American Ethanol congratulates spokesman and driver Austin Dillon on being named 2012 NASCAR® Nationwide Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Now, fans have an opportunity to congratulate Dillon personally too during the American Ethanol live Twitter chat which Dillon will host next week from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. CST Monday, Dec. 10.

"All of the American Ethanol partners are so excited for Austin," said National Corn Growers Association NASCAR Advisory Committee Chairman Jon Holzfaster. "Rookie of the Year is a big win both for him personally and for farmers across the country. With all eyes on Austin, NASCAR fans also get to see the performance and benefits another homegrown winner offers when E15 fuels the race. Every car in every series races to the finish with E15 in the tank, but we are particularly proud that such a talented young driver speaks on our behalf."

To find out more, click here.

Last month, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, of which NCGA is a founding affiliate, announced the finalists of its Faces of Farming and Ranching program, a nationwide search for agriculture spokespeople, at the Food Dialogues in New York City. The Faces of Farming and Ranching winners will become the faces of agriculture and will be tapped to share stories and experience on a national stage. By answering consumers' questions about how their food is grown and raised, they will help shift conversations about food production and the way we feed our nation.

This is America's chance to vote for the finalist that they believe best represents those across the country who bring food to the table.  This is America's chance to vote for the finalist that they think can best answer its questions. However, voting ends Dec. 15, so people are encouraged to visit www.fooddialogues.com to watch a short video of each finalist's farm or ranch. Your vote will contribute toward the total score to determine the winners.

To find out more, click here.

Commodity Classic Videos Reveal Opportunities for Success

You can't control the weather, but you can learn more about how your peers are successfully tackling the challenges they face. One way growers are learning more so they can manage risk and succeed as farmers is by annually attending Commodity Classic, the only national agricultural convention and trade show put on by farmers for farmers. 

This next year, farmers will meet in Kissimmee, Fla., to learn "what's next" directly from the agricultural leaders who are making it happen. You can hear from those who have been there what they got out of the Commodity Classic experience in two new recently released videos. The Commodity Classic "Man on the Street" video gives viewers an overall perspective on what to expect when you get there. For those who haven't been to Commodity Classic yet, you can see what those attending the show for the first time discovered in a second video that provides the perspective of first-timers.

To find out more, click here.

Senate Passes Legislation Granting Russia Most Favored Nation Status

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation paving the way for Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia.  NCGA previously urged Congress to lift the decades old Jackson-Vanik restrictions.  Farmers will soon be allowed to take advantage of a more open and level playing field with Russia.  The House of Representatives passed the legislation before adjourning for Thanksgiving.

For the full story, click here.