First Vice President Ken McCauley (left) and First Vice President-Elect Ron Litterer take a moment to relax during the Farm Progress Show Tuesday in Amana, Iowa. The two met with farmers, agribusiness and media.

NCGA Leaders Visit with Johanns at Farm Progress Show in Iowa (8-30-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) leaders are touring the grounds at the 53th annual Farm Progress Show in Amana, Iowa, this week to visit with fellow farmers, agribusinesses and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.

NCGA First Vice President Ken McCauley, incoming First Vice President Ron Litterer and CEO Rick Tolman are attending the event. McCauley said meeting Johanns at an event like Farm Progress Show indicates how prominent an organization like NCGA is.

“Ron Litterer and I are thrilled Secretary Johanns is taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with us today,” said McCauley. “There are more than 500 exhibitors at the Farm Progress Show, and for NCGA to be one of the few he meets with speaks volumes to NCGA being a leading organization in agriculture.”

McCauley and Litterer plan to discuss farm policy with Johanns. They also will deliver a letter to him detailing concerns with rail transportation that are affecting agriculture.

The Farm Progress Show opened on Tuesday and continues through Thursday. McCauley said the event provides farmers an opportunity to discover the latest trends in agriculture.

“It is exciting to see the innovations in American agriculture on display at the Farm Progress Show,” said McCauley. “Agribusinesses are showcasing the future of farming, and the Farm Progress Show gives producers the opportunity to discover or learn more about the upcoming advances. This show is proof that the future of agriculture is brighter than ever before.”

McCauley, Litterer and Tolman also met with several media outlets and industry representatives to discuss NCGA issues, such as the Water Resources Development Act, the food and fuel debate and farm policy.