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NCGA Grower Leaders Meet in St. Louis
Dozens of corn growers who are respected leaders in their industry and actively involved in the National Corn Growers Association gathered in St. Louis this week for a round of meetings to kick off the new fiscal year, discussing the many issues that will affect farmers heading into 2010. Many braved storm conditions and delayed field work to travel.
"The fall annual meeting is important not only because it helps the organization explore upcoming issues and begin developing policy recommendations, it also provides a face-to-face forum for grower leaders to share ideas and build relationships," said NCGA President Darrin Ihnen. "By cementing the bonds that will help us move forward on a variety of issues, we create cohesive leadership based strongly in the varied experiences inherent in a grassroots organization."
The NCGA's seven action teams and committees define, implement and measure program actions in their areas of expertise - biotechnology, ethanol, public policy, trade, production and stewardship, research and business development, and grower services.
"Corn One" Rolls On
This week, the new design promoting Corn One, NCGA's flagship vehicle, hit the streets. Promoting corn growers' ability to provide the world with food, feed and fuel, the new design showcases NCGA messages in an innovative way.
NCGA Concerned with Impacts of EPA Endangerment Finding
The National Corn Growers Association expressed concern today about the impacts on farmers of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's newly released and long-awaited endangerment finding on greenhouse gas emissions in relation to climate change.
"The release of EPA's findings is a significant development of the agency's move forward in its effort to regulate greenhouse gas emissions," NCGA President Darrin Ihnen said. "NCGA continues to have serious concerns with using the Clean Air Act to regulate GHG's and the implications this could have for America's corn farmers."
Workshop Provides Insight into Improving Billion Ton Study Practices
National Corn Growers Association is working with other corn industry stakeholders to provide the Department of Energy with insight into potential impediments to meeting biomass production projections laid out in the department's Billion Ton Study related to biomass production needs.
The DOE Billion Ton Study, which has been in progress for almost three years, first looked at the U.S.'s ability to produce enough biomass to yield the 60 billion gallon of biofuels equivalent per year as mandated by the government. The initial phase of this study found that the U.S. is capable of producing the required biomass.
Friend of Corn Farmers Embarks on New Endeavor
 NCGA recognized Ted McKinney this wek for his exemplary support through the years, and wished him well as he moves on to new endeavors. Formerly the industry affairs lead for Dow AgroSciences, McKinney's involvement in agriculture has included many efforts to support the American farmer and production agriculture in feeding and fueling the world.
"Ted's work as a dedicated professional has brought many cooperative programs and endeavors to fruition. These projects have benefitted the agricultural industry as a whole," said NCGA First Vice President Bart Schott. "I greatly respect his leadership over these decades, as does the entire ag industry. His patience throughout the development of biotech events, coupled with his progressive approach to the industry, have made him a great friend to corn farmers."
McKinney, after more than 20 years of service in his prior position, will be taking a more active role in animal agriculture as the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs for Elanco Animal Health Company, a subsidiary of Eli Lilly. |
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This Week's NCGA Blog Highlights
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