NCGA Corn Board Elects Iowa's Pam Johnson as Next Officer to Help Lead Organization

The National Corn Growers Association Corn Board has elected Pam Johnson of Iowa to become the organization's first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. When she becomes NCGA president in October 2012, Johnson will be the first woman to lead NCGA.

"It is an honor to be elected an officer for the National Corn Growers Association," Johnson said. "This is an organization whose farmer leaders and staff members are supremely dedicated to an industry vitally important to our country and our world. I look forward to working with farmer members, state leaders and many partners as NCGA continues its mission as the leading national voice for corn farmers, and as a thought leader when it comes to growing opportunities for American agriculture."

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NCGA Supports Thune, Klobuchar Legislation to Reform Ethanol Industry

NCGA thanked Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for introducing the Ethanol Reform and Deficit Reduction Act this week. The legislation, which is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 13 senators, would transition the ethanol industry into a variable tax incentive and create additional market access for ethanol by removing existing barriers of consumer choice. Other co-sponsors include Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Richard Lugar (R-IN), John Hoeven (R-ND) Tim Johnson (D-SD), Jerry Moran(R-KS), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Al Franken (D-MN), Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).

"NCGA greatly appreciates the work Senators Thune and Klobuchar have done to craft this importance piece of legislation," NCGA President Bart Schott, a grower from Kulm, N.D., said. "This legislation will help provide certainty for the future and strengthen the ethanol industry over the next several years. During a time of economic uncertainty and record-high gas prices, this legislation will also protect thousands of jobs, which is of great importance to rural America."

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NCGA Disappointed Politics Trumped Policy on Key Ethanol Vote

NCGA expressed severe disappointment that the Senate allowed petty politics to trump prudent policy in the fight for the future of the ethanol industry. The passage of Sen. Dianne Feinstein's amendment Thursday to immediately repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit represents a tax increase on fuel that will kill jobs in rural America and hit all consumers in the pocketbook, NCGA said.

"The Senate voted against rural America and domestic, renewable energy, and in favor of more foreign oil," NCGA President Bart Schott said. "Sen. Feinstein has unfairly hit at the heart of an important agricultural industry while remaining unified with subsidy-laden Big Oil."

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NCGA Urges the House to Defer Action on Farm Programs H.R. 2112

NCGA urged the House of Representatives to protect the jurisdiction of the House Agriculture Committee when it takes up debate on H.R. 2112, legislation making appropriations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and related agencies. Policy debate over farm safety net programs belongs as a part of the legislative process for writing the 2012 farm bill.

"We understand the important role that debate and compromise play in our legislative process," said NCGA President Bart Schott. "At the same time, we should respect the procedures and institutions designed to facilitate our governance. The farm bill is constructed with considerable care and deliberation to serve as the overarching farm safety net policy for five years. Allowing the bill to be crudely butchered during hasty yearly appropriations bills strips authority from the Agriculture Committees and moves the legislative process further from the thoughtful debate that crafts better policy."

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Yet Again, U.S. Corn Farmers Increase Efficiency, Sustainability

U.S. corn farmers yet again proved that they are growing more with less year after year. According to USDA and Fertilizer Institute data, farmers decreased usage of key fertilizers by roughly one-third per bushel in the last 30 years.

"Farmers truly were the first environmentalists," said National Corn Growers Association Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Steve Ebke. "The multigenerational nature of our operations constantly reminds us of why we want to improve both farming practices and our land. By reducing fertilizer usage per bushel, we save valuable resources, decrease our environmental impact and produce our crop more affordably. It is a true win-win situation for farmers and consumers."

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Consumers Can Look Forward to More Choices at the Pump 

Earlier this week, the application period closed for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program, which provides grants and loan guarantees for equipment improving consumer access to E-85 and mid level ethanol blends. With awards announced between July and September, consumers can expect to reap the rewards of this program through increased choices at the pump.

"Ethanol producers are already capable of providing a sustainable, affordable domestic energy source," said National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott. "With the infrastructure improvements facilitated by REAP grants and increased flex-fuel vehicle production, Americans will have a true alternative to foreign oil that can easily fit into their lives."

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In Kentucky, CORE Program Grows Farming Knowledge

This is the fifth installment of a spring series featuring interviews with executives from organizations representing corn growers at the state level on the specific issues affecting their growers.

Off the Cob spoke with Kentucky Corn Growers Association Executive Director Laura Knoth for a look at Kentucky's Crop Observation and Research Education program. Now selecting its second class, CORE is a year-long course designed to increase fundamental agronomy knowledge among Kentucky grain farmers. Lessons focus on maximizing the long-term viability of family farms through crop management techniques, localizing attention to agronomy detail and developing and expanding peer relationships.

To listen to the interview, click here.

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Ecuadorian Journalists Bring Home Biotech Truths

Last week, NCGA staff hosted a group of journalists from Ecuador participating in an educational delegation organized by the U.S. government to promote an understanding of biotechnology. During an afternoon-long presentation, the group learned about biotechnology adoption, the environmental and productivity benefits of biotech and the role of biotech acceptance in the world market.

"We welcome the opportunity to help provide the information and perspective that lead to a better understanding of the technology used by the majority of corn farmers in our country," said NCGA Vice President of Production and Utilization Paul Bertels. "This team in particular presented a unique chance to educate a broad audience as the many well-respected journalists in attendance will now be better able to tell the true story of biotechnology in American agriculture to a vast audience."

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Corn Board Candidate Profile Series 

Corn Board Candidate Chrisp: Seeking Balance, Building Alliances Are Essential to Effective Leadership

Fifth in a series profiling candidates for the 2012 Corn Board.

Speaking with Lynn Chrisp on leadership, the conversation often comes back to themes of teamwork, balance and perseverance. Now, he wishes to contribute his experience, knowledge and dedication by serving as a member of the 2012 NCGA Corn Board.

"Living within 30 miles of four ethanol plants and many major livestock operations, I thoroughly understand the dynamics at work in our major markets," said Chrisp, who farms near Kenesaw, Neb. "What I have come to understand from this is that it is imperative we maintain a balance in our approach and actions. While there will always be many viewpoints and interests, the Corn Board must carefully analyze what is best overall for the members we serve."

For more on Chrisp, click here. 

Field Notes 

In Western Kentucky, Heavy Rains Give Way to Hot, Dry Conditions

With corn planting complete, farmers across the country are hoping that summer conditions are optimal to minimize potential yield losses due to late planting. To access post-planting weather thus far, Field Notes spoke with Kentucky farmer Sam Hancock. The first participant to finish planting, Hancock reported that, once the rains that delayed planting ceased, unseasonably hot, dry conditions are now the cause for concern.

"Most of the crop looks good right now, but we needed rain on the corn," said Hancock. "The corn is definitely getting twisted in this heat, but so far the stands look good. We just need some water at this point."

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