(From left) S. Dakota Sen. John Thune, corn grower Chad Blindauer and his wife, Kristina, discussed NCGA's 2007 farm bill proposal yesterday. Blindauer took part in the NCGA Leadership program, under way in Washington, D.C.

NCGA Leaders Attend Academy, Meet With Congress (1-31-07)

Grower leaders from a dozen states complete the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Leadership Academy today in Washington, D.C.

NCGA President Ken McCauley kicked off the three-day event Monday by recounting his experiences a state and national leader. The Leadership Academy is a two-part program sponsored by the seed brands of Syngenta — Garst, Golden Harvest and NK Brand — and Syngenta Agrisure traits.

“The strength of NCGA is in its grassroots,” McCauley said. “This program helps develop skills critical to communicating our messages.”

Developing such skills, he said, is beneficial beyond Washington, D.C. “It is important to be able to express yourself to your local leaders and other growers on renewable energy, farm policy, trade and other issues important to agriculture and corn farmers.”

Capitol Hill visits with senators and congressmen highlighted the program on Tuesday. Before those meetings the leaders heard issue updates from NCGA staff, a presentation on the importance of grassroots advocacy, a panel discussion on understanding how Capitol Hill operates and the impact of the 2006 elections on the future of farm programs.

Today, attendees recapped their Hill visits, discussed emerging agriculture issues and went through the ins and outs of parliamentary procedures.

Class attendees include: Darin Anderson, Valley City, N.D.; Charlie Bartlett, Logan, Colo.; Chad Blindauer, Mitchell, S.D.; Art Bunting, Dwight, Ill.; Tom Durand, Croswell, Mich.; Tom Gillis, Roberts, Wis.; Don Glenn, Hillsboro, Ala.; Ron Gray, Claremont, Ill.; Jim Hultman, Sutton, Neb.; Brandon Hunnicutt, Giltner, Neb.; Greg Larson, Haxton, Colo.; Ben Looney, Athens, Ala.; Joe Lauer, Waunakee, Wis.; Roger Moore, Blue Earth, Minn.; Julius Schaaf, Randolph, Iowa; Matt Smith, Alexandria, Ala.; Jim Stuever, Dexter, Mo.; Billy Thiel, Marshall, Mo.; and Joe Zenz, Lancaster, Wis.