Only One Week Remains to Enter NCGA's 2013 Yield Contest

The National Corn Growers Association reminds those interested in the 2013 National Corn Yield Contest that only one week remains 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.

"While many of us planted later than usual, the National Corn Yield Contest is proceeding right along schedule," said NCGA Grower Services Action Team Chair Brandon Hunnicutt. "This means that the window to participate in the contest is quickly closing. I strongly encourage anyone interested in being a part of the competition or just looking for a new way to explore different techniques to use the easy online form and become a part of the contest.  Also, I encourage non-members in particular 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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Ag Coalition Sends Letter to Boehner Calling for New Farm Bill Vote

This week, NCGA joined 531 other agricultural organizations and companies on a letter to Speaker John Boehner urging consideration of the 2013 farm bill again by the House of Representatives.  The letter follows the surprising failure of the House to pass the legislation at the end of June.

"Farm bills represent a delicate balance between America's farm, nutrition, conservation, and other priorities, and accordingly require strong bipartisan support," the letter stated.  "It is vital for the House to try once again to bring together a broad coalition of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to provide certainty for farmers, rural America, the environment and our economy in general and pass a five-year farm bill upon returning in July."

To read the entire letter, click here.

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NCGA Comments Express Support for Tier 3 Standards, Urge Continued Support for FFVs

NCGA submitted comments earlier this week to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the 938-page Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards Proposed Rule. In these comments, NCGA commended the agency on the proposed Tier 3 motor vehicle emission standard and fuel rule, which will reduce pollutants from the on-road light-duty motor vehicle fleet for many years to come.

The association also commended the agency on its recognition of the benefits of ethanol in transportation fuel, and its continued support for the Renewable Fuel Standard regulation, which is significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy security in the United States through the use of domestically produced ethanol.

To read the full comments as submitted, please click here.

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NCGA Sets New Membership Record

Membership at the National Corn Growers Association reached a new all-time high with 39,042 on the rolls as June closed. This membership record replaces the former of 38,810 members at the close of April in 2013, and it marks the first time membership has surpassed the 39,000 member threshold.

"While many have theorized that the United States has reached a post-membership society and that enrollment and active participation in civic groups will continue to decline, farmers across the country increasingly see the valuable service NCGA provides to all corn growers and act in support of our mission," said NCGA Grower Services Action Team Chair Brandon Hunnicutt. "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 39,000 members so that, together, we can accomplish much more than we ever could acting alone."

Throughout NCGA's history, grassroots efforts have been the strength and driving force behind the organization.

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Crop Condition Looks Good as Corn Continues to Mature

The U.S. corn crop remains in good condition according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released Monday. While corn silking reports indicate progress to be six percentage points behind the five-year average of nine percent at this point in the season, crop quality forecasts held strong with reports indicating 67 percent of the crop to be in good to excellent condition. Last year at this time, only 48 percent of the crop still fared as well.

"Despite difficult planting conditions, farmers worked hard to get a record number of corn acres planted this year," said NCGA President Pam Johnson, a grower in Floyd, Iowa. "Taken together, reports of a strong crop condition and record planted acreage inspire hope that, should favorable weather continue, U.S. corn farmers could produce a record crop in 2013."

To view the full report, click here.

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NCGA's Corn Board has elected Chip Bowling of Maryland to become the organization's first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The full delegate body will vote to confirm his appointment during Corn Congress in Washington later this month.

A farmer for more than three decades, Bowling is a third-generation farmer who operates a 1,400-acre grain farm growing corn, soybean, wheat, barley and grain sorghum only an hour's drive outside of Washington, D.C.

Off the Cob caught up with Bowling to discuss his experience, leadership style and perspective on the issues facing corn farmers today. While speaking of his experience, Bowling provides a detailed look at his prior service while maintaining a humble tone.

"Back in 2004 and 2005, I served as the president of the Maryland Grain Producers Association and, after that, I found myself becoming more and more involved with NCGA," said Bowling. "So, I went through Leadership at Its Best and was in the inaugural class for the Advanced Leadership Academy. I served on NCGA's Ethanol Committee and Public Policy Action Team, and I have testified before Congress on the association's behalf. While I have years of experience and the comfort with change that farming requires, I really do believe that I am only one of many qualified leaders who could successfully execute this position."

Bowling describes his leadership style as open noting that, while he has been accused of over-thinking things in the past, he has learned from his leadership training the importance of going with your gut.

"Before I make a decision, I like to let everyone voice their opinion," explained Bowling. "I keep an open mind and like to really think things through. I like to think that I have a friendly way of getting things done because, if you work together, it is a lot easier on everyone, and you can get more done."

Given the location of his farm, Bowling has played an active role on behalf of his fellow farmers in the nation's capital many times. While he shares in their frustration over the seemingly endless barrage of issues they face, he knows what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

"Living 45 miles away from Washington has helped me do all that I have done with NCGA, and I think that it put me in a position to become first vice president," Bowling said. "Right now, corn farmers' issues are happening in D.C., whether they are related to the farm bill, the RFS or trade policies. I have had the opportunity to go in on a regular basis and help confront the ever-changing battles we face. If we keep addressing the issues, stating the facts and moving forward, we will get positive results for our nation's corn farmers."

On Oct. 1, Pam Johnson of Iowa, becomes chairwoman and the current first vice president, Martin Barbre of Illinois, becomes NCGA president. In October 2014, Barbre becomes chairman and Bowling would become president.

To listen to the full interview, click here.

The National Corn Growers Association 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.

Today, Field Notes checks in with farmers in Maryland and Texas to find out how about the condition of the corn crop in their respective areas. With the growing season well underway, the crop is progressing well in these very different climates.

For Jennie Schmidt, who farms in Maryland, a few days of sunshine have made all of the difference.

"Now that we have had a few days of sunshine, the corn is going to take up nutrients better, and it will lower the disease pressure," Schmidt explained. "Like with any plant, corn can have problems with molds and mildews under certain conditions. So, the sunshine and the wind are very important to the health of the crop."

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

Texas farmer Jay Beckhusen's corn crop will be ready to harvest in a few short weeks. Although the record yields predicted earlier in the season may have been decreased by a string of 100-plus degree days, he remains confident that yields in Texas will solidly surpass averages in 2013.

"We had a heat wave where temperatures hit between 102 and 105 for three days in a row," explained Beckhusen. "The heat topped the crop off, and the largest bumper crop yield predictions probably won't be as large as everyone thought. Yields will still be well above average and, given the number of acres planted, the crop in Texas will be large enough that our next challenge will be finding a place to store it."

To listen to the full interview with Beckhusen, 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.