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Friday, June 29, 2012

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.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Acreage Report Offers Hope to Hot, Dry Corn Farms

 

Record-breaking heat and dry conditions in much of the lower Midwest has caused a significant drop in overall corn crop condition, erasing a lot of the potential corn growers saw in spring as they planted their crops and looked forward to a season of plenty. While higher corn acreage, which originally was meant to help moderate corn prices, may serve to ensure demands are met, higher prices are expected into the future as farmers see their crops dry up.

 

"Our hearts go out to the many farming families who are suffering from this weather pattern that has settled over the Corn Belt, and is as welcome as an electric blanket on a warm summer night.  As farmers, we always want to grow the biggest and best crop possible; we want to do a good job, just like anyone else," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer, a grower near Auburn, Ill. "One thing is certain: We farmers who have invested so much time and money into these endangered fields will not be the ones making money from high corn prices if we don't have the bushels to sell in the end."

 

In its annual acreage report today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that 96.4 million acres of corn were planted, 5 percent over 2011's planting and slightly above the projected planting reported in March.  The new report estimated that 88.9 million acres will be harvested, 6 percent over 2011.

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

Bowling Named to EPA Advisory Board

 

Chip BowlingThe Environmental Protection Agency recently appointed Chip Bowling, a farmer from Newburg, MD and a member of the NCGA Corn Board, as a member of its Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee. The FRRCC is an independent agricultural advisory group that helps forge a partnership between the EPA and the agriculture community.

 

"The FRRCC is a great way to help bridge the gap between EPA staff and America's farmers," Bowling said.  "I believe being a part of this committee will be beneficial not only to producers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed but for other farmers around the country as they prepare for future EPA deliberations on the environment and clean water. I am privileged to have been selected for the advisory group and look forward to helping create an even better understanding at EPA of the concerns of agriculture."

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

NCGA Board Member Participates on Biotech Panel for the State Department

 

Bob Bowman 2012This week, NCGA Corn Board member Bob Bowman participated on a panel at the U.S. State Department National Foreign Affairs Training Center.  Bowman, who also serves as board liaison to the Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team, was the first agriculture producer invited to speak during the State Department's course.  The panel focused biotechnology and global challenges related to trade, food security, energy and climate change.

 

"Improved seeds give farmers new choices to cope with new challenges, such as plant diseases and difficult weather conditions, and help feed a rapidly growing global population in an environmentally sustainable way," Bowman said.  "Corn farmers have embraced modern biotechnology and, because of that, we have seen the use of fewer pesticides and fuel while improving yields."

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

NCYC Online Entry Option Gaining in Popularity

 

NCYC ShortThe new and improved online entry option for the NCGA National Corn Yield Contest proved increasingly popular during the early registration period, with overall use increasing 20 percent since its launch last year.   At the conclusion of the early entry option on Friday, June 15, more than 1,000 contestants chose to submit their NCYC registration forms using the web-based system. 

 

To use the quick, simple online entry forms, click here

 

"Growers who decide to try out the online entry option are increasingly finding how simple and easy it can make contest registration," said Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Dean Taylor. "Farmers have long placed a high value on technologies that streamline processes, saving both time and extraneous effort.  Offering both benefits, online entry makes joining this vibrant, popular contest simple."

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

Discussions with Key Stakeholders Show Support for Future of Ethanol

 

Last week, NCGA took part in intensive discussions on the future of ethanol with key participants from groups representing the ethanol industry, the oil industry, auto emissions concerns, retailers and consumers during the Next Generation Engine and Fuels Forum.  Held in Washington, the conference looked at the future of a variety of fuels and the engines needed to move our nation forward.

 

"Leaving these discussions, I feel energized and hopeful that ethanol has a bright future that will better utilize its environmental and national energy independence benefits," said NCGA Director of Biofuels Dr. Pam Keck. "I found many key stakeholders who support higher ethanol blends, and I hope that, by working together, we will make our growers' vision of decreasing our dependence on foreign oil through an expanded biofuel market a reality."

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

Canada and Mexico Invited to Join Trans Pacific Partnership

 

NCGA was pleased to hear the U.S. joined current Trans Pacific Partnership members in inviting Canada and Mexico to join negotiations. Canada made its official request to join TPP in March 2010. Mexico initiated its efforts to join in November 2011. Canada and Mexico's participation in TPP is significant because it ensures all NAFTA partners have a seat at the negotiations.

 

"With both Mexico and Canada being in the top ten export markets for U.S. corn, this is a welcomed announcement," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Chad Blindauer. "The USDA forecasts U.S. farm exports to reach $134.5 billion in FY 2012.  Broadening participation in TPP helps solidify market share in important export countries and expand opportunities in an area of the world with a growing market potential. That is a win for U.S.  ag exports."

 

For the whole story, click here.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CANDIDATES

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

 

Schmalshof Works to Create Positive Change for Farmers

 

Gary at ClassicA careful listener who places the greater good of corn farmers across the country first, Gary Schmalshof is running for the NCGA Corn Board after serving on his state's checkoff board for more than a decade and traveling extensively on behalf of his fellow farmers for the U.S. Grains Council.  He brings this experience, an international perspective and his dedication to service to the position.

 

"I have always thought of myself as a participant," Schmalshof explained. "Sometimes, you hear a lot of people complaining about how they don't like this and they don't like that. Instead, I roll up my sleeves and jump in to try and change things, not only for the betterment of myself but also for my fellow growers."

 

Speaking on his goals for NCGA as an organization, Schmalshof's even-keel, dedicated approach becomes apparent.  Simultaneously, the innate optimism and faith in his fellow farmer motivate his service and add an upbeat tone.

 

To listen to the audio interview, click here.

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

Skunes Listens to Farmers, Helps Educate Consumers

 

Kevin Skunes 2012An advocate of grassroots activism, Kevin Skunes has decided to run for the NCGA Corn Board to help his fellow farmers as they work to make the future of agriculture a vibrant one.

 

"As NCGA is truly a grassroots organization, I believe that the leadership on the Corn Board bears a great responsibility that requires members listen carefully to the farmers that they serve," he said. "For many, it is easier to assume that someone will take it upon themselves to work collaboratively toward a better future for our industry.  I take a more active approach to service and wish to help build the roads that will get us there."

 

Skunes sees the corn industry as an ever-evolving business with many facets, several of which he has become familiar with through prior service.  As a member of the board, he would bring a level-headed, thoughtful perspective that values finding successful solutions over promoting personal viewpoints.  He hopes to continue the organization's work in advocating not just for corn growers but also for the industry as a whole.

 

To listen to the audio interview, click here.

 

For the whole story, click here.

 

Geske Brings Passion, Enthusiasm to Serving Fellow Farmers

 

Mike Geske 2012Speaking with current Corn Board member Mike Geske, it quickly becomes apparent that he has chosen to run for another term because he truly loves the work involved.

 

"It is a passion and love of the job," said Geske.  "I started years ago when I first realized how important the decisions being made off of farms were to farmers. Someone had told me that if you aren't making those decisions, then someone else is making them for you. So, I decided to get involved.  It is a big responsibility, but it is also such an enjoyable job. You get to see big results and realize that you are helping not only just yourself, but also many others."

 

Geske has found working for the benefit of corn farmers, both at the state and national levels, fulfilling.  As he places a strong emphasis on the responsibility each person has to give back to their profession, he hopes to continue his service on the Corn Board, helping to make decisions that will further the advancement of the industry as a whole.  Looking forward, he sees both the importance and nuance of this charge.

 

To listen to the audio interview, click here.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Bush Finds Motivation in Improving Circumstances for Future Farmers

 

Anthony BushWhen Ohio farmer Anthony Bush reflects upon why he is running for NCGA's Corn Board, he has to look no further than across the breakfast table to find an answer.

 

"Every morning when I wake up, I see my son come up from his room, and I see the future of agriculture," said Bush. "When I look at his class of about 100 students who all come from my county, I realize that he is probably the only kid who will even have the opportunity to farm.  If kids like him don't want to farm, who is going to do it?  I want to leave a him, and the other kids who are the future of the industry, with better policies and a better public perception of our industry.  Looking at him, I realize how driven I am to fix some of our problems before he takes over."

 

As a member of the Corn Board, Bush would serve as a passionate, dedicated ambassador for his industry.  Keeping the big picture always in mind, he would strive to anticipate future needs and challenges to help NCGA remain a visionary leader in agriculture.  Bush brings to this position a strong background in the unique and challenging environment influencing this farm bill, gained through his work on the Public Policy Action Team in the development of NCGA's policy proposal.

 

To listen to the audio interview, click here.

 

For the full story, click here.

FIELD NOTES

Field Notes Looks at How Hot, Dry Conditions Take a Toll on Farmers Too

 

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.

 

In light of U.S. Department of Agriculture reports released earlier today, Field Notes asked some of the farmers listeners have met over the past months to send pictures or quotes that show how drought conditions are currently impacting their farms.

 

Donna Jeschke, who farms about an hour southwest of Chicago, sent both a photo (right) showing how the heat has caused her corn plants to roll their leaves in the middle of the day to preserve moisture and a quick update.

 

 "Our corn does not look too bad visually in the fields near our farmstead, but our fields 15 to 20 miles north of where we live are curling quite extensively," said Jeschke.  "Wednesday, we did some live reports with Fox Business News in those fields to help explain how the drought affects corn.  We will be in full pollination in the next 6 to 9 days.  If the plants stay stressed, pollination will be uneven at best.  We need rain now!"

 

Brian Scott Corn Drought Damage 2012Indiana farmer Brian Scott shared a photo of the corn on his farm (left) that shows how the heat has caused leaves to curl.  Speaking with Scott, it becomes obvious that the adverse weather conditions bear an emotional toll on the farmers experiencing hot, dry conditions currently. 

  

"We aren't to the point where we have given up yet, but we have reached that critical point where we need rain very soon," he said.  "Both the yield and quality of our corn will be poor if the weather doesn't change in the next two weeks. I have heard people dismissing the importance of this loss to farmers, diminishing the impact by pointing out that we have insurance for just such situations.  While this protection helps us move forward, I feel this loss.  As a farmer, you always want to grow the best crop that you can. You work hard toward an abundant, quality harvest, not so that you can watch the crop that you put so much into wither away in the heat.  We want to do a good job, just like anyone else." 

 

Thiel Heat Damage 2012Finally, Marshall, Missouri farmer Billy Thiel sent photographs from his tractor today. Speaking with him, he noted that the impact of the heat and dry weather does not fully show yet in the fields, but it will soon given the triple digit temperatures, accompanied by sun and not rain, forecast for the region. When asked about how he sees the toll that this weather will take on his crop and on himself, he looked for words to describe how something as uncontrollable as the weather has a ripple effect, damaging much more than just his plants.

 

"It is just one of those things that is hard to explain because of how far its effects will reach" said Thiel. "For farmers, it doesn't matter how high the price of corn goes if you don't have any. But, the impacts of the drought will have a much further reach.  Out of the farm, we have worked hard over the past few years to keep our industry strong and help drive the national economy during the downturn. We just can't be the economic engine that we have been if we can't get our crops to grow." 

 

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.

Corn Commentary New
NCGA's intrepid bloggers took a look at the important topics of the day and explored their relevance to the ag community. Taking a scientific bent, the team explored new research on how cattle can benefit from an ethanol coproduct, the biological controls for aflatoxin and on a possible factor contributing to global warming- all the hot air generated by the media. You can enjoy these posts by clicking here.
About Us

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) represents 37,000 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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