NCGA, Missouri Corn Growers Association Help Ease Crop Insurance Concerns from Farms Affected by Missouri Flooding

With news of the Army Corps of Engineers' decision to open the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway in southern Missouri to ease some of the swell in the Mississippi River, farmers affected by the floods began to grow concerned about crop insurance coverage. In past man-made disasters, crop insurance coverage has been denied. The National Corn Growers Association and the Missouri Corn Growers Association want to ensure our farmers are compensated for their loss.

For the whole story, click here. 

Corn, Ethanol Groups Welcome Bill Transforming Current Ethanol Tax Policy

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) praised the legislation offered by a bipartisan group of senators, led by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, to responsibly transition and transform current ethanol tax policy. This legislation would reduce the current blender's credit, also known as VEETC, for a two-year period before transitioning to a tax credit that would adjust based on the price of oil. Importantly, this legislation would also improve upon current tax credits for the installation of blender pumps and ethanol fueling infrastructure. Additionally, the bill would extend tax credits for small ethanol producers as well as for advanced and cellulosic ethanol.

For the whole story, click here. 

White House, Congress Take Steps Toward Ratification of Pending Free Trade Agreements

The Obama administration announced that it is ready to begin technical discussions with Congress on the draft implementing bill for the pending free trade agreement with Colombia. With prior announcements indicating the White House's willingness to move forward with similar talks on the draft FTAs with South Korea and Panama, Republican leadership in the House Ways and Means Committee reiterated their desire to ready the pacts for congressional consideration by July 1.

For the whole story, click here. 

Joint Hearing in House Looks at Pesticide Registration Process

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees held a joint hearing Tuesday to review the Endangered Species Act (ESA) interagency consultation process when approving pesticides for use in the United States. This hearing was scheduled in response to regulatory inefficiencies as well as a series of recent ESA lawsuits that could limit the availability of pesticides for growers.

For the whole story, click here. 

American Ethanol, Corn Farmers Win with NASCAR

Last weekend, more than 100,000 NASCAR fans gathered in Richmond, Va. to cheer on their favorite drivers, but these devotees took home more than expected in the form of an education about the many benefits that American ethanol provides. Both Clint Bowyer and Kenny Wallace gave amazing performances which highlight the performance and environmental benefits of the renewable, domestically produced fuel source.

For the whole story, click here. 

Corn Farmers Must Remain Vigilant in Weed Resistance Management Practices

NCGA urges growers to review their weed resistance management practices this spring. While weed resistance management is often viewed as a high priority for cotton and soybean growers, corn growers cannot overlook the importance of following best practices.

For the whole story, click here. 

Corn Farmers Continue to Make Planting Progress

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's weekly Crop Progress report, 18 states representing 92 percent of the U.S. corn acreage have 13 percent of corn acres planted. "The numbers don't tell the whole story," said NCGA CEO Rick Tolman. "While eastern states are experiencing wet weather, our farmer leaders and state staff from the western Cornbelt report they are making significant progress in getting corn planted. We are optimistic that the ingenuity of our farmers and today's technological advances give farmers the opportunity to significantly plant more corn in a shorter time frame."

For the whole story, click here. 

Continued Rain Leads Some Growers to Reevaluate Planting Strategy

While the sun peaked out over parts of Missouri and Illinois today, growers continue to experience delays as a long, wet spring delays planting for many in the Corn Belt. Noting that he did get into the field early in April to plant 20 percent of the corn he intends to this year, Field Notes grower Tom Martin continues to hope that more suitable planting weather will help what has thus far been a slow planting season.

For the entire Field Notes update, click here. 

NCGA CEO Presents Ethanol Opportunities, Truths to Kentucky Delegation

This week, NCGA CEO Rick Tolman met with a group of agricultural leaders who were visiting Missouri to explore opportunities in the biofuels industry. At their request, Tolman spoke to the group correcting common misconceptions about ethanol with hard facts and outlining current opportunities for investment in the ethanol industry.

For the whole story, click here. 

NCGA's Capital Staff Provide Answers to Visiting Farm Media

With a plate full of hot issues on Capitol Hill, staff from NCGA's Washington office had a lot to discuss in a round of interviews with farm-state media in town for the annual Washington Watch meeting of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Interviews covered a range of questions dealing with trade, water, farm bill, budget and ethanol, as well as the 2011 planting season.

For the whole story, click here.