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Friday, May 10, 2013

U.S. Corn Farmers May Break Production, Supply Records

  

Corn Planting 2012 This year U.S. farmers are on track to produce a record corn crop, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates released today. While the report projects average yields will not break previous records, strong yields coupled with record plantings will help farmers produce a record total corn supply of 14.9 billion bushels, three billion bushels more than last year.

 

"The unprecedented abundance of corn projected by USDA shows the faith that credible, respected agricultural experts place in our nation's corn farmers and in the agribusinesses which support them," said National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson. "As farmers, we take great pride in our work and feel that the projections recognize our efforts. At the same time, our optimism is tinged caution as we have all seen conditions change quickly and a crop shift course in a few short weeks. We remain diligent in our work, striving to produce that abundance for a world with constantly increasing food, feed and fuel needs."

 

For the full report, click here.

 

For the full story, click here.

USDA Biotech Review Decision Hurts Corn Farmers

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement today that it will prepare a full environmental impact statement regarding certain herbicide-resistant crops is bad news for corn farmers, the National Corn Growers Association said.

 

"NCGA is extremely disappointed in USDA's decision to require a full environmental impact statement for a much-needed corn biotechnology trait," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "Particularly troubling in today's decision was that this trait has languished in USDA's regulatory system for nearly four years. Despite this longer-than-normal review, USDA failed to provide any new scientific justification for requiring a full EIS versus the normal environmental assessment."

 

Growers need new herbicide products in corn, soy and cotton to manage weed pressure and limit their environmental footprint while helping ensure we can meet all needs for food, feed and fuel, Johnson said. This is why NCGA has promoted weed resistance management among corn farmers, and rotating herbicide products are central to avoid resistance. Without new tools, growers will continue to be limited in weed control options.

 

For the full statement, click here.

 

NCGA Applauds Senators Grassley and Stabenow for Efforts to Improve International Biotech RegulatoryEnvironment

 

The National Corn Growers Association expressed appreciation to Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for co-authoring a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack and USTR Acting Ambassador Marantis addressing international regulatory challenges for agricultural products derived from biotechnology. Biotech varieties accounted for 88 percent of corn planted in 2012. As the world's leading exporter of corn, NCGA strongly supports efforts to ensure the uninterrupted flow of corn and corn co-products in the international marketplace.

 

The letter identifies regulatory asynchrony, zero tolerance policies and re-registration requirements as costly regulatory barriers. It also acknowledges efforts currently underway by USDA and USTR to engage trading partners on these issues.

 

To read the letter, click here.

 

To read the full story, click here.

 

Enter Early and Save! 2013 Yield Contest Online Entry Now Available

  

NCYC Short With only a little more than a month left to take advantage of the early registration discount, the National Corn Growers Association reminds those interested in the 2013 National Corn Yield Contest that time remains to enjoy valuable savings while participating in this popular program. The online entry format makes entry quick and simple, but growers wishing to take advantage of the reduced $80 per hybrid entry fee must do so by June 15. After that, NCGA will continue to accept entries until the July 12 deadline, but fees will return to the normal rate of $110 per hybrid.

 

"The online entry option makes taking advantage of the early entry discount easier than ever," said NCGA Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Dean Taylor. "As planting season gets underway in many parts of the country, I encourage members to take advantage of the discount, use the easy online form and become a part of the contest. Also, I encourage non-members to explore the many benefits that NCGA members enjoy and consider joining both the association and entering the contest."

 

To enter today using the online form, click here. For access to additional contest information, rules and forms, click here.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

NCGA Welcomes New Director of Public Policy Beth Elliott

  

Beth for Web NCGA welcomes Beth Elliott, who joins the organization as a director of public policy. Elliott, who has worked in a variety of agriculturally focused positions in Washington, will handle ethanol and other energy issues at NCGA's Washington office.

 

"Beth is an incredibly valuable addition to our team, and we are excited to be able to utilize her broad knowledge base to further enhance our biofuels program," said NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett. "She brings a deep understanding of both public policy and agriculture to the position and will be a major asset as we confront the challenges facing our ethanol industry on the Hill."

 

For the full story, click here.

 

NCGA Sets New Membership Record

 

NCGA membership reached a new all-time high with 38,810 on the rolls as April closed. This membership record replaces the former of 38,623 members at the close of August in 2012, when the association had set new records for three consecutive months.

 

"What is truly unique about this record is that it comes at a time when we usually do not see increased new membership attributable to the National Corn Yield Contest, which normally drives enrollment increases," said NCGA Grower Services Action Team Chair Brandon Hunnicutt. "Setting a record of this nature at this time clearly demonstrates the value our state organizations and farmers across the country see in the work we do. Whether working to promote innovations that increase opportunity or voicing the support of America's farmers for the Renewable Fuels Standard in Washington, NCGA draws upon the strength of its more than 38,000 members so that, together, we can accomplish much more than we ever could acting alone."

 

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.  Check out this week's featured offerings:
Click here to explore our blog posts on a variety of interesting, insightful topics.
Field Notes

NCGA has launched its third season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities.\

 

Field Notes Talks Snow Storms and Planting Progress with Jobman


Andy Jobman Today, Field Notes catches up with Andy Jobman, a Nebraska farmer and crop consultant. Jobman noted that the late snow storm that hit Nebraska only a week before many would have begun planting was actually a blessing in disguise.

 

"A few weeks before planting we had some nice weather, but then Mother Nature switched back to Old Man Winter,"Jobman said. "The precipitation that came with that weather really did improve our soil profile, though. Our moisture levels are probably still a bit below normal, but we are sitting on pretty nice, warm, moist soil right now. A few weeks ago, we thought that we might have to run our center pivots and irrigate the soil to moisten it prior to planting. Now, we will be able to hold off on irrigation to a more normal point in the season so long as the rains continue to come at a regular pace."

 

To listen to the full interview with Jobman, click here.

 

Field Notes Catches Up with Indiana Farmer Brian Scott

 

This week, Field Notes catches up with Brian Scott, an Indiana farmer and blogger who began sharing his story with NCGA in 2012. Scott explained that the cool weather and wet conditions have kept all but a handful of farmers out of their fields to this point.

 

"Only one farmer by me has really planted any corn right now," Scott said. "He only planted a few hundred acres in early April, like he normally does. I am not sure if he is going to have to replant though. I think a lot of those acres are under the Wabash River at the moment. It has just been too wet and too cold for us to do anything but spray for chickweed and put down fertilizer."

 

To listen to the full interview with Scott, click here.

 

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as Field Notes follows the growers who have opened their farms, families and communities up this year and meet the true faces of modern American agriculture.

NCGA Weekly Program Spotlight

The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding member, consists of more than 80 farmer - and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners representing virtually all aspects of agriculture working to engage in dialogues with consumers who have questions about how today's food is grown and raised. USFRA is committed to continuous improvement and supporting U.S. farmers and ranchers efforts to increase confidence and trust in today's agriculture. Click the logo for more information.

US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance