American Ethanol a Visible Presence at Daytona
The 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series launches this weekend as drivers compete in the Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500, which will again be fueled by Sunoco Green E15. The ethanol-blend fuel also celebrates a milestone as NASCAR enters its second full season of races in which every car in all three series will again get the power to compete from this domestically-produced, sustainable biofuel. From fuel port decals on all vehicles to the American Ethanol green starter flag, high visibility is ensured at the racetrack - and on television.
"Last year, the American Ethanol partnership to improve awareness of ethanol's benefits propelled the biofuel into an unprecedented spotlight as the sport's millions of fans witnessed its performance and reliability week after week," said Martin Barbre, National Corn Growers Association board member and chairman of NCGA's NASCAR Advisory Committee. "In 2012, we look forward to working with our partners again to provide a deeper, richer understanding of the wide array of benefits that ethanol offers."
This year, American Ethanol will also partner with Kenny Wallace and Austin Dillon, who both compete in the NASACAR Nationwide Series, to further push ethanol into the spotlight. The two will be driving in Saturday's race at Daytona, with Wallace driving his No. 09 Family Farmers car.
Despite a valiant effort, Wallace missed the opportunity to compete in the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup race on Sunday driving an American Ethanol car. While he will not be able to compete Sunday, Wallace will still be able to increase ethanol awareness when the Speed Channel documentary "Kenny Wallace: Quest to Race the Daytona 500" re-airs at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
In the photo: Kenny Wallace attempts to qualify for the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series race on Thursday, driving the No. 09 American Ethanol "Silver Bullet." Larger image here.
Pack Your Bags! Only Days Remain Before Record-breaking Commodity Classic
With Commodity Classic 2012 only days away, Off the Cob caught up with NCGA Corn Board member and Commodity Classic Joint Venture Committee Co-Chair Martin Barbre to discuss what awaits attendees at this year's event. Noting this year the event will break both trade show and attendance records, Barbre explained that of-the-moment learning opportunities, world-class entertainment will take the stage in Nashville next week.
"Attendees should expect a very exciting program this year," said Barbre. "We have been working hard to make this event even better with a variety of learning sessions on topics from production to estate planning to social media and marketing. Through WIN sessions, we will offer in-depth looks at some of the newest, most innovative products hitting the market. The trade show, which will be the largest that we have ever had, is completely full of interesting exhibitors. It really is going to be an awesome experience in 2012."
This year, the show has broken many records, with 251 companies participating in the trade show, up from the previous record of 236.
To listen to the full interview and learn more about what Commodity Classic 2012 will offer, click here
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2011 Facts and Figures in New World of Corn
U.S. corn farmers succeeded despite a challenging year in 2011, producing a near-record harvest (12.4 billion bushels) for a crop valued at approximately $76.62 billion despite harsh weather, NCGA reports in its newest World of Corn statistical look at the corn industry both domestic and worldwide.
"The world of corn has come a long way since the single seed kernel was planted next to a fish for fertilizer," NCGA President Garry Niemeyer and Chief Executive Officer Rick Tolman note in the introduction. "Given those humble beginnings, it's incredible to imagine that 10 years from now, American farmers will be producing 17 billion bushels annually... We can only imagine how much further it will go."
World of Corn is a respected collection of the most important statistics about corn production, exports and consumption, providing key information in a readable format, comparing numbers and trends across the years.
For the whole story, click here.
NCGA Pleased Korea FTA Will Take Effect March 15
The U.S. Trade Representative announced this week that the free trade agreement with Korea will go into effect on March 15, five months after approval by Congress. The move was greeted with praise by NCGA, which remains committed to the development and maintenance of fair and open global trade policies.
"We are very pleased to see the USTR announce movement on the U.S.-Korea FTA," said Chad Blindauer, Chair of NCGA's Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. "Full implementation of all three free trade agreements that were passed by Congress last October will help support thousands of jobs throughout America. Developing new markets for our country's agricultural products is vital to producer income and also helps our sector lead the nation in economic growth and international competitiveness."
Korea is currently the United States' third largest corn market and is a potentially important market for distillers grains. Imports of U.S. corn for feed, as well as distillers grains, will now be guaranteed to enter duty free immediately. The United States exported 241 million bushels of corn to Korea in marketing year 2010-11.
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NCGA Participates in Farmers' Perspective Crop Insurance Panel
As Congress continues work on the 2012 farm bill, the Crop Insurance Industry's Annual Convention hosted a panel discussion focusing on the farmers' perspective. NCGA Public Policy Action Team Chair Anthony Bush participated in the panel and provided his thoughts on farm policy and the new farm bill. The panel also hosted soybean, cotton, wheat and rice growers.
"Ensuring an effective, affordable crop insurance program is NCGA's No. 1 priority for the next farm bill," Bush said. "This program provides assurance to farmers when they are facing a loss beyond their control. However, uninsured gaps remain. That is why NCGA is also working with House and Senate Ag Committee leadership to create farm programs that provide additional risk management tools."
The National Corn Growers Association supports revenue-based risk management tools that complement federal crop insurance in order to protect growers from multiple years of significant declines in prices or yields. For growers, especially young farmers, managing the potential loss of revenue is vital. Revenue programs are not designed to replace crop insurance nor do they guarantee a farmer's profitability. They are a means to protect some of the risk that current crop insurance programs do not cover.
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