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NCGA Reminds Growers, Industry of the Importance of Biotechnology Stewardship
As planting progresses, the National Corn Growers Association calls on all parties involved in proper stewardship of biotechnology traits, from seed dealers to farmers, to renew their commitment to responsible use of these indispensable products. NCGA offers an Insect Resistance Management refuge calculator that easily clarifies refuge options, thus helping in the development of an appropriate management plan.
"It is vitally important that every actor involved with advanced seed traits acts as a good steward at all times," said NCGA Chairman Bart Schott. "Biotechnology acceptance hinges upon trust in the companies developing traits, the individuals distributing them and the farmers growing them. We cannot afford to jeopardize the long-term availability of essential products for short-term, personal economic gain."
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 and demonstrate how to execute refuge requirements properly. Now in its third generation, the tool provides the most up-to-date information through a web-based framework while offering the added convenience of smartphone and desktop application accessibility.
For the whole story, click here.
Labor Department Pulls Proposed Farm Children Restrictions
Since late last year, the National Corn Growers Association has been monitoring the Department of Labor's proposed restrictions on farm children. The rules would have placed an age requirement of 16 on workers and would have also place limits on pesticide handling, heavy machinery operation and working with animals. The Department of Labor announced yesterday evening they were withdrawing the regulations.
"We were very pleased to hear the Department of Labor decided to withdraw the proposed regulations on farm worker age," NCGA President Garry Niemeyer said. "We believe the restrictions would have been burdensome to family farmers and would have hindered their children's experiences both on and off the farm."
In a press release, the Department of Labor stated the proposed rule dealing with children under the age of 16 who work in agricultural vocations would be removed as well as the provision to define the 'parental exemption'. The release also stated the decision was made in response to thousands of comments received expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms.
NCGA issued comments last December on the issue and also worked with FFA, 4-H and other organizations to ensure the regulations would not hinder rural America.
NCGA Appreciates Efforts to Pass Farm Bill out of Senate Ag Committee
 NCGA President Garry Niemeyer released the following statement in response to the Senate Agriculture Committee's passage of the 2012 farm bill:
"The National Corn Growers Association appreciates the efforts by the Senate Agriculture Committee to pass the 2012 farm bill. We realize a lot of hard work was put in by committee members and staff over the past several days and we are pleased to see an agreement was reached. While no legislative product is perfect, we believe the bulk of the legislation passed by the committee is consistent with corn growers' policy."
"We look forward to working with Senate Ag Committee members and the entire Senate to get a bill passed on the floor in the month of May."
This announcement follows one issued by NCGA earlier in the day applauding the Senate Agriculture Committee's decision to promptly reschedule the markup of proposed farm bill. This decision, which quickly amended the prior day's postponement, followed a joint letter sent by the National Corn Growers Association and more than 70 other ag organizations to leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday night, urging an end to delay and quick movement on passage of the 2012 farm bill.
To read a full copy of the letter, click here.
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NCGA Testifies Before House Ag Subcommittee on Conservation Programs
 Yesterday, NCGA President Garry Niemeyer testified before the House Committee on Agriculture's Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry as part of a series of hearings on the 2012 farm bill. Today's hearing examined USDA conservation programs that are authorized within the farm bill. Niemeyer testified on behalf of a broad coalition of agricultural organizations, including the American Soybean Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Cotton Council, the National Farmers Union and the USA Rice Federation, all of which chose to directly support NCGA's testimony.
"Our organizations have expressed support for the Title II framework in the 2012 Farm Bill that the Senate and House Agriculture Committees began developing last fall, which consolidates 23 conservation programs into 13 while maintaining the same tools that were available to farmers in the past," Niemeyer, a farmer from Auburn, Illinois, explained in his testimony. "Our growers are seeking simplification, flexibility, and consolidation in these programs, and we believe these goals are achieved in the Senate Agriculture Committee's recent draft language."
Niemeyer directly called for the continuation of popular, effective stewardship programs including the Environmental Quality Incentive Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program, noting that working lands programs play an essential role in meeting environmental goals and avoiding regulation. To achieve cost savings, Niemeyer also mentioned that farm groups are supportive of gradually reducing the Conservation Reserve Program cap from 32 million acres to 25 million acres while encouraging the most environmentally sensitive land to remain enrolled in the program.
For the whole story, click here.
E15 Clears Final EPA Hurdle
The American ethanol industry stands on the brink of bridging the final federal hurdle to E15 availability after three years of concerted efforts. As of Tuesday, 99 ethanol producers have joined together to fund a nationwide fuel survey which will satisfy the final requirement of the partial E15 waiver granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"The National Corn Growers Association applauds the ethanol industry for this momentous accomplishment," said President Niemeyer. "We have long understood the economic, environmental and national security benefits of this renewable, domestic fuel. Finally, the hard work invested in pushing to increase these benefits through increased ethanol usage can come to fruition."
Ethanol producers stepped up to provide the vast majority of the funding for this survey despite owning only a handful of the 160,000 gas stations that participate in the survey.
For the whole story, click here.
NCGA Helps Host Event Highlighting Responsible Farming in Chesapeake Bay
 This week, the National Association of Farm Broadcasters' 2012 Washington Watch attendees enjoyed the chance to learn about water quality and farming in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed during a tour of Corn Board Member Chip Bowling's farm. Situated in Newburg, Maryland, Bowling's fields overlook the bay, providing attendees with an up-close look at farming practices used in the area and a scenic backdrop for expert discussion panels.
"Like most farmers in my area, I place incredible importance on using the best, most up-to-date conservation practices on my farm," said Bowling. "As farmers, it is only natural that we act as good stewards of the land, which provided for our families in the past, present and, with care, will in the future. In the grand scale of a multi-generational farm, we work the earth for a short time. During my time, I aim to make sure that I leave the land in an even better condition than when I took over so that it will provide abundantly for my children."
The tour, organized with the help of NCGA, offered further insight into the issues surrounding the Chesapeake Bay Watershed through three panel discussions addressing this common theme from differing perspectives. Grouped according to area of expertise, one panel included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, one included non-governmental organization representatives involved in the issue with participants from The Fertilizer Institute and The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and a panel of farmers operating in the area.
For the whole story, click here.
Corn Planting, Emergence Progressing Well Ahead of Schedule
 Corn planting is progressing well ahead of the five-year average across much of the Corn Belt according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released this week. As a whole, the report indicates that a full 28 percent of the nation's corn crop had already been planted as of April 22, nearly double the 15 percent five-year average at that time.
"For many farmers, this spring planting has been an exciting time," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. "While the possibility of inclement weather negatively impacting a corn crop remains present until it is harvested, the early, favorable conditions this year have fueled a great amount of hope for many. With planting and emergence well underway, we look forward with cautious optimism for an abundant crop in 2012."
Southern states have benefitted the most as weather allowed for early planting that far outpaced previous years. Kentucky and Tennessee both progressed more than 40 points ahead of the five-year trend with 75 and 88 percent of projected corn acres planted respectively. Further north, Illinois also exceeded the 40 point ahead of average mark with 59 percent of total corn acres planted, a full 42 points over the 17 percent average.
For the whole story, click here.
NCGA Welcomes Japanese Delegation for 2013 Corn Market Discussions
 This week, the National Corn Growers Association welcomed a high level team of Japanese officials to discuss planting intentions, weather forecasts, farm programs and potential demand-drivers including ethanol. The visit also served as a chance to reaffirm the importance farmers place on their trade relationship with Japan, which continues its historic role as the largest export market for U.S. corn.
"It is essential that we recognize that our trade relationship with Japan is built not only upon simply filling a need but also upon sharing a common goal, fostering trust and working together to build mutually beneficial opportunities," said NCGA Vice President of Production and Utilization Paul Bertels. "We realize, as do our international trade partners, that there are a variety of markets offering grains for import. What helps set us apart as a long-term partner are meetings such as this. Working with our valued colleagues, providing clear and accurate information and collaborating on current issues of importance reinforces the bonds essential to healthy trade."
While the discussions covered many areas, each subject arose in relation to Japanese interest in the availability of U.S. corn in 2013. The delegation, and Japanese importers and government officials more broadly, are focusing on availability in order to more accurately forecast possible price scenarios for corn and the long-term competiveness of Japanese feeders and corn millers.
For the whole story, click here.
Corn Association Staff Comes Together
Last week, staff from the National Corn Growers Association and state corn associations across the country met in St. Louis to share insights gained over the past year and coordinate efforts for the next. With more than 100 attendees including state association executives, program directors and communicators, the conference also provided a forum to discuss pressing issues facing farmers including potential farm bill legislation and ethanol promotion.
"We all understand that, by working together, we magnify the effectiveness of our organizations and subsequently our ability to create positive change for farmers," said NCGA CEO Rick Tolman. "While each state organization has specific circumstances unique to its area, farmers across the country share many common issues. Accordingly, it only logically follows that the state and national organizations serving them collaborate in such a fashion."
The week began as NCGA staff from both the Washington and St. Louis offices met to discuss ongoing projects and opportunities to increase communication. Following the traditional meetings, the group toured the Cargill elevator and grain loading facility located directly across the Mississippi River in Illinois. During the tour, staff had the opportunity to delve into the importance of inland waterways to corn farmers, explore possible production and usage shift which would influence the flow of grain, and see first-hand how corn is tested, accepted and loaded.
For the whole story, click here.
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