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Friday, March 9, 2012
Support American Jobs, American Fuels

The Renewable Fuel Standard, part of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, has been a great success for farmers and consumers. By increasing employment opportunities in rural America while decreasing the average yearly gas bill for an American family of four by nearly $800, this legislation decreases our dependence on imported fuels while creating a brighter future with a better environment at home.  Take a moment and send a letter to your representatives in Congress explaining why the RFS is important to every American by clicking here
TOP OF THE NEWS

Successful Commodity Classic Stacks Up Records

 

Commodity Classic LogoThe 2012 Commodity Classic surpassed all previous turnout records with a total of 6,014 attendees. This represents a 25 percent increase from last year's record of 4,826 attendees. Once again, farm families represented over half of the participants, with 3,505 growers, spouses and children attending.

 

"We broke records in every category," said Commodity Classic Co-chair Martin Barbre. "However, the most exciting number was beating last year's record of first-time attendees by 48 percent. It's very gratifying to see that Commodity Classic's appeal continues to grow."

 

This year's show also experienced the highest number of exhibitor and media attendees. The 963-booth trade show was sold out with a waiting list of interested parties ready to take advantage of cancelations. 

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

NCGA Recognizes Recruiting Excellence

 

Each year, NCGA recognizes the hard work of grower members who recruit colleagues into the association. At a time when many associations have seen membership decline, NCGA continues to enjoy record membership, in large part because of the excellent job recruiters do in helping farmers understand the work done on their behalf. Another strong effort helped NCGA set a new membership record of 37,160 in August.

 

"NCGA's continued growth clearly demonstrates the value that members see in the organization," said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCGA's Grower Services Action Team. "Through our efforts in the industry, in government and with the public, NCGA works tirelessly to defend corn farmers and create new opportunities for them to flourish.  Programs such as Leadership at Its Best, the National Corn Yield Contest and scholarship opportunities allow growers to benefit from membership in a personal way while growers across the country benefit from the association's activities promoting positive changes."

 

For 2011, NCGA recognized three Hall of Fame top recruiters, based on the number of growers each one recruited and the number of points earned for recruitment and retention.  Notably, only those already inducted into the NCGA recruiter Hall of Fame are eligible for this award: Leslie Roach, Wheatland, N.D. (403 members, 1,386 points); Douglas Toreen, Bird Island, Minn. (209 members, 1,135 points); and Roger Bonham, Washington Court House, Ohio (209 members, 716 points).

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

Report Highlights Good Quality of 2011 U.S. Corn Crop

 

U.S. corn farmers harvested a high-quality crop in 2011, according to a report released by the U.S. Grains Council. With good test weights, low damage and relatively high protein concentrations, the crop will require little drying and store well.  The first report of this kind issued by the Council, this initial edition sets a baseline for subsequent annual updates while establishing credible criteria and processes through which to assess the crop.

 

"The global corn market is increasingly competitive, and the Council believes that the availability of accurate, consistent, and comparable information is in the long-term interests of all concerned," said USGC Chairman Wendell Shauman. "Improved information will facilitate increased trade - and when trade works, the world wins."

 

This report, created to answer buyers' questions about the quality of the current U.S. crop and assist in making well-informed decisions, adds to the insight offered by NCGA in reports such as World of Corn.

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

USFRA Panel Explored Technology and Agriculture

 

As a preview to National Agriculture Day events in Washington, the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance held a panel discussion on Capitol Hill that was streamed live online, with opportunities for questions from the public. While not a panelist, National Corn Growers Association Chairman Bart Schott, a North Dakota corn farmer, was present in his role as Vice Chair of USFRA.

 

"We're proud to be one of the founding organizations of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance," Schott said. "Not only has this organization united farmers and ranchers together as never before, but it is helping jumpstart a real conversation about our commitment to continuous improvement to provide healthy choices for all when it comes to the food they eat. This panel helped bring that conversation to our nation's capital."

 

The discussion, before an audience of more than 20, center edon technology, and how, for most industries, it is seen as a catalyst for improvement, but this is often not the case for agriculture. The panelists also discussed the role technology plays, and how it can be used responsibly to meet the growing needs of our nation and the world, as well as addressed the concerns of our families and the need for healthy choices for everyone. The event was created through a partnership with Agri-Pulse, a respected provider of agriculture policy news.

 

For the whole story, click here.

Commodity Classic Resources

 

 

Even though the record-breaking 17th Annual Commodity Classic has ended, you can review our stories by clicking here. In addition, some photos from the event are posted here, with even more from our friends at AgWired at this link. On our award-winning Corn Commentary blog, you can listen to a few interviews with NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. Also, if you use Facebook, click here to post some of your favorite Commodity Classic moments.

 

For any more information, click here for the general Commodity Classic website. We hope to see you next year in Kissimmee, Florida! 

AUDIO REPORT 

NCGA President Speaks Out on Importance of Farm Bill

 

NiemeyerLast week at Commodity Classic, National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer had a chance to address the General Session during an interview with his fellow commodity association leaders on the issues he sees as key to farming in the coming years.  From his response to the address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to the halls of the trade show, one sentiment was reiterated consistently when this topic arose. We need a farm bill, and we need it now.

 

Today, NCGA's podcast series, Off the Cob, caught up with Niemeyer and asked him to share his thoughts on the importance of supporting agriculture through farm bill legislation and on his views on the role of farming in our country.

 

Niemeyer began providing his outlook on what the future holds for U.S. farmers.

 

To listen to the full interview, click here.

 

For the whole story, click here.

FARMING FORWARD
Series Highlights Organization's National Impact

 

Now in its 55th year of operation and going strong, the National Corn Growers Association continues its role in creating and increasing opportunities for its farmer members, and a new series of interviews with current and former grower leaders demonstrates this success.  Click here to read the series. 

About Us

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) represents more than 36,000 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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