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In Light of Late Planting, NCGA Extends Yield Contest Entry Deadline
 Due to widespread planting delays, the final entry deadline for the 2011 National Corn Yield Contest has been extended 10 days, to July 25, the National Corn Growers Association announced today. Entries must be submitted online or postmarked on or before that date and are subject to the standard entry fee of $110 per entry.
"It was a late, long planting season for many growers throughout the Corn Belt," said Steve Ebke, chairman of the Production and Stewardship Action Team. "At NCGA, we recognize the strain farmers experience while attempting to get the crop in the ground. Furthermore, early delays can cause tasks to pile up. We want every grower interested to have an opportunity to participate in the contest and hope that by extending the deadline we make it easier for them to do so."
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2011 Corn Acreage Up from 2010, Exceeds March Report Estimates
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that U.S. corn growers planted an estimated 92.3 million acres this year, a 5 percent increase over 2010. This exceeds estimates from the March prospective plantings report which estimated 92.2 million acres would be planted this year. Once again, our nation's corn farmers are showing their determination and resilience by exceeding expectations despite difficult weather conditions through much of the Corn Belt, NCGA said.
Assuming the current average yield of 158.7 bushels per acre, growers would bring in a projected record 13.5 billion bushels of corn this fall from 84.9 million acres harvested. In its March Prospective Plantings report, USDA predicted 84.5 million would be harvested.
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Corn Growers: Proposed E15 Label Better, Still Needs Work
 The new label for gas pumps that will dispense E15 fuel is an improvement over what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initially proposed but remains a cause for concern, NCGA said Tuesday. EPA established the label requirement when it granted a waiver for E15 to be used in cars of model years 2001 and newer.
"NCGA supports the use of a label but we are still concerned with the fact that it implies damage to other vehicles," NCGA President Bart Schott said. "We also are bothered by the color choice for the label which could be mistaken for a warning label, setting the wrong tone for consumers."
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Roadmap Provides Direction for Ethanol Discussions
 As Congress discusses possible changes to ethanol tax incentives in the days ahead, NCGA and its allies in the ethanol industry are stressing the common-sense approach of their five-step Ethanol Roadmap as a concrete pathway for the future, especially the importance of the need for market access and infrastructure and consumer choice.
"Americans love being offered choices but when it comes to what fuels their cars and trucks can use, they often have no choice," NCGA President Bart Schott said. "Expanding flex-fuel vehicles can offer drivers a much wider selection so they can make decisions that are right for their particular uses, for the environment, and for the national economy."
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Two NCGA Past Presidents to Serve on Biotech Advisory Committee
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced appointments Monday to the reactivated Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture, including two past presidents of the National Corn Growers Association, Darrin Ihnen of Hurley, S.D., who currently serves as NCGA chairman, and Leon (Len) Corzine of Assumption, Ill.
The committee will continue investigating the challenges of coexistence among different forms of production agriculture with the goal of recommending workable solutions allowing all farmers to grow the crops they want and effectively meet consumer needs.
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NASCAR Speeds through Sonoma Showcasing American Ethanol
 Last weekend, American Ethanol supporters cheered on Clint Bowyer as he sped into a fourth-place finish during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/ Save Mart 350. NCGA used the race as an opportunity to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of ethanol to a group of invitees from a broad range of stakeholder groups. The focus on ethanol was generated by the American-Ethanol NASCAR partnership which provides ethanol many high-profile opportunities to educate a fan-base of more than 80 million on the benefits of ethanol.
"While speaking with members of California's ethanol industry, I realized again how important our efforts to educate regulators, legislators and consumers on the numerous benefits of ethanol really are," said NCGA Chairman Darrin Ihnen, who represented corn growers at the race. "It is imperative that we reach people outside the Corn Belt with our messages, as many are unfamiliar with modern agriculture and the opportunities it provides. The American Ethanol NASCAR partnership showcases how higher blends of ethanol can increase our energy independence, improve our environment and decrease the burden that high fuel costs place upon hard-working consumers."
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Tolman Receives High Octane Award Recognizing Ethanol Industry Leadership
 NCGA CEO Rick Tolman received the High Octane Award at the 2011 Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo in Indianapolis, in recognition of his ongoing work and commitment on behalf of the ethanol industry.
"I am honored to be recognized by others working tirelessly on behalf of ethanol," said Tolman. "I also feel humbled. Our grower leaders truly deserve this award. Their unwavering support for ethanol and for our nation's corn farmers is at the core of NCGA's efforts, and their passion and dedication inspire me."
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Iowa Growers Reach Out to Consumers with Serious Message, Fun Approach
 Off the Cob speaks with Iowa Corn Growers Association CEO Craig Floss for a look at the organizations efforts to reach consumers with serious messages about corn through entertainment channels they already enjoy. With campaigns featuring an Indy car race and a college rivalry series, ICGA reaches a diverse crowd to help grow public understanding of issues surrounding farming and ethanol.
The Iowa Corn Growers Association started the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in 2007 when the Indy racing league made the decision to switch their fuel and use 100 percent fuel grade ethanol. At that same time, the Iowa Speedway opened in Newton.
To listen to the full interview, click here.
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