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Friday, June 24, 2011

Conservation Program Survey Helps Educate Policymakers

 

Corn growers can help NCGA gather information regarding conservation programs in the farm bill. Agricultural conservation programs make up a significant part of mandatory farm program spending and five conservation programs will expire after FY 2012, while numerous other programs are facing the possibility of major budget reductions. Growers taking part in NCGA's Conservation Title survey can help us in discussions with lawmakers about which conservation programs farmers find most useful, and what adjustments might be beneficial.  

Just click here to start taking our short, but important survey.

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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Last Call! NCYC Early Registration Ends Tomorrow

 

NCYC ShortEarly registration for the National Corn Growers Association's National Corn Yield Contest closes tomorrow, Saturday, June 25. With entry fees reduced to $80 until that time, NCGA reminds growers that the opportunity to take advantage of this reduced fee ends soon. To aid in quick, simple entry, a new online entry system is also now available.

 

"With the early registration deadline approaching rapidly, it is a great time for entrants to try out the new online submission system," said Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Steve Ebke. "The software streamlines the process, saving both time and, until Saturday, money."

 

Click here for more information, rules and forms.

 

For the whole story, click here. 

Online Research Glossary Facilitates Conversation

 

Research Glossary CoverNCGA's new Research Glossary is now available online. This glossary, which covers the terms most frequently used in agricultural discussions of genetics, provides a simple, accessible resource for those looking to better understand and communicate on programs such as the corn genome sequence.

 

Click here for the online glossary.

 

A pocket guide version is also available through the mail by contacting NCGA at [email protected].

 

"While farmers understand the importance of genetics to their trade, an enhanced knowledge of scientific terminology facilitates discussion," said NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chair Larry Hasheider. "We are extremely proud of the role NCGA has played in moving forward projects such as sequencing the corn genome, but the glossary takes this work one step further. Now, we can help anyone hoping to really delve into the discussion start with a common vocabulary that will facilitate an open, productive dialogue on the role of genetics in modern agriculture."

 

For the whole story, click here.

NCGA Appreciates Bipartisan Passage of H.R. 872 in Senate Ag Committee

 

NCGA applauds the Senate Agriculture Committee for passing H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011, with a strong bipartisan vote. This legislation clarifies that National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are not required when applying pesticides according to their EPA approved label. The House of Representatives passed this legislation in April.

 

"NCGA greatly appreciates the work of Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and members of the committee to pass this important legislation," NCGA President Bart Schott, a farmer in Kulm, N.D. said. "We are pleased to see both the Senate and House understand the significance of this bill and how farmers could be impacted by NPDES permits for pesticides."

 

For the whole story, click here. 

House Agriculture Subcommittee Looks at Biotech

 

Yesterday, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Biotech, Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to review the opportunities and benefits of agricultural biotechnology. The subcommittee received testimony from Chuck Connor, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; Dr. Roger Beachy, president emeritus, Donald Danforth Plant Center, St. Louis, Mo.; and Dr. Calestous Juma, professor of the Practice of International Development, Harvard University.

 

"Farmers have rapidly adopted the new technology and have enjoyed more convenient and flexible crop management, lower cost of production, higher productivity and/or net returns per acre and numerous environmental benefits," Connor stated in his testimony. "Biotechnology developments have reduced pesticide use, improved conservation practices and afforded a more sustainable way for farmers to provide us with food, feed and fiber."

 

For the whole story, click here. 

North Dakota Growers Provide Consumers Options 

 

Off the Cob LogoThis week, Off the Cob speaks with North Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director Tom Lilja for a look at the organizations efforts to provide consumers with both knowledge and choices at the pump. In addition to explaining these efforts, Lilja explains crop insurance issues the organization is currently working to remedy.

 

"This winter, the Risk Management Agency made some adjustments to the test weights on corn," said Lilja. "Previously, the standard was a 46 pound per bushel test weight, but they have now lowered this to a 40 pound standard. Our growers are concerned about why they made this decision as it ignores the industry standard of 46 pounds."

 

To listen to the interview, click here.

 

For the whole story, click here. 

Jordan First to Import U.S. DDGS in the Middle East

 

Historically, distiller's dried grains with solubles has been an unknown product throughout Jordan and the Middle East. Promotion of DDGS in the Middle East has two significant obstacles. Ethanol has been viewed with suspicion as a possible competitor to Middle Eastern oil and DDGS seen as an offshoot of the forbidden alcohol trade. However, two years of marketing efforts by U.S. grain farmers, bolstered by Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program funds, have raised the positive profile of U.S. DDGS in the region.

 

Last month, these efforts were realized as the first commercial shipment of U.S. DDGS to Jordan arrived in Aqaba, Jordan.

 

For the whole story, click here. 

Corn Board Candidate Profile Series 

Don Elsbernd Thinks Big Picture but Sees the Detail

 

Don ElsberndA consensus builder who values communication, Don Elsbernd has gained a nuanced understanding of the different regional issues affecting farmers across the country. Now, he wishes to use this perspective to serve corn farmers as a member of the 2012 NCGA Corn Board.

 

"I believe I have the skills, knowledge and desire to be an effective member of the NCGA Corn Board," said Elsbernd. "I am a good listener who tries to always look at the bigger overall picture when evaluating issues and, while I have a strong understanding of the issues affecting us today, I also am aware that they morph overtime. As a board member, I would both be aware of changing circumstances and look for innovative, effective ways to adapt to meet new challenges."

 

For more about Elsbernd, click here. 

Field Notes 

Field Notes Growers Compare Notes on Regional Weather, Crop Conditions

 

Field Notes opened the farm gate this spring and provided followers with an inside look at the activities of several farmers from a variety of geographical areas. Today, this innovative series brings participants from the northern and southern ends of the Corn Belt together to share their perspectives on the state of the 2011 corn crop as summer kicks off.

 

Field Notes growers Sam Hancock of Kentucky and DeVonna Zeug of Minnesota jointly discuss their current on-farm activities, their perspectives on this summer's weather and share their plans for the next few weeks. While Hancock finally got the rain he needed to ensure the quality of his crop, Zeug wrestles with water issues as the rains continue to fall.

 

To listen to the interview, click here.

 

For the whole story, click here. 

Corn Commentary New

Busted! Argonne Scientist Counters Ethanol Myths

 

With all of the misinformation about ethanol flying around, some consumers have become confused about who they can and cannot trust as a source of information.  Why not go straight to the experts?  An Argonne National Laboratory Transportation Technology R&D Center Mechanical Engineer has decided to clear the air and let everyone in on what scientists already know - ethanol is an excellent alternative fuel option.  (Click here to read more)

 

To get the latest corny perspective on this and other issues, visit our award-winning Corn Commentary blog by clicking here.