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November 30, 2012

Sky Is the Limit at Commodity Classic 2013

 

Corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers who attend the 18th Annual Commodity Classic, Feb. 28 through March 2 in Kissimmee, Fla., will witness innovation and gather information that will grow their profitability potential and change the way they farm. 

 

Online registration for this one-of-a-kind, can't-miss event is now open. Register before Jan. 20 to take advantage of the best rates.

 

To learn more, click here.
Chain Restaurants Report Full of Empty Calories

The following is a statement from National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson on a report released today by the National Council of Chain Restaurants attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard:

 

"A half-baked report from the lobbyists for chain restaurants does not serve up an accurate picture of ethanol's impact when it comes to boosting jobs in rural America, lowering fuel prices or helping increase energy independence by expanding domestic, renewable fuel use in the United States. These are all points that make the Renewable Fuel Standard an important policy we need to protect and defend.

 

For the full statement, click here.

 

E15 Ethanol Blend Right Choice for Environment, Economy

The National Corn Growers Association submitted the following letter to the editor ofUSA Today in response to a story about the American Automobile Association's position on the safety E15 for cars and trucks.  Click here for more information on how E15 is one of the most tested fuels available.

 

"While controversy makes a better story than tried-and-true facts, the November 30 story about the American Automobile Association's attack on E15 ethanol is baffling. The National Corn Growers Association agrees that American drivers should not be exposed to fuel blends that are untested and possibly unsafe. The fact is, E15 has been the most aggressively and comprehensively tested fuel in the history of the EPA, which allows its use for vehicles starting with the 2001 model year. 

 

For the full letter, click here.

 

Schott Challenges Farmers to Grow USFRA's Grassroots

Bart at Food Dialogues in LA 2012 As the new Board of Directors assumes leadership of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, NCGA Past President and former USFRA Vice Chair Bart Schott took a moment to speak about his experience in USFRA with Off the Cob. Reflecting on a variety of issues, from the formation of the alliance to his future goals for USFRA, Schott shares his perspective on the importance of the work USFRA has done and challenges his fellow farmers to get involved in this growing conversation.

 

Schott, who served as NCGA Corn Board President during fiscal year 2011, played an integral role in the formation of USFRA. Active in discussions since the program's inception, he worked with a variety of grower leaders to shape an alliance that would meet the growing need for a unified, open movement enabling farmers and ranchers to join into public discussions on food and food production.

 

To listen to the interview, click here

 

For the full story, click here.

NCGA in the News

NCGA Joins Urban Air Initiative

    

NCGA recently joined the Urban Air Initiative, an organization that promotes the human health and environmental benefits of ethanol.  Focusing on ways to reduce the impact of particulate matter emitted from automobiles, UAI brings a new coalition of partners together to support government standards that recognize the important role ethanol plays in lowering these harmful emissions.

 

Several of NCGA's state affiliates have provided funds to support the UAI, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Kansas Corn Growers Association, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board and the North Dakota Corn Growers Association.

 

For more information, click here.

USDA Reforms Crop Insurance Rates  

   

USDA LogoThis week, NCGA voiced support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that rate adjustments will be made to crop insurance premiums over the next two crop years. 

 

"Crop insurance rating reforms have been a priority for our members for many years," NCGA President Pam Johnson said.  "NCGA feels the Risk Management Agency's announcement represents real reform in decreasing the widening gap between the loss ratio for corn and the premiums charged to growers for policy coverage."

 

For the whole story, click here.

USDA Report: Ag Exports Up 50 Percent from 2009

Yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture released its second 'Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade' report showing American farm exports have climbed more than 50 percent in value since 2009.  The most recent forecast for 2013 is $145 billion, up from $96.3 billion in 2009. The National Corn Growers Association is committed to the development and maintenance of fair and open global trade practices and policies. 

 

"Continued growth of American farm exports is good for rural America and good for the national economy," NCGA President Pam Johnson said.  "Over 1 million American jobs are supported by these exports and we hope to see that trend increase. Developing new markets for our country's agricultural products will help our sector lead the nation in economic growth and international competitiveness.

 

For the full story, click here.

Corn Commentary New
On Corn Commentary, you can always get the latest news on the situations impacting today's farmer. Whether delving into the details of pending legislation or exploring how to agvocate more effectively, Corn Commentary offers a fresh perspective.  
 
This week, our bloggers offer a sneak peak at a series of radio spots that will begin airing in New York tomorrow. Produced by CommonGround New York volunteers, these messages share their story and address real consumer concerns about animal welfare and milk. To listen to the spots, click here.

Click here to explore our blog posts on a variety of interesting, insightful topics.
Reminders and Updates
CRA Corn Annual 20122012 Corn Annual

 

The Corn Refiners Association has released the 2012 Corn Annual, a publication explaining how many U.S. industries are able to thrive because of the versatility, functionality and affordability of the refined corn ingredients.

 

Click here for more info.


Scholarship Program Logo

Apply Today!

Only one week remains to apply for one of the five scholarships available to ag students through the NCGA/ BASF scholarship program. 

 

Click here for more info.


NCYC Short
 
Last Call for 2012 Harvest Forms

 

With only days remaining, NCGA reminds 2012 National Corn Yield Contest entrants that harvest forms are due Monday, December 3. In order to make submission simpler, harvest forms are available online.

 

Click here for more info.


NCGA Short 4C
 
FY 2014 Corn Board 

NCGA is now accepting applications from members for the fiscal year 2014 Corn Board. 

 

This opportunity allows members to become an integral part of the organization's leadership.

 

For more information, click here.