Next Generation IRM Calculator Now Available
The National Corn Growers Association launched the next-generation of its Insect Resistance Management refuge calculator online today to help growers as they begin planning for the 2012 growing season. The product of a collaboration between agribusiness and NCGA, under the leadership of the Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team, the calculator allows users to easily clarify refuge options and develop a plan, even for the latest products available on a web-based framework while providing the added convenience of smartphone and desktop application accessibility.
"This new version of the IRM calculator provides an ease of access unavailable in other versions by allowing users to work online and on their smartphone. Like the previous desktop application, which has been updated as well, this tool helps farmers navigate the broad and complex variety of refuge requirements presented by the wide array of new technologies available," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Chad Blindauer. "I see this tool as universally beneficial in that it provides growers already familiar with their own particular refuge requirements with an extra level of confidence and reassurance while clarifying options for those less familiar and allowing them to be the best stewards of their land."
In recent years, the introduction of new refuge systems has given growers more options in setting up their refuge. NCGA's calculator was developed as a tool to clarify those options with growers and show them how to execute the requirements properly.
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Senators Send Letter Requesting Action on H.R. 872
After efforts to pass the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011, H.R. 872, failed in the Senate earlier this fall, a
bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) asking for full consideration on the Senate floor before the end of the year. The legislation previously passed the House of Representatives in March and passed the Senate Agriculture Committee in June.
"We are aware that efforts had been made to come into a bipartisan resolution before these new permitting requirements went into effect," the letter stated. "However, we believe there is still an opportunity to resolve this matter in a way that will protect the environment while avoiding undue costs on rural communities and municipalities nationwide. Thus, it is our sincere hope that you will allot floor time for the Senate to have a full, open debate on this matter."
The legislation would clarify that National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits are not required when applying pesticides according to their EPA-approved label. While the court ordered implementation deadline for the NPDES permitting program was October 31, the EPA announced they will not begin enforcing the permits until January 2012.
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World Crop Production Records Help Ensure Needs Are Met
While U.S. corn production this past year was impacted by several major weather-related events that cut acres and yield, taking a broader look shows how grain demands can be met by taking into account overseas production. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is reporting record global corn, wheat and rice production.
"We always hold that, no matter the challenge we face, the global marketplace will respond to make sure all needs are covered," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. "When our production is reduced, we appreciate that other options are available for some of our end users. We live in a diverse and global marketplace and it's important to support and expand trade, whether through pushing for beneficial trade agreements or improving outdated transportation infrastructure."
In its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report issued Friday, USDA notes that global corn production this year is projected at a new record high of 867.5 million tons. A 3.5-million-ton decline in the United States was more than offset by a 43.4-million-ton increase in foreign corn production. Global wheat production this year is projected at a record 689 million tons, up more than 37 million from last year, and rice production worldwide is projected at a record 460.8 million tons, up 11 million tons from 2010.
Click here for the whole report.
Reminder! Only One Month Remains to Apply for the 2013 Corn Board
NCGA's Nominating Committee is now accepting applications from members for the 2013 Corn Board. Through the Corn Board, members can become an integral part of the organization's leadership. Click here for the application, which provides complete information on requirements, responsibilities and deadlines.
The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members serve the organization in a variety of ways. They represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokespeople for the NCGA and enhance the organization's public standing on all organizational and policy issues.
In a recent Off the Cob interview, NCGA President Garry Niemeyer stressed that every grower, even if he or she is unaware, has a wealth of knowledge and perspective to offer the organization. He also noted that serving fellow farmers through the Corn Board rewards volunteers with training and experience that hone leadership and communications skills. Characterizing Corn Board service as "the opportunity of a lifetime," Niemeyer then encouraged prospective candidates to "step forward and take that chance."
To listen to the entire interview, click here.
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NCGA CEO Recognized for Exceptional Service, Dedication to Agriculture
The St. Louis AgriBusiness Club presented NCGA Chief Executive Officer Rick Tolman with its prestigious AgriBusiness Leader of the Year Award. This honor is conferred upon a person who has made a substantial contribution to the well-being of agriculture in the St. Louis area, either on a local or national scale.
Tolman was selected for this award because his service to agriculture reflects exceptional personal accomplishments and leadership that demonstrates outstanding abilities in administration, initiative in serving others, and a commitment to the improvement of agriculture, according to Stephanie Regagnon, past president of the St. Louis Agribusiness Club.
"Rick's dedication to our nation's farmers and ranchers, as evidenced by his decades of service to American agriculture and his passion and vision for the USFRA, makes us extremely proud to award him with the award," she said.
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Ethanol Coproduct Helps Feed Chinese Livestock Industry
The U.S. Grains Council continued efforts to educate Chinese feed ingredient buyers about the many advantages of dried distillers grains from the United States. DDGS, an ethanol coproduct, act as a competitively priced, environmentally friendly source of protein for animals and present an excellent opportunity for both ingredient buyers and ethanol producers alike.
The Council, of which NCGA is a founding member, held workshops in Guangzhou and Qingdao, China. These day-long sessions provided the more than 450 attendees a comprehensive overview of the most current data on the DDGS market, including discussions about and analysis of the value of U.S. DDGS in particular. Organized in cooperation with FoodChina Company, the learning sessions also included presentations from respected industry officials on the use of DDGS in swine, poultry and dairy rations and on quality control procedures.
The events benefitted Council members as they afforded buyers and sellers a valuable opportunity to connect with one another.
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