Support Corn, Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard

Recently, ethanol opponents in Congress sent a letter to their colleagues in the House of Representatives that is full of misguided information about corn and ethanol.  We realize this is a very busy time of year for our growers, but we are asking you take two minutes to send an email to your Congressman on this important issue.  We need to remind members of the House of Representatives that corn ethanol helps keep gas more affordable at a time of rising oil prices, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and supports domestic jobs and the rural economy.

The Renewable Fuel Standard is an important part of meeting these objectives. A broad coalition of stakeholders, including ethanol and agricultural organizations, environmentalists, oil companies and state air officials, supported the RFS when it became law, and it's time for growers to continue our effort to ensure that it remains a valuable policy tool in the future.

Just click here to send your email.

NCGA Congratulates Senate on Farm Bill Passage, Urges House Action

The National Corn Growers Association congratulates the Senate on passage of Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (2012 farm bill).  The legislation was agreed to by a vote of 64-35. NCGA also urges the House of Representatives to take action quickly.

"America's farmers greatly appreciate the leadership and cooperative work by the Senate to pass the 2012 farm bill in a timely manner," NCGA President Garry Niemeyer said.  "We would also like to thank Senators Stabenow and Roberts for their bipartisan efforts throughout the process. We have been calling on Congress to pass the new legislation before the current law expires on September 30. NCGA is pleased to see this significant hurdle has been overcome."

NCGA has advocated for an affordable crop insurance program as well as a farm program that would provide risk management tools to growers when they are facing a loss beyond their control.  NCGA has also encouraged farm policy reforms that will be responsive to taxpayers and effective in helping farms remain viable and productive.

"Our focus now turns to the House Agriculture Committee with hopes that they will schedule a markup of their version of the farm bill for immediately following the July 4th recess," Niemeyer said.  "We look forward to continuing our work with agriculture advocates to pass a new common sense, reformed 2012 farm bill before Congress recesses in August."

USFRA Food Dialogues Spotlights California and Agriculture

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, a broad-based coalition of nearly 80 farmer- and rancher-led organizations and their allies, held its second Food Dialogues event in Los Angeles this week, with four panel discussions over two days that brought together ag and food leaders from California and across the country. As a founding member of USFRA, NCGA was there to provide insight and build relationships.

"USFRA offered a terrific set of events that really demonstrated the optimism Americans should have about today's farming," said NCGA Chairman Bart Schott, a North Dakota corn farmer who is vice-chair of the USFRA board of directors. "I'm really excited about the passion of farmers and ranchers today, especially those coming back to the farm, and the technology and the science that will help us continue to  improve what we do each season."

Schott, who was interviewed on-site for a video series about the Food Dialogues, noted the special challenges agriculture faces on the West Coast, as expressed by one person in particular who was at the event, California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross.

For the whole story, click here.

NCGA, States Urge EPA Panel to Use Sound Science for Atrazine Decision

During an Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Advisory Panel hearing on atrazine, the National Corn Growers Association, along with state corn association representatives from Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska, urged the use of sound science and real-world evidence in its decision making. This was the final in a series of SAP hearings on this issue over the past three years.

"It is important that sound science and real world evidence serve as the basis for regulating atrazine and addressing any potential issues, rather than a scientifically unsound and unsupported proposed Aquatic Plant Level of Concern that is inconsistent with biological reality and any observed real world impacts," NCGA Director of Public Policy Rod Snyder said during his testimony.

For the whole story, click here.

NCGA Expresses Disappointment at Passage of Conservation Compliance for Crop Insurance Amendment

NCGA President Garry Niemeyer released the following statement in response to the Senate passing Chambliss amendment #2438:

"The National Corn Growers Association is very disappointed to see passage of Senator Saxby Chambliss' conservation compliance for crop insurance amendment in the 2012 farm bill.  Our members have spent a significant amount of time discussing this issue and feel this addition to the farm bill would have a negative impact toward America's farmers.  NCGA's official policy states we oppose the coupling of conservation compliance to eligibility for federal crop insurance."

Ethanol Flag Flies in Michigan Races

Corn Growers and American Ethanol were out in force at Michigan International Speedway last weekend, with the American Ethanol Green Flag literally and figuratively flying high. Because growers and the American Ethanol team distributed 3,000 flags to campers prior to the races, it was impossible to miss the E15's presence.

"It was a terrific weekend to be at the races," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. "There was so much excitement on the part of the drivers and the fans, and you could not miss the involvement of our growers and others in spreading the word about America's favorite renewable fuel."

For the whole story, click here.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CANDIDATES

This week, NCGA launched its annual series profiling candidates for the following fiscal year's Corn Board.  These interviews, which will air over the next two weeks, present a chance to learn more about the viewpoints and values of the association's prospective leadership.

Build Upon Success with an Eye Toward Tomorrow

A dynamic individual who embraces a spirit of cooperation and civic-mindedness, Keith Alverson volunteers long hours to the service of farmers across the country.  Now, he wishes to contribute his perspective, hard-work and insight by continuing his service as a member of the 2013 National Corn Growers Association Corn Board.

"I view every situation as an opportunity and look to find the possible positives in every case," said Alverson. "NCGA has been successful in a variety of things, previous farm bills and renewable fuel legislation among others, and we really need to build upon those prior successes now.  At the same time, we need to also broaden our outlook and find ways to address issues on the horizon, such as water quality and improving the sustainability of production practices, so that we can continue the farming tradition."

A 2009 graduate of NCGA's Leadership Academy, Alverson now serves on the Corn Board.  Previously, he served as the chair of the NCGA Ethanol Committee. Additionally, Alverson has served at the state level as the vice president of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, and the secretary/treasurer for the South Dakota Corn Growers Association.

To listen to the audio interview click here.

For the whole story, click here.

Set Lofty Goals, Leverage Strengths to Make Them Reality

A consensus builder who values communication, Don Elsbernd has gained a nuanced understanding of the different regional issues affecting farmers across the country.  Now, he wishes to use this perspective to serve corn farmers as a member of the 2013 National Corn Growers Association Corn Board.

"I think that at NCGA we have been on an up trending line, and I would like to see that continue," said Elsbernd.  "There is still plenty of room for improvement though.  I think that we have lofty goals, and I would like to see us continue working towards them.  At the same time, we need to increase the level of member participation and, then, leverage that engagement to help accomplish the goals of the organization."

Elsbernd brings with him a substantial resume of service at both the state and national levels.  A former president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, he served on their board of directors for eight years and now serves on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.  Nationally, Elsbernd is the current president and chairman of the Growers National Coop's board of directors and he sits on NCGA's Public Policy Action Team.  Previously, he served on NCGA's Growers Services Action Team and on the Communications Committee for Corn Vision 2012.

To listen to the audio interview click here.

For the whole story, click here.

FIELD NOTES

Field Notes Catches Up in Illinois, Colorado

The National Corn Growers Association continues the second season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities.

This week, Field Notes caught up with Donna Jeschke, who farms a short drive from Chicago.  An avid agvocate, Donna updates listeners on a recent group of Brazilian farmers who visited, reports on the crop condition and explains why a group touring her farm from China next week departs from the norm.

To listen to the audio interview, click here.

Field Notes also caught up with Don Rutledge, who farms in Colorado.  Facing dry, windy conditions, Don talks about the Colorado wildfires and how irrigation is saving his corn crop.

To listen to the audio interview, click here.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as Field Notes follows the growers who have opened their farms, families and communities up this year and meet the true faces of modern American agriculture.