NCYC Early Registration Open; Online Available Soon

As farmers across the country prepare for planting, the National Corn Growers Association invites them to register for NCGA's National Corn Yield Contest early too. Until June 15, growers can also take advantage of a special early entry discount. With fees reduced to $80 until that time, NCGA reminds growers that a small time investment now saves money later this summer.

"While it may still seem a ways out, we all know how quickly the time passes once planting season starts," said Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Dean Taylor. "Every year, we gain valuable data from the contest that helps develop the production practices of tomorrow. I urge those who haven't entered before to become NCGA members and try their hand at high yield techniques as contest entrants in 2013."

For access to contest information, contest entry and harvest rules and forms, click here. As of today, entry forms are available for download, with submission through traditional mail.

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In the Fuel Debates, Ethanol Offers the Renewable, Greener Option

With debates over ethanol heating up on the Hill again, the National Corn Growers Association launches a series of articles comparing the environmental impacts of ethanol and petroleum as transportation fuels. Scientifically examining a wide array of environmental factors, this side-by-side comparison offers insight into the important differences between these fuels.

Which fuel is renewable and why is that important?

Seven corn farmers who are leaders in the industry underwent an extensive session in advanced leadership training this week in Washington, as part of NCGA's Advanced Leadership program, co-sponsored by Syngenta.

While in the nation's capital they underwent extensive media training and discussions with NCGA Washington staff about current and emerging issues affecting corn farmers. They also joined in activities surrounding National Agriculture Day, including the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner, featuring U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and key members of Congress.

For the whole story, click here.

Officers Mission to Cover Key Issues in Korea, China, Japan

The U.S. Grains Council's 2013 Officers Mission is now underway. The delegation, which includes NCGA President Pam Johnson, will visit with key customers and end users in Korea, China and Japan, providing details and receiving feedback on the U.S. 2012-13 corn crop.

"Ever since the drought took hold last year, we've been getting questions. It's important to service these customers, present our harvest quality report, listen to their concerns and share our thoughts for the upcoming crop year," said Tom Sleight, USGC president and CEO.

For the whole story, click here. 

Pictured at the press conference are (from left): NDA Director Greg Ibach, the Brian and Hilary Maricle family, Governor Dave Heineman, Lt. Governor Lavon Heidemann, and Nebraska Farm Bureau 1st Vice President Mark McHargue.

 

CommonGround Nebraska Helps Governor Kick Off National Ag Week

CommonGround Nebraska volunteer Hilary Maricle helped Governor Dave Heineman kick off his state's National Ag Week festivities during a press conference held in Lincoln. Speaking on behalf of her fellow farmers and ranchers, Maricle stressed the pride farmers take in their work and their willingness to have a real conversation with consumers about their food.

"As a farmer, I take pride in the fact that I grow and raise food for my own family and for families across the country," said Maricle. "As a CommonGround volunteer, I am excited to help consumers understand how I farm and why I strive to care for the land and our animals."

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Growers Put Leadership to Practice in Capitol

Corn farmers from across the country traveled to Washington this week to take part in the second phase of an annual leadership development program co-sponsored by NCGA and Syngenta. While in town, they visited numerous members of the Senate and House of Representatives and got an inside look at parliamentary procedure and how lobbying works on Capitol Hill.

"For more than a quarter of a century, Leadership at its Best has been an invaluable tool for helping corn growers become leaders at the state and national level," said NCGA Chairman Garry Niemeyer, himself a graduate of the program. Niemeyer came to Washington to welcome the class and provide an update on NCGA's issues and programs. "In Washington, we can see first-hand - and very quickly - how decisions made here impact us back on the farm. Having a strong voice here in the Capitol is very important for NCGA and its farmer members."

For the whole story, click here.

NCGA Agri-Industry Council Cultivates Understanding, Cooperation 

Last week, representatives from over a dozen agribusinesses gathered with NCGA leadership in Washington for NCGA's Agri-Industry Council's biannual meeting. Over the course of two days, attendees received updates on key NCGA programs, heard from several outside speakers and discussed topics of special importance to the entire agricultural community right now, including issues impacting railroad shipping and the outlook for farm programs given the current political climate.

"The discussion in AIC meetings helps NCGA fulfill its mission of creating and maintaining opportunities for corn growers," said NCGA Chairman and AIC Co-Chair Garry Niemeyer. "Only through sharing NCGA's position throughout the industry will we make our voices loud enough to reach the best possible outcomes for growers as we face the challenging political landscape."

For the whole story, click here.