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Friday, October 15, 2010
Spread the Word: Corn Still Plentiful
Since the USDA released its crop report last week, there have been numerous stories about a smaller corn crop and what it means for food prices. With a few mouse clicks, you can send a letter to the editor talking about how, even with reduced production, our farmers are still working hard to bring home corn to meet all needs. Just click here to take action!
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.
 
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EPA Higher Blends Decision a Good Start, but Incomplete

The National Corn Growers Association this week recognized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision allowing higher blends of ethanol in vehicles from the 2007 model year and newer as a tentative first step that needs to be followed immediately with more action.

"We're disappointed in the very limited scope of this approval, but pleased the EPA has finally taken action to partially approve the waiver request to allow higher blends of ethanol in some motor vehicles," said NCGA President Bart Schott, a grower in Kulm, N.D. "We believe this bifurcation of the approval process, and the labels that are expected to be placed on higher-blend fuel pumps, can lead to general consumer confusion and therefore act counter to the original intent."

By proceeding along this path, EPA's decision casts an unnecessary shadow on all ethanol blend levels, Schott added. Blends up to E-15 and beyond have been tested and found suitable for a wide range of newer and older vehicles.

Last month, the automotive engineering firm Ricardo found that moving from 10 percent ethanol in gasoline to 15 percent will mean little, if any, change in the performance of older cars and light trucks, those manufactured between 1994 and 2000.

For the whole story, click here.

Now Accepting Applications!

The National Corn Growers Association and chemical company BASF Corporation will again award five $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in the 2011-12 school year in an agriculture-related field.

"NCGA understands that to remain successful as an industry we must focus on agricultural education and fighting the rural 'brain drain'," said Bill Berg, vice chairman of NCGA's Grower Services Action Team. "This program is an important component of NCGA's commitment to fostering youth in agriculture and to the future of our rural communities. It is an investment in the future of our industry."

Applicants for the NCGA Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program must be entering at least their second undergraduate year or any year of graduate study, and they or a parent or legal guardian must be an NCGA member. Scholarship applications must be postmarked on or before Dec. 10.

Scholarship recipients will be selected in early 2011. Recipients and a parent or guardian will enjoy travel and lodging to attend a portion of the 2011 Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla., to be recognized at the NCGA Awards Banquet and have the opportunity to learn more about modern agriculture.

This is the fourth year for the partnership between BASF and NCGA. Click here for the complete rules and application packet.

Ethanol Industry Speaks Out Against Baseless Anti-Renewable-Fuel Claims

Ethanol leaders this week preempted a planned press conference from an alliance of anti-renewable fuel voices by dismissing yet again their playbook to halt the expansion in America's renewable fuel industry.

The American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association released the following statement:

"America's ethanol industry has been an undeniable success, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and reducing our nation's reliance on foreign oil. These groups that have repeatedly attacked ethanol without validation would leave America with just one course of action: increasing our addiction to foreign oil.

"America's investment in renewable ethanol has paid dividends. It returns more to the federal government in the form of tax revenue than is spent in investment, and saves the economy billions of dollars in foreign oil expense.

For the whole story, click here.

In the Dakotas, Harvest 2010 Could Bring Record Crop

In this series, Off the Cob speaks with grower leaders about harvest on their own farms. Today, National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott and Chairman Darrin Ihnen talk about what they have seen during harvest thus far and provide insight into the conditions in North and South Dakota.

While many farmers in Iowa and Illinois continue to report lower than expected yields, both Schott and Ihnen forecast near-record production in their states. Additionally, Schott reports that even in North Dakota, harvest is on track to wrap up before Thanksgiving this year.

To hear more about harvest, click here.

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