President of MGPA. "His willingness to share his extensive agricultural knowledge, experience, and time serving in roles with state and national organizations has positively shaped the future of agriculture, and it is why we honor him today with the Miller award." Bowling presented Jamison with the award and noted that Jamison's name will be added to the perpetual plaque housed at the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

 

Two important new articles discuss the importance of modern agriculture and are well worth your time. First, The Wall Street Journal's editorial pages, often so wrong on ethanol, have a great opinion piece today by Norman Borlaug on how better seeds and fertilizers - "not romantic myths" - can help feed the world. Borlaug is a professor at Texas A&M University who won the 1970 Nobel Peace  Prize for his contributions to the world food supply.

 

Tom Martin estimates he's saved 100,000 gallons of fuel at a savings of $200,000 over a quarter of a century of growing corn.

How did he save all that money? Simple. He's been no-till farming since 1988, and also retiring HEL, or highly erodible land. "We have achieved a level of near-zero soil loss," says Martin, 52, who has a degree in biological sciences and farms in Mt. Pulaski, Ill.

NCGA will soon be replacing the vehicle we use to highlight corn and ethanol at public events, with something newer to show off the latest in flex-fuel technology. Affectionately known as Corn-1, the 2005 GMC Yukon has served NCGA well for four years after being provided by the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council. We would like to keep it in the "corn family" if possible, so the vibrant decals can continue to educate our non-farming neighbors.