NCGA Seeks a Few Good Growers

The National Corn Growers Association invites farmers to become a part of the change they desire by actively honing their leadership skills through the Leadership At Its Best Program, sponsored by Syngenta.  Applications for this best in the industry leadership training program are due to NCGA by March 29.  Interested members are urged to contact their state associations today and be nominated to participate in the program.

"Since the first class in 1986, Leadership At Its Best has helped train strong, confident volunteers who have helped shape the industry through their subsequent work at the state and national level," said NCGA President Pam Johnson.  "This year, we again ask that farmers come forward and act upon their desire to give back to their peers. NCGA depends upon grassroots leadership, and I personally can attest that the time and effort dedicated are repaid in full through the incredible relationships built with like-minded individuals."

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A Record 75 Growers Hit High-Yield Landmark

Farmers participating in NCGA's 2012 National Corn Yield Contest set a new record by submitting 75 entries that surpassed the 300 bushels-per-acre mark. Bucking trends and overcoming severe drought conditions, these entrants showed the incredible achievements that are possible in farming using advanced practices and state-of-the-art technology.

"NCGA's corn yield contest continues to enjoy such popularity because it showcases what is possible for our industry moving forward," said NCGA Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Dean Taylor. "I applaud the level of achievement that this record number of entrants attained this year and thank them for their contribution to agriculture. Through knowledge acquired from entrants we learn practical techniques that can be applied on other farms thus enhancing our ability to continually improve as farmers."

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Fuels America Applauds President Obama's Commitment to Getting America Off Oil

Tuesday night, the Fuels America coalition, of which the National Corn Growers Association is one of the founding members, released the following statement on President Barack Obama's State of the Union address:

"Tonight, President Obama laid out an agenda that includes cutting our dependence on oil, fighting climate change and creating jobs. The current administration has been a long-­time supporter of renewable fuel, which can help meet all three of these goals.

"The Renewable Fuel Standard is an essential policy that is already helping to wean us from oil and that, if left intact, can do even more to benefit America. The RFS has been crucial in encouraging investment in oil alternatives, driving innovation in advanced biofuels and opening up markets so that Americans have a choice at the gas pump.

For the full statement, click here.

Report Forecasts Record-Breaking Corn Crop

Our nation's farmers will harvest a record 14.4 billion bushels of corn this year, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture report released earlier this week. The realization of this projection, which assumes the planting of 96 million acres and a national average yield of 163.5 bushels per acre, would require a return to more favorable weather patterns.

"The projections released by USDA this morning inspire cautious optimism for the upcoming year," said NCGA President Johnson, a farmer from Floyd, Iowa. "While the promise of a record crop certainly inspires farmers recovering from a difficult year, we have seen what would have been bumper crops wither in our fields. With a renewed spirit, U.S. corn farmers will enter the planting season with optimism tempered with a steady determination to do our best to provide an abundant, quality crop."

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For the full report, "USDA Agricultural Long-Term Projections to 2022", click here. This report was formerly known as the USDA Baseline.

The USDA will release the "Prospective Plantings" report, which is a survey of farmers' planting intentions, on March 29.

Study Adds to Evidence that Sweeteners are Metabolically Equivalent

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism adds to an already well-established body of science that high fructose corn syrup and table sugar are metabolically equivalent. Presenting compelling data, the study found that the consumption of both high fructose corn syrup and sucrose (table sugar) at levels consistent with average daily consumption do not increase liver fat in humans.

"This study, like so many others, adds to the body of scientific evidence supporting the safety of high fructose corn syrup when consumed in moderation, just like any sugar," said NCGA President Johnson. "Our organization continuously pushes for the public dissemination of real information about the crops that we grow and the products they make and for a science-based approach to regulatory efforts. In the case of HFCS, the truth is apparent. Sugar is sugar, whether it comes from corn, cane or beet."

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CommonGround Program Brings Farms to the Radio

This week, CommonGround took to the airwaves in Nebraska, participating in a series of interviews with radio and print outlets in the northeastern part of the state. The media tour, which covered areas close to Omaha, featured Dawn Kucera and Joan Ruskamp addressing topics from high fructose corn syrup to the animal care practices used by local ranchers.

"We think that it is important that the people who are buying food have a chance to ask questions of those of us who are raising it," said Kucera. "Our state's volunteer represent a broad variety of farmers and ranchers including pork and beef producers, organic farmers and conventional vegetable producers as well as corn and soybean farmers. Our goal in including so many types of producers is to answer all of the questions consumers might have and help dissolve some of the fears that comes from confusion."

For the full story, click here.