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NCGA Board Elects Martin Barbre as Next Farmer to Help Lead Organization
 The National Corn Growers Association's Corn Board has elected Martin Barbre of Illinois to become the organization's first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
"This promises to be a very challenging year for corn growers on the policy front, with a new farm bill in hot debate in Washington and continued attacks on ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard," said Martin Barbre. "I'm looking forward to working with my fellow officers and my colleagues on the board to move our association's mission forward and take our growers to higher levels of opportunity."
A farmer for more than three decades, Barbre joined NCGA in 1988. He is a partner in Chestin Farms in Carmi, Ill., with his son and son-in-law. On their farm, they grow corn, soybeans, wheat, tobacco and alfalfa, and maintain a cow-and- calf herd.
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From the Camp Grounds to the Track, American Ethanol Shines in Michigan
 Both American Ethanol drivers and spokesmen Kenny Wallace and Austin Dillon will be on the track at Michigan International Speedway this weekend. On Saturday, Kenny Wallace will run in the No. 99 Family Farmers car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In addition to running in the Nationwide Series, Austin Dillon will be busy throughout the weekend as he attempts to qualify for the Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday in the No. 33 American Ethanol Chevrolet.
Race attendees will see many innovative American Ethanol promotions at the track thanks to Michigan corn growers and the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. Farmers will share the story of modern ag with fans at the track and in the campgrounds where they will reward fans for flying American Ethanol Green Flags to show support for ethanol. These prizes will be distributed throughout the weekend with eligibility solely contingent upon flying the green flag with which they will be presented at the weekend's beginning.
Austin Dillon will join this effort, touring the campgrounds in an American Ethanol Chevy Silverado Friday evening. While there, Dillon speak with fans about the E15 campaign and a sweepstakes to win one of three trucks similar to that he will be driving.
For the whole story, click here.
Reminder! NCYC Early Registration Ends Today
 With early registration for the National Corn Growers Association National Corn Yield Contest closing tonight, June 15, little time remains to enter for the reduced fee of $80. For those wishing to take advantage of this limited time savings opportunity, NCGA now offers a new way to save time too by entering online. To use the quick, simple online entry forms, click here.
"With the early registration deadline approaching rapidly, it is the time for entrants to try out the new online submission system," said Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Dean Taylor. "The software streamlines the process, saving both time and money allows farmers to take advantage of early registration savings."
The new software allows growers to enter the contest and join NCGA and their state association. The web-based system simplifies data submission, allows users to view their submissions at any time and will allow for quick, efficient use of contest data.
For the whole story, click here.
Leading Voices to Moderate USFRA Food Dialogues Events in Los Angeles
 When the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance holds its Food Dialogues events in Los Angeles next week, June 20-21, four people who are experts in their fields will help lead four exciting discussions. The town hall event, themed "Lights, Camera, Food: Perceptions and Realities of Farming and Ranching in America," will bring together entertainment movers and shakers, chefs, academics, large restaurant operators, journalists, local leaders and farmers and ranchers for in-depth conversations about food.
First, on Wednesday, documentarian George Motz, who also hosts the Travel Channel's Made In America and serves as director of the Food Film Festival, will moderate "Hollywood and 'Vine': The Intersection of Pop Culture and Food Production," a discussion about the portrayal of food and agriculture in popular culture.
Then, urban expert and host of the syndicated Saturday Food Chain talk show, Michael Olson, will moderate "Meeting of the Minds: Touring Hollywood's Urban Farm," which will examine the role urban farms play in the communities where they operate.
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Speaking on Stover
CUTC Sponsor Looks to Turn Byproduct into Valuable Coproduct
 Last week, luminaries from agribusiness, academia and farming gathered in Indianapolis for NCGA's 2012 Corn Utilization Technology Conference, where they examined the cutting-edge technologies and new uses that continually improve the corn industry. The biennial event, which featured additional sessions on mycotoxin for the first time, helped share a knowledge base and build the relationships that play a vital role in maintaining a vibrant, innovative market for the most abundant crop grown in our nation.
The important work done here was made possible by a group of sponsors dedicated to the future of American agriculture, including platinum-level sponsor Monsanto. NCGA's Off the Cob podcast series caught up with Monsanto End Use Product Manager Steve Petersen to discuss the opportunities that scientists hope to create for farmers as they explore innovative uses for corn stover.
With yields on the rise, Petersen explained that farmers face increases in the amount of stover produced by each crop also.
For the whole story, click here.
To listen to the full, interview, click here.
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This week, Field Notes caught up with Donna Jeschke, who farms a short drive from Chicago. While Donna waits for rain, she also prepares to host international delegations next week that will help open markets through dialogue.
