USDA Report on Acres Looks to Big Corn Crop

In today's report on planted farm acreage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's estimate of 97.4 million acres planted in corn means growers navigated a wet planting season to provide for what can be one of the largest crops ever.

The USDA estimates that farmers planted 97.379 million acres in 2013, only about 200,000 more than in 2012. However, USDA also estimates they will harvest more than 1,700 more acres than 2012; at a yield of 156.5, as estimated in June, that would mean a crop of 13.9 billion bushels, the largest ever and more than 3 billion bushels over 2012. The top five corn-planted states in 2013 are Iowa (14 million acres), Illinois (12.2 million), Nebraska (10.2 million), Minnesota (8.7 million) and Indiana (6.1 million).

Soybeans and wheat also saw an increase in acres planted. Soybean planted area for 2013 is estimated at a record high 77.7 million acres, up 1 percent from last year. All wheat planted area for 2013 is estimated at 56.5 million acres, up 1 percent from 2012.

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RFS Has Busy Week in DC with Mixed Reviews

The ethanol industry was kept busy this week in Washington as the Renewable Fuel Standard was a focus of events on Capitol Hill and the White House.  During a speech outlining new climate change initiatives, President Obama voiced his support of the Renewable Fuel Standard. At the same time on Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing with some members urging an outright repeal.

"Having two completely different views and messages coming out on the RFS within days of each other just goes to show there is still work to be done," NCGA President Pam Johnson said.  "Next week, members of Congress return home for the July 4th recess.  This provides an excellent opportunity for every farmer to meet with their lawmakers and outline how the ethanol industry has made a positive impact on their lives."

For the full story, click here.

On Capitol Hill, NCGA Outlines Benefits of Expanding Export Markets

During a House Committee on Small Business hearing Wednesday in Washington, National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson provided policy recommendations for the U.S. Trade Representative on growing export opportunities.  Johnson focused on the benefits for family farmers of expanding export markets and maximizing foreign market access.

"Agricultural producers succeed when industry and government work side-by-side," NCGA President Pam Johnson said during her testimony.  "It is critical that U.S. negotiators have an appreciation for how increasing exports translates into benefits for family farmers.  The U.S. economy will not benefit from agriculture issues being placed on a 'to do' list.  Now is the perfect time to eliminate long standing barriers to agricultural exports and promote policies that bring economic opportunity back to rural America."

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American Ethanol Spokesdriver Enjoying a Great Season

All eyes will be on American Ethanol driver and spokesman Austin Dillon tonight. That's because the 23-year-old is the two-time defending NASCAR Nationwide race champion at Kentucky Speedway. And so far this season NASCAR race weekends have been attracting an average of 7 million television viewers.

Dillon, in his sophomore season in the Nationwide, is attracting a lot of positive attention. He is currently fourth place in the Series and over four consecutive weekends (Charlotte through Michigan) Dillon captured four poles setting a new NASCAR record.

"I think there are a lot of people that are passionate about ethanol and what we've been able to do with it in NASCAR," Dillon told Ethanol Producer magazine. "You see a lot of fans that are really interested in it, people that want to learn about it. There are a lot of people out there that don't know what the benefits of ethanol are. Being able to show them a clean fuel that runs good on the track is pretty awesome."

Only Two Weeks Remain to Enter NCGA's 2013 Yield Contest

The National Corn Growers Association reminds those interested in the 2013 National Corn Yield Contest that only two weeks remain to file entry forms and take part in the popular competition.  The online entry format makes entry quick and simple, but growers wishing to take part must file entry forms by the July 12 deadline.

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 Supports Supreme Court Announcement on E15 Lawsuit

The National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson issued a statement expressing the association's support for the Supreme Court decision not to hear the petroleum industry's appeal in E15-related case:

"In their decision today, the court upheld not only the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve a partial waiver and allow E15 into the marketplace; it also upheld our nation's science-based approach to regulation and the importance of consumer choice. With this issue resolved, the ethanol industry can move forward, providing a renewable, environmentally friendly fuel choice to consumers."

For the full story, click here.

NCGA Expresses Need for Public's Acceptance of Biotechnology 

Increasing demand for major crops and the use of biotechnology in agriculture was the topic during the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Charles Valentine Riley Memorial Lecture. NCGA President Pam Johnson answered questions as part of a panel after the lecture, with representatives from the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

"The continued use of biotechnology in agriculture is a key component to food security," Johnson said.  "However, we need to greatly improve the public's acceptance of biotechnology.  Agriculture needs to lead the conversation on this important topic and provide education on the advancements of the industry.  Consumers should be able to make decisions based on science and facts, not fearmongering."

Crop Condition Looks Good as Corn Emergence Nears Completion

The U.S. corn crop is maturing rapidly and remains in good condition according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released earlier this week. Since last week, corn emergence came within three points of the five-year average, with 96 percent of the crop now emerged. With the crop now closing in on average progress despite a late planting season, reports indicate that 92 percent of the crop remains in fair to excellent condition. Last year at this time, only 86 percent of the crop still fared as well.

"As the crop matures, it is heartening to see that the vast majority of corn acres seem to be thriving despite the cool, wet summer weather," said NCGA President Johnson, a grower in Iowa. "While we certainly extend our support to those battling weather conditions, we also feel increasingly confident that, through hard work and given continued improvement in weather conditions, America's corn farmers will once again grow a crop that meets all needs."

To view the full report released today, click here.

For the full story, click here.

These articles and podcasts are the second set of four in a series profiling candidates for the 2014 Corn Board.

Jon Holzfaster

As he will complete his first term of service on the National Corn Growers Association's Corn Board in September, Jon Holzfaster is running for reelection and a second term helping develop policy to guide the association. A native Nebraskan, Holzfaster provides unique perspective when balancing issues involving the interaction between the livestock and ethanol markets.

Holzfaster decided to run for reelection to the Corn Board because he strongly believes in NCGA's grassroots vision and focus. He is proud to have played a small role in the organization's successes since 2002 and looks forward to working toward greater accomplishments in the future. 

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

For the full story, click here.

Gary Schmalshof

Already an experienced leader at both the state and national level, Gary Schmalshof brings a wealth of experience to a leadership position and now hopes to serve his fellow farmers across the country as a member of the National Corn Growers Association Corn Board.

A careful listener who places the greater good of corn farmers across the country first, Schmalshof chose to run for the Corn Board after serving on his state's board and traveling extensively on behalf of his fellow farmers for the U.S. Grains Council.  He brings this experience, an international perspective and his dedication to service to the position.

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

For the full story, click here.

Wesley Spurlock

Wesley Spurlock, a native Texan, brings a nuanced view on a variety of subjects to the National Corn G
rowers Association's Corn Board. A strong proponent of balancing the wide array of unique situations farmers face across the country, he is seeking reelection and to continue his service in this capacity after his current term expires on October 1, 2013.

Spurlock would like to continue serving his fellow farmers as a member of the Corn Board because he sees NCGA's role as a melting pot that brings together corn farmers from across the country to magnify the impact of their efforts for the betterment of the industry as a whole. A careful listener with significant experience in organizational finance, he hopes to continue sharing both the knowledge he has gained through his service and as well as gain a greater understanding of the broad spectrum of farmer perspective.

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

For the full story, click here.

Paul Taylor

Already an experienced leader at both the state and national level, Paul Taylor brings a dedicated approach and well-honed skillset to a leadership position. Already a veteran leader having led state corn and soy associations, he now hopes to serve his fellow farmers across the country as a member of the National Corn Growers Association Corn Board.

Taylor is running for election to the Corn Board because he has gained a passion for serving his neighbors and NCGA's broader membership that was fostered by his prior service and attendance of NCGA events including Corn Congress and Commodity Classic. While participating in the Leadership at Its Best program and the Advanced Leadership program, he developed a deep respect for the level of professionalism exhibited by NCGA spokespersons and of the level of respect afforded them in both commodity and political circles. Thus, he strongly desires to contribute his skills and experience developed over a lifetime of agricultural organization involvement to help further advance the organization's success.

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

For the full story, click here.

The NCGA Corn Board election takes place at the July 17 Corn Congress session in Washington.