In The News

Jul 19, 2024

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. has made a strong case in the dispute with Mexico over genetically engineered corn under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a top official in the Biden administration told farmers this week during remarks at the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington, D.C.   “This is something we will not rest until we get done,” said Ambassador Doug McKalip who serves as the chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “I know this is critically important, not just for corn growers, but frankly, farmers of all kinds. They say ‘we cannot allow trading partners to play loose with the science. If they can do it with corn, they can do it with anything.’”   McKalip said both U.S. and Mexican officials were given questions in writing by the panel considering the matter and both have responded. He said a decision is expected this fall.   McKalip said USTR is working on addressing unfair trade practices with Brazil and,...

Jul 19, 2024

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association elected four new farmers to its corn board this week. The organization also re-elected a farmer currently serving on the board. Those elected were Jon Miller of Pleasantville, Ohio; Jason Lewis, of Henderson, Neb.; Dan Nerud, of Dorchester, Neb.; and Jay Schutte, of Benton City, Mo. Randy DeSutter, of Woodhull, Ill., was re-elected to the board. “I was thoroughly impressed with the caliber of candidates who threw their hats in the ring during this board election,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “These new board members have a breadth of experience in agriculture, a long history of working to advance the goals and objectives of NCGA and are uniquely positioned to help take the organization to great heights as we implement our new strategic plan.” The terms for the board members begin on October 1, which is the beginning of the organization’s new fiscal year. The delegates at Corn Congress, held this week in Washington, D.C., cast their...

Jul 18, 2024

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Krista Swanson

Scott Gerlt, PhD, ASA Chief Economist Krista Swanson, NCGA Lead Economist Katelyn Klawinsky, ASA Economics Intern   The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in August 2022, created a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit. This tax credit, called 40B due to its section in the IRA, is in effect for 2023 and 2024. The 40B credit amount is based on the carbon intensity from a lifecycle analysis for the specific sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) obtaining the tax credit. As such, lower carbon intensity (CI) biofuels receive a larger tax credit than those with higher CI scores[i].   While SAF can be produced from many different feedstocks, both soybeans and corn are options that can be used at scale. One option to lower the CI of the SAF is for corn and soybean farmers to implement specific conservation practices. Unfortunately, the requirements in 40B for conservation bundling severely limit the ability of producers to provide additional carbon intensity benefits to the 40B program....

Jul 18, 2024

Author: Abby Meier

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) awarded three of its members with the “Corn Advocate of the Year” award at its July Corn Congress held in Washington, D.C. Recipients include Tim Thompson of Ill.; Patrick Seyer of Mo.; and Brett Grauerholz of Kan.   “As a grower-led organization, NCGA brings corn growers, policymakers, and experts together to move the needle on policy issues that matter to our families and farms—but none of our advocacy work can be successful without strong grower voices,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “The three individuals receiving this award go above and beyond to advocate for farmers, all while managing their farms, families, and businesses. I am deeply grateful that they lend their time and expertise to NCGA’s advocacy efforts.”   NCGA members are chosen for the honor based on several factors, including their participation rate in calls-to-action, their involvement in NCGA’s advocacy trainings and leadership development programs,...

Jul 18, 2024

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recognized Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) with its prestigious President’s Award today during its summer Corn Congress meeting in Washington, D.C. “Sen. Klobuchar is a tireless advocate for corn growers,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “She thoroughly understands the agricultural community and rural America and is always at the forefront championing our issues. It is my pleasure and distinct honor to recognize the senator and fellow Minnesotan with this award.” Klobuchar has spent years in the Senate pushing for legislation important to corn growers and other farmers. In recent years she has promoted legislation that would allow consumers greater access to higher blends of ethanol. She has also been a forceful advocate for eliminating trade barriers that negatively impact farmers and she is working to pass a farm bill that will reflect corn grower priorities.   “America is stronger because of you,” Klobuchar...

Jul 15, 2024

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association, joined by five other commodity groups, sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo asking her to consider the impacts on farmers as she reviews a petition by the agricultural chemical company Corteva that would place duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D. “Restricting imports of 2,4-D will have wide-ranging consequences for farmers,” the letter said. “American farmers cannot solely rely on Corteva, which is the only domestic supplier of 2,4-D, because there is not enough supply to meet demand.”   The letter also said that, if granted, the petition would cause availability shortages and hamper the ability of growers to be successful. “Restricting the availability of 2,4-D will be very harmful at a time when farmers are grappling with rising input costs and low commodity prices,” the letter said.   The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects total farm production cash expenses for 2024 at a record-high level....

Jul 11, 2024

Author: Shelby Basham

Corn growers were responsible for a $151 billion boost to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to a new report released this week by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).   The report, entitled NCGA Economic Contribution Study for 2023, looked at a number of ways in which corn growers shaped the economy, including  economic output, contributions to the gross domestic product, tax revenues, labor income and employment statistics.   “This report highlights the crucial role America’s corn growers play in our nation’s agricultural and economic value chain,” said NCGA Lead Economist Krista Swanson who authored the analysis. "The data show that growers remain deeply rooted in rural America where they serve as pillars of economic growth. They work to foster technological innovation, expand commercial opportunities, advance free trade, build the bioeconomy, and feed a hungry world.”   In 2023 U.S. corn farmers produced 15.3 billion bushels of corn, valued at $73.9 billion, across...

Jul 3, 2024

Author: Maddie Weber

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted the fourth annual Women and Mentors Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 27 and 28.   The program offers a network for women and their male allies, providing mentorships and creating a pipeline of female leaders for NCGA and other agricultural organizations.   Participants at the most recent event noted that they were able to grow their leadership, communication, and professional skills while networking with others who are invested in elevating women’s voices in agricultural leadership. “The Women & Mentors Program has inspired me to continue growing as a leader while supporting new and emerging leaders,” said Joan Ruskamp, a participant from Nebraska. “Most importantly, this retreat builds a growing network of women supporting one another no matter what role each of us has in agriculture.”   Participants were encouraged to “Quiet their Inner Critic” during the first session with helpful tips from Randi Braun, an author,...

Jun 28, 2024

Key Issues: TradeBiotechnology

Author: Bryan Goodman

Officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative hammered arguments made by Mexican representatives this week during oral arguments over Mexico’s ban on imports of genetically modified corn used in some food products. The ban was issued in early 2023. USTR filed a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over the issue in August of that year after the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and state corn groups spent months pushing for action. “The science overwhelmingly shows that genetically modified corn is safe for consumers and does not harm native plants,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “U.S. officials did an excellent job of making their case, and more importantly they successfully argued that the Mexican government does not have the scientific evidence to support its actions or claims.” During the hearing, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday in Mexico City, U.S. officials made several convincing arguments,...

Jun 26, 2024

Key Issues: Ethanol

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Texas Corn Producers Association (TCPA), along with other groups, filed a lawsuit today in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard for model year 2027-2032 passenger cars and light-duty trucks.   The CAFE rule mandates stringent new standards that appear designed to phase out liquid fuel-powered vehicles. Today’s filing follows two recent lawsuits led by NCGA, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Petroleum Institute and auto dealerships challenging the EPA’s light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle rulemakings.   “Once again, we have a federal agency trying to force a one-size-fits-all solution on the American consumer through the final NHTSA CAFE rule and fuel efficiency standard, which favors electric vehicles,” said Minnesota farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle. “Because ethanol effectively...