Ethanol Campaign Catches Washington's Attention
 The National Corn Growers Association's weeklong television campaign in Washington, expected to reach nearly three out of five Washington adults, shows how seriously the organization takes the opportunity to tell the story of ethanol at a crucial time for American consumers.
"With all the policy and regulation debate and things happening in Washington, D.C., it just makes sense to run the ads there." NCGA President Darrin Ihnen told a reporter for Brownfield on Monday. "NCGA wants to make sure that we're in the room and part of the discussion to show the benefits of ethanol-and to show the benefits of agriculture when it comes to energy needs."
A 30-second TV spot is designed to capture the attention of Washington policymakers as they prepare to debate comprehensive energy legislation in the weeks ahead. This week, it ran 157 times on early-morning and late-night news programs in Washington and on major cable channels such as Fox, CNN and MSNBC, targeting adults 35 and older.
"It's now clear that events both here at home and abroad demand a different solution to our energy needs," the ad states. "One that protects our national security, safeguards our environment and promotes economic growth. One answer grows in our own backyard. Turning American corn into America's energy. It's renewable, efficient, abundant and safe. And it creates American jobs. We feed the world; we can fuel it, too. Ethanol. Now is the time."
"Because nearly two thirds of our oil is imported, we need to focus on a broad range of domestic fuels," NCGA Vice President Bart Schott told USDA Radio. "With this legislation before Congress, our campaign will help people realize that ethanol's environmental and economic benefits are important to our country."
The video is available for viewing at www.ncga.com.
Click here to read or listen to Darrin Ihnen's interview with Brownfield.
Corn Growers Pleased Bill Moves Forward
The National Corn Growers Association is pleased with the passage of H.R. 4645, The Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, out of the House Agriculture Committee this afternoon with a favorable recommendation of adoption by the full House of Representatives. The bill passed the Agriculture Committee today by a vote of 25-20.
"NCGA appreciates the work of the House Agriculture Committee today on the passage of this important piece of legislation," NCGA President Darrin Ihnen said. "Increasing one-way trade with Cuba and lifting the travel ban will provide additional markets for corn products and co-products, which will in turn help the American farmer. We are pleased to see the Committee adopt this important piece of legislation with a favorable recommendation and we look forward to working with all members of the House of Representatives to ensure passage on the floor."
During the 2008-2009 market years, Cuba was the United States' 10th largest export market for corn. H.R. 4645 will allow American farmers to preserve their competitiveness in this growing market through the elimination of the "cash in advance" and "third party banking" provisions.
The passed version of this legislation would also allow U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba. The current travel embargo works against U.S. farmers and ranchers. If the travel ban is lifted, it will allow for exports of value-added corn products such as beef and dried distillers grains to increase significantly.
NCGA Launches Advanced Leadership Training; Announces Leadership at Its Best Attendees
NCGA is set to launch a new Advanced Leadership Training Program this September, sponsored by Syngenta. This program, which will provide intensive leadership training to a handful of well-qualified applicants, aims to help develop top notch state and national leadership that is empowered to share their skill set within the industry and community. This new program builds upon the "Leadership at Its Best" Program which has helped develop corn industry leadership since 1986.
Advanced Leadership Training helps growers prepare for new and increased leadership opportunities. The program reinforces existing knowledge while expanding introducing important new topics and more in-depth coverage of those topics already covered at Leadership At its Best.
Attending Advanced Leadership Training this year are Chad Blindauer (Mitchell, S.D.); Chip Bowling (Newburg, Md.); Anthony Bush (Mt. Gilead, Ohio); Bill Hoffman (Columbus, Wis.); Brandon Hunnicutt (Giltner, Neb.); and Pam Johnson (Floyd, Iowa).
Attending Leadership at Its Best are James Aarsvold (N.D.), Marty Amundson (Minn.), Cathy Arthur (Ind.), Monte Berg (Ohio), William Christ (Ill.), Donald Fast (Mont.), Curt Friesen (Neb.), Debra Keller (Iowa), Chad Kemp (Ohio), Kyle Kirby (Mo.), Kent Kleinschmidt (Ill.), Loren Koeman (Mich.), Frank Kralicek Jr. (S.D.), John Mages (Minn.), Mark Oestman (Colo.), Jim Reed (Ill.), Brian Renelt (S.D.), Kevin Ross (Iowa), Greg Schneider (Mo.), Carl Sousek (Neb.), Wesley Spurlock (Texas), Paul Taylor (Ill.), Gary Wheeler (Mo.), and Pamela Yoder (Texas).
Ethanol: Fueling the Future of Missouri
 As the nation closely examines its fuel options, many are beginning to take a second look at ethanol, a renewable, sustainable, home-grown fuel option. In light of this, "Off the Cob" caught up with Missouri Corn Growers Association Deputy Director Gary Clark to talk about the ethanol situation in his home state.
Clark explains that ethanol is a win-win as it benefits both consumers and corn growers. For consumers, ethanol helps lower the price of expensive foreign oil. For growers, it helps build demand for the bountiful harvest that, due to rising average yields, continues to set records.
"In Missouri, our harvest will be more than enough to meet any ethanol, feed or other needs," said Clark. "Currently, we could meet higher demands than we have without increasing acreage."
To hear the entire interview, click on the logo above. |
