"While farmers struggled with drought last year, they remain resilient and dedicated to producing an abundant corn crop in 2013," National Corn Growers Association First Vice President Martin Barbre said. "This report shows that the innovative American farmer understands the increasing global demands of corn for food, feed, fuel and fiber and that they see the importance of meetings those needs."

For the whole story, click here.

 

In the Fuel Debates, Ethanol Offers the Renewable Option

With debates over ethanol heating up on the Hill again, the National Corn Growers Association offers a new installment in 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.

What sort of air and water pollution do these fuels cause?

• Since 2005, non-toxic ethanol has replaced groundwater contaminant MTBE as the fuel ingredient used to increase octane.
• Petroleum refiners use quite a bit of energy to separate aromatic components and very high boiling fractions for the octane needed for fuel. Many of the substances produce particulate substances leading to asthma and other health-related problems.

For the whole story, click here.

Program Provides Export Market Information for Corn Hybrids

Farmers looking for information about the approval status of U.S.-grown corn hybrids in certain export markets now have access to the most current data through NCGA's Know Before Your Grow program. Recently updated, Know Before Your Grow, featured on the association's website, provides a comprehensive look at this vital information in an easily accessible format.

"It's important for farmers and others to know where they can find good markets for their corn," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmerman. "Each year, we update our database so growers can stay informed and plan ahead. It's also a valuable tool for others who want or need to track which markets are accepting a certain corn hybrid."

For the whole story, click here.

NCGA Helps Consumers Find Out What's Going On Down On the Farm

The number of family farmers growing the nation's food is less than two percent of the overall population, so consumers may feel a little disconnected and out of touch with what goes on down on the farm. The good news is a dialogue is emerging that is connecting urban consumers with their rural cousins.

"In recent years farmers have gained a new appreciation for how important it is to give the public an opportunity to ask questions about crop and livestock production practices," said Rick Tolman, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association. "Farming has changed so there is an interesting story to tell. Tractors have gotten bigger, seeds have gotten better and technology and innovation have made our farmers the most productive in the world."

For the whole story, click here.

Environmental Groups & Beekeepers File Lawsuit to Cancel Seed Treatment Registrations

Last week, the Center for Food Safety, Beyond Pesticides, the Sierra Club, Pesticide Action Network North America and the Center for Environmental Health, along with four individual beekeepers, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint filed by the groups alleges that the EPA violated multiple U.S. laws in its actions related to the approval of two pesticide compounds, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, for agricultural use.

"The National Corn Growers Association is closely monitoring progress on this case," said NCGA Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Dean Taylor. "We are committed to working with industry partners to defend the use of valuable agricultural tools and ensure government regulations are based in sound sciences instead of alarmist claims."

For the whole story, click here.

New Seed Treatment Guide Helps Farmers, Others

A new guide to seed treatment stewardship has been developed by the American Seed Trade Association and CropLife America to promote the safe handling and management of treated seed by farmers and others, a service appreciated by the National Corn Growers Association.

"This guide will be an invaluable resource for our members," said NCGA President Pam Johnson and Iowa corn grower. "We're encouraging all corn growers to refer to it before, during and after the corn planting season."

For the whole story, click here.

NCGA Congratulates CRA as It Welcomes New President

The National Corn Growers Association congratulates the Corn Refiners Association CRA on their announcement of John W. Bode as its new President and C.E.O. As President and CEO of CRA, NCGA looks forward to continue joint efforts with this longtime partner in promoting opportunities for corn farmers.

"During recent meetings in Washington, the NCGA Corn Board had the pleasure of celebrating CRA's 100th anniversary with them in person," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "Now, we celebrate the announcement of the selection of Bode as CRA president and CEO with them in spirit. Our organizations have a long history of working together for the benefit of America's farmers and wet millers. We look forward to building upon this in the coming years."

For the whole story, click here.