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Friday, September 30, 2011
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If a Picture is Worth 1,000 Words, Let's Send 1,000 Pictures
From Main Street to MTV, everyone is talking about food. Unfortunately, this conversation does not often include the people who grow it. CommonGround Conversations creates a space for America's farm families, and the people who support them, to share their stories.
Now, the movement is growing. Help us find the CommonGround between the people who grow food and those who buy it. Start today on CommonGround's Facebook fan page.
First, "Like" the CommonGround fan page. Then, take a photo of yourself, your friends or your family waving as if to say, "When you want to talk about food, talk to a farmer." Finally, click here to submit your story and photo.
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USDA Report Indicates Larger Carry-Out, Overall Supply of Corn
Corn supplies for the coming year are higher than previously estimated, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Stocks report released today. With the total carry-out estimate revised to include an additional 200 million bushels more than the Sept. 12 estimate, this new data indicates that carry-out stocks, coupled with an estimated 12.497 billion bushels of production in 2011, will provide more than 13.6 billion bushels of U.S. corn this year.
"Corn farmers have remained resilient throughout a difficult growing season, working tirelessly to grow an abundant crop," said National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott. "With the additional corn carry-over incorporated into previous estimates, it is becoming increasingly evident that, while this may not be a record-breaking year for total production, we are still able to provide a reliable, affordable crop capable of supplying corn to meet an ever-growing demand."
At month's beginning, estimates indicate that there were 1.1128 billion bushels of corn in all positions. While this is nearly 580 million bushels fewer than last year at this time, the overall corn supply remains robust and will meet all needs for food, feed and fuel.
For the full report, click here.
Corn Harvest Well Under Way Across Country
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday afternoon that the 2011 corn harvest is 15 percent complete, one percentage point below the five-year average but lower than last year's harvest by 11 points. At the same time, the corn condition is rated at 80 percent fair-to-excellent.
"This is such an important and busy time for our growers," said NCGA President Bart Schott, who farms near Kulm, N.D. "I know a lot of us are looking to make the most of what has been a very challenging year, and we're proud to be on track to bring home what the USDA estimates to be the third-largest crop ever produced."
Schott noted some of the many challenges growers experienced, from floods to drought. While the Southern states have nearly finished their harvests, some of them - notably, Texas - were especially hard-hit this year. At the same time, Schott himself reports one of the best crops he has had in a long time. In North Dakota, 60 percent of the crops are rated good or excellent.
For the whole story, click here.
To access the report in its entirety, click here.
NCGA Mourns the Loss of Past Chairman David Meyer
 The National Corn Growers Association mourns the loss of industry leader and past chairman David Meyers, who passed away this week. Meyer, who served as president of the National Corn Development Foundation, NCGA's former research and education arm, leaves a rich legacy of service to his fellow farmer and a positive, energetic presence that will be truly missed.
"I remember David from even prior to my tenure at NCGA," said NCGA Chief Executive Officer Rick Tolman. "From the start, he impressed me as an effective, engaged leader whose unpretentious, welcoming manner, coupled with his deep commitment to his fellow grower, set him apart. He worked tirelessly while remaining completely approachable. Here, and across the industry, he will be greatly missed."
Meyer served in many capacities throughout his time in leadership. In 1990 and 1991 he served as the president of the National Corn Development Foundation, following many years in which he held positions including secretary and treasurer. At the national level, he also served on the board of directors of the U.S. Grains Council.
For the whole story, click here.
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SPECIAL COVERAGE: FISCAL YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW
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Schott Closes 2011 Examining Prior Successes, Upcoming Challenges
 On this final day of the 2011 fiscal year, the National Corn Growers Association's Corn Board readies itself to seat new members and officers on October 1. When the 2011 Executive Committee steps down, NCGA President Bart Schott will assume chairmanship of the Corn Board, and First Vice President Garry Niemeyer will step into the presidency.
Off the Cob sat down with Schott today to discuss the highlights of his presidency, his outlook for the coming year, and to ask his advice for farmers considering volunteering for leadership roles.
To listen to the full interview, please click here.
For the whole story, click here.
Ihnen Reflects on Service, Offers Insight into Leadership
 When the 2011 Executive Committee steps down tomorrow, NCGA Chairman Darrin Ihnen will retire from service following three outstanding years of leadership as first vice president, president, and, finally, Corn Board chairman.
Off the Cob spoke with Ihnen about his tenure on the Corn Board, the accomplishments he found most rewarding, and to ask his advice for farmers considering volunteering for leadership roles.
To listen to the full interview, please click here.
For the whole story, click here.
Departing Corn Board Members Share Observations, Advice
As the new fiscal year begins tomorrow, three Corn Board members will retire from the board: Daryl Haack, Jerry Larson and Dave Nelson. The Off the Cob podcast series caught up with each retiring Corn Board member to discuss what each learned and experienced through service and to ask for any advice that might benefit farmers considering stepping up to a leadership role.
 First, Off the Cob spoke with Daryl Haack, a farmer from Primghar, Iowa. During his tenure, Haack served as the Corn Board's liaison to NCGA's Public Policy Action Team, chaired the Ethanol Committee, and represented the organization to the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee, the BNSF Railway Ag Business Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
To hear the full interview with Haack, click here.
For the whole story, click here.
 Next, Off the Cob spoke with Jerry Larson, a farmer from Elbow Lake, Minn. During his tenure, Larson chaired NCGA's Finance Committee and served on the Association Relations Committee, Ethanol Committee and Research and Business Development Action Team.
To hear the full interview with Larson, click here.
For the whole story, click here.
 Finally, Off the Cob spoke with Dave Nelson, a farmer from Belmond, Iowa. During his tenure, Nelson served as the Corn Board liaison for the NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team, the Ethanol Committee and the Biotechnology Working Group, and as NCGA's liaison to the National Pork Producers Council. At the board level, he also served as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Farm, Ranch & Rural Communities Advisory Committee and on the Finance Committee. Additionally, Nelson sat on NCGA's Grower Services Action Team and Ethanol Committees.
To hear the full interview with Nelson, click here.
For the whole story, click here.
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At NCGA's award-winning blog, Corn Commentary, our dedicated team of bloggers busts food myths and takes you on a virtual tour to check out the latest corn happenings from Indiana to Idaho. Click here for the scoop.
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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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