NCGA Corn Action News: Friday, June 4, 2010

Corn Planting Nears Completion

Corn planting is wrapping up right on schedule this year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's weekly Crop Progress report, 97 percent of the U.S. corn crop had been planted as of May 30. This is one point ahead of the five-year average and 5 points above the slow 2009 planting season. In addition, 85 percent of the crop has emerged, compared to the five-year average of 80 percent.

The report also indicates that corn crop conditions are better than last year with 76 percent of the corn planted rated good or excellent. In 2009, only 70 percent of the crop received similar marks in Late May.

"We are glad to know that crop progress is running right on schedule," said NCGA President Darrin Ihnen. "We had significant challenges in 2008 and 2009, and having planting on track in 2010 and the crop rising quickly now adds to our optimism about a great year with a record harvest."

With planting nearing completion, growers look forward to USDA's updated supply and demand report, to be released on June 10. The estimate should reflect if USDA continues to project a record year given the conditions at the end of planting season. In addition, USDA will provide its annual report on crop acreage June 30.

NCGA President Stresses Need for Growing Markets

NCGA President Darrin Ihnen, a grower from Hurley, S.D., talked about his multi-generational family farming experience and the importance of rural development and expanding markets for corn as one of five prominent panel participants at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "National Summit of Rural America: A Dialogue for Renewing Promise," held today in Hillsboro, Mo.

"What is crucial for me as a farmer is to know that what I grow will always find a market, and with the growth in production on the American farm, we want to ensure we have markets that are growing and prospering along with our crops," Ihnen said. "To corn farmers, ethanol is the one market that, right now, offers a real growth opportunity for farmers and rural communities all across the country."

The USDA organized the summit as an opportunity for rural Americans to share their vision and ideas for creating a more prosperous and more promising future for rural America. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters from around the country, as well as policymakers from all levels of government and community leaders were invited to discuss the key priorities and policies necessary to get rural America growing again.

"Thank you for recognizing the potential of biofuels and providing the agriculture community a pathway that will provide a more stable and sustainable energy future for all Americans," Ihnen said. "Despite these trying times corn growers will continue to meet the growing demands of food, feed and fuel in an economical and environmentally responsible manner."

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Working Together for American Farmers

Over the past few years, many groups have launched well-publicized attacks on agriculture. The arguments employed often touch multiple sectors of the industry. In light of this, many agricultural organizations formerly dedicated to serving only their specific group are now considering joint efforts to improve the image of farmers and agriculture as a whole.

"Off the Cob" sat down with National Corn Growers Association CEO Rick Tolman to talk about the importance of cooperation in agriculture. Tolman spoke of the conditions that underlie the trend toward cooperation and of the opportunities that can arise from adversity.

"I think we are in a perfect storm situation in agriculture," said Tolman. "Agriculture groups are traditionally independent and used to doing things in their own specific ways. But we are now seeing this common attack across all sectors. In this crisis mode, there is the opportunity to come together, still agreeing to disagree on some specific issues, and yet cooperate to tell the great story of American agriculture."

Tolman also discussed how NCGA is also making targeted, independent efforts. As an example, he referenced the Corn Farmers Coalition, a very targeted campaign in Washington among decision makers to turn around some of the myths and misinformation about corn in particular.

To hear the whole story, click on the "Off the Cob" logo above.

Washington Office Welcomes New Intern

The National Corn Growers Association's Washington office welcomed Julie Batie, an intern sponsored through a partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board and NCGA. Julie will assist NCGA staff on a variety of issues related to water quality, transportation, the Cuba trade bill, biotechnology, ethanol and energy.

"We look forward to having Julie with us this summer," said Jon Doggett, vice president of public policy for NCGA. "The Nebraska Corn Board's intern program has provided some outstanding opportunities for both the interns and NCGA. We enjoy having a bright and energetic college student give us some fresh perspectives. It is absolutely vital for young people who want to be involved in agriculture to understand how their government works and the best ways to be part of the process. We appreciate the Nebraska Corn Board's support in this outstanding program."

Julie will also have the opportunity to shadow each of the NCGA lobbyists over the course of the summer. She will report to Jennifer Holdgreve, NCGA's Washington Office Manager and will also be working closely with Jon Doggett.

Julie is a junior in agricultural education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Click here for more information on the Nebraska Corn Board program.