Hartman Aims to Improve Profitability of Corn Growers, Industry (6-2-06)

If elected to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Board, Ken Hartman will work to strengthen the profitability of corn growers and improve the corn industry for all growers.

“NCGA is well positioned to find solutions for corn growers and our nation’s future,” said Hartman. “NCGA has a good reputation as a grassroots organization. One of the strengths of NCGA is that it represents members from all over the nation, not just regional areas. Our members come together for the good of all corn growers.”

Hartman and his family raise corn, soybeans, and wheat in Waterloo, Ill. The family has also raised tofu soybeans and white corn. Before 1995, the Hartmans also raised and milked Registered Holsteins.

Hartman believes he has a well-rounded background in the corn industry. He has been a member of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board for nine years and was chairman in 2004; was a member of NCGA’s Research and Business Development Action Team for three years; and is in his third year as a member of NCGA’s Biotech Working Group. Locally, he has served on Monroe County’s Economic Development Committee and currently serves on the committee that is responsible for building a new Waterloo High School. He also served on the U.S. Grains Council Biotech A-Team.

Hartman says he has always tried to be innovative and strives for ways to improve the corn industry for the future. He believes Corn Board members should be held to a higher standard and be open-minded.

Hartman believes NCGA is a well-respected association by its members, producers and politicians, and it is well-known throughout the world as an important resource of research and information. For example, he says the online tool “Know Before You Grow” has been used as a standard for what biotech crops are produced in the United States and approved in other countries.

“It is imperative to work hard to resolve river transportation issues, and I am looking forward to collaborating with other members of NCGA in working on the new farm bill,” Hartman said. “Ethanol has been a big winner in NCGA, and we should continue to promote ethanol and its byproducts to keep this industry growing.”

Delegates to NCGA’s Corn Congress July 13-14 in Washington, D.C., will vote on five new members for the Corn Board.