NCGA Reminds Growers to Participate in USDA Census of Agriculture

With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing today, the National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. USDA has already received more than 2 million completed census forms.

"It is imperative that farmers speak up and ensure that they are accurately represented, and the Census of Agriculture provides a unique opportunity for us to do so," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "The information compiled this year will impact the agricultural community for half of a decade with the data the Census provides influencing how USDA and the Congress perceive agriculture and thus how rules and regulations are written. I strongly urge every farmer and rancher to act quickly if they have not already done so and play an active role in securing the future of our industry."

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2013 Yield Contest Online Early Entry Still Saves Money for Growers

With only two weeks left to take advantage of the early registration discount, NCGA 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 farmers across the country wrap up corn planting, 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."

The online entry software allows growers to enter the contest and join NCGA and their state association. The web-based system simplifies data submission, allows users to view their submissions at any time and will allow for quick, efficient use of contest data.

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

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NCGA Announces Leadership at Its Best Participants

NCGA announced the participants who will constitute the 27 th class of NCGA's Leadership at Its Best Program, co-sponsored by Syngenta. This year's class includes 19 aspiring leaders from 11 states, from as far east as New York and as far west as Colorado.

"Leadership at Its Best has trained strong, confident volunteers who have helped shape the industry through their subsequent service at the state and national level," said NCGA President Pam Johnson, who completed the class in 2006. "We're excited to see such great interest in the program and strongly believe the quality of the applicants bodes well for the future of our industry. NCGA depends upon grassroots leadership, and, as a graduate of the program, I personally understand the important role this program plays in helping develop the skills and build the relationships necessary to lead such a dynamic organization in an ever-changing environment."

This year's Leadership at Its Best Class includes: Les Anderson (Minn.); James Burg (S.D.); Ann Cross (Colo.); Ray Dean (N.Y); Don Duvall (Ill.); Chris Edgington (Iowa); Chuck Emanuel (Neb.); Philip Gordon (Mich.); Rick Gruber (Neb.); Ken Hartman Jr. (Ill.); Scott Hays (Mo.); Gail Leirer (Ohio); Patty Mann (Ohio); Randy Melvin (N.D.); Jerry Mohr (Iowa); Thomas Mueller (Ill.); Brad Schad (Mo.); Mark Sponsler (Colo.); and Harold Wolle (Minn.).

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NCGA, Interns Both Benefit from Nebraska Program

With the generous support of the Nebraska Corn Board, two college students from the Cornhusker State are joining NCGA as interns this summer to learn more about the industry and provide valuable support to NCGA.

NCGA's headquarters office in suburban St. Louis is hosting Casey Campbell as its second summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and NCGA. Campbell will be a junior in agricultural leadership at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and is assisting NCGA with communication and agricultural economics programs, as well as participating in committee meetings. She started with NCGA on May 13.

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Farmers Seizing Opportunity as Weather Permits

Farmers continued to make up for early spring planting delays last week, bringing corn planting progress within four points of the five-year average according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released Tuesday. As of May 26, 86 percent of projected corn acres had been planted, while only 28 percent were planted two weeks prior. While progress lagged behind the five-year average by nine points last week, it now lags only four points behind the 90 percent five-year average for this point in the season.

"Farmers again demonstrated that, by working tirelessly and using new technology that allows us to cover more ground in less time, we can accomplish an incredible amount given the smallest planting window," said NCGA President Pam Johnson, a grower in Iowa. "Now, we have planted more than half of the corn acres in the country in only two weeks. America's farmers are working hard to grow the food, feed, fuel and fiber that our country, and our world, need."

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Smithfield Purchase Unlikely to have Major Effect on China's Projected Corn Imports

The recent news that Chinese company Shineway, also known as Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd., has agreed to purchase Smithfield Foods Inc., the largest hog and pork producer in the world, has sparked speculation that U.S. pork exports to China may rise in coming years. However, according to the U.S. Grains Council, of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding member, the resulting increased pork import program is unlikely to hold off China's expected future corn import program.

Dr. Bryan Lohmar, USGC director in China, says it will be extremely difficult for Shineway to significantly increase U.S. pork exports to China simply through its control of Smithfield in coming years.

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