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Friday, July 16, 2010

On Facebook, Join the "Corn Conversations"

Join us on FacebookThe National Corn Growers Association and its state affiliates have debuted a new private network on Facebook, the nation's top social media network website, as part of the Image and Activism Program generously supported by state checkoff funds.  If you're a Facebook member, join the conversation by entering "Corn Conversations" in the search box and asking to join the group. Growers and their allies can learn more about each other and their industry and talk about ways to reinforce the positive image we have in the midst of so many attacks against modern agriculture.

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.
 
On the Internet:
 
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Corn Congress

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson addresses delegates and guests Wednesday morning at NCGA's Corn Congress, held this week in Washington. Click on the photo to visit the Corn Congress photo gallery.
At Corn Congress in Washington,
Four Elected to NCGA Corn Board

Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress in Washington elected four farmers to serve on the organization's Corn Board this week and ratified Garry Niemeyer of Illinois as the NCGA first vice president for the 2011 fiscal year.

New board members for 2011 are Bill Chase, Woolsey, S.D.; Rob Elliott, Cameron, Ill.; Jon Holzfaster, Paxton, Neb.; and Wesley Spurlock, Stratford, Texas. They will begin serving three-year terms Oct. 1.

"We had a number of terrific candidates wanting to dedicate time and talent to serving their industry," said NCGA President Darrin Ihnen. "It's great to see this level of engagement and the quality of our grower leaders who each bring a different set of experiences and knowledge to NCGA."

NCGA President's Award Presented
to South Dakota Senator John Thune

Sen. John Thune, left, received the President's Award from NCGA President Darrin Ihnen.
Sen John Thune
National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen Wednesday presented the President's Award to Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) during NCGA's Corn Congress events in Washington, D.C. The President's Award is given annually to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.

"When it came time to decide who this year's recipient of the NCGA President's award would be, I immediately thought of Senator Thune," NCGA President Darrin Ihnen said. "We appreciate his openness and accessibility, which makes working in tandem on important issues very easy."

"I am honored to receive this award from the National Corn Growers Association," said Senator Thune. "I appreciate the work this organization does to represent the interests of corn growers across the country, and specifically the working relationship I have had over the years with the South Dakota Corn Growers. I look forward to continuing to work together on the Renewable Fuels Standard, supporting the move to E15, and other initiatives important to corn producers."

Click here for the whole story.
Farmer-Led Teams Take Action
As Growers Gather in Nation's Capital

Action teams and committees of corn growers met in Washington Monday and Tuesday to talk about farm-related issues in anticipation of two Corn Congress sessions and Capitol Hill visits that growers will be making on Wednesday and Thursday.

Many of the team meetings included presentations from special guests. Over in the Ethanol Committee, for example, presentations and updates from Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the American Coalition for Ethanol were highlights. On Tuesday afternoon, Jim Miller, the USDA's under secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, addressed the Joint Trade Policy A-Team, a combined team of growers from NCGA and members of the U.S. Grains Council. 

Click here for the whole story.

Farmers, Ethanol Industry Reaffirm
Support for Current Ethanol Tax Policies 

The American Coalition for Ethanol, the National Corn The American Coalition for Ethanol, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Sorghum Producers, and the Renewable Fuels Association today reaffirmed their support for two identical pieces of legislation that would extend current ethanol tax incentives through 2015. Current ethanol tax policies are working to build out the industry, expand infrastructure, and provide the foundation for new technologies to thrive. 

 
"Our grassroots membership has made it clear that extension of the VEETC and support of our champions in the Congress is vital," said NCGA President Darrin Ihnen, a corn grower in Hurley, S.D. "As our board and voting delegates visited with members of Congress this week it was apparent that time is short and extension is in the best interests of the corn industry."