In The News

May 31, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Mary Quigley

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp made the following statement in response to tweets from President Trump announcing tariffs on all Mexican imports beginning June 10, in an effort to stop illegal immigration.   “NCGA strongly urges the President to rethink applying new tariffs to Mexican goods and to reconsider using tariffs to address non-trade issues. Mexico is the top customer for U.S. corn. Corn farmers want to continue working with the Administration and Congress to ratify the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and pursue new trade agreements. The recent deal to lift steel and aluminum tariffs on Mexico and Canada was an important breakthrough for USCMA but new tariffs threaten to reverse that progress. Amid a perfect storm of challenges in farm country, we cannot afford the uncertainty this action would bring.”   Mexico was the top market for U.S. corn in 2017/2018, with corn and corn product exports valued at $3.3 billion. Corn exports to...

May 31, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today celebrated the Trump Administration completing actions to allow for year-round sales of 15 percent ethanol blends or E15.   “Corn farmers have been long-time advocates of higher blends of ethanol such as E15, touting its benefits to both the farmer and the consumer,” NCGA President Lynn Chrisp said. “Farmers are facing some tough times which makes this announcement particularly welcome. We thank President Trump for following through on his promise to rural America and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and supporters in Congress for their outspoken commitment to year-round E15.” The final rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) eliminates the outdated barrier that required retailers in many areas of the country to stop selling E15 during the summer months by allowing E15 to receive the same summer volatility adjustment EPA permits for E10.   Higher blends of renewable fuels such as E15 reduce fuel prices for drivers by...

May 30, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

This week, the National Corn Growers Association continued its ninth 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.   Field Notes caught up with Jim Raben, who farms in southern Illinois, earlier this week. Persistent wet weather has hindered planting progress and will potentially have ramifications that last through harvest.   “In southern Illinois, planting is really far behind schedule. We are wet, like everyone else,” said Raben. “We couldn’t get into the fields to plant for the last few days because of how wet it is, and we expect more thunderstorms today.”   To listen to the full interview, including how these conditions may impact farmers’ decisions in many parts of the Corn Belt, click...

May 30, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Former Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran, who chaired the Senate Agriculture and Senate Appropriations Committees during his 45 years in Congress, passed away Thursday. He was 81 years old.   Cochran was an outspoken advocate for Mississippi’s farmers, using his leadership roles to guide disaster assistance and economic development funds to the state.   Cochran was first elected to Mississippi’s Fourth Congressional District in 1972. He was elected to the Senate in 1978 before retiring during his seventh term in 2018. Cochran chaired the Senate Agriculture Committee from 2003-2004 and was Ranking Member from 2013-2014, serving as a key player in the writing of the 2014 Farm Bill. He was Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee from 2005-2006 and, again, from 2015-2016.   NCGA CEO Jon Doggett expressed the organization’s appreciation for Cochran’s contributions to agriculture and condolences to his loved ones.

May 30, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Are you dreaming of getting away this summer? Members of the National Corn Growers Association can save on travel by using exclusive discounts. Through partnerships with Association Motor Club Marketing, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Cabela’s and the Worldwide Hotel Discount Program, NCGA offers members valuable savings on emergency service, car rentals, outdoor adventure gear and hotel bookings whether they travel across the country or even too many locations around the world.   “NCGA works hard to increase opportunities for farmers in the marketplace, but we also strive to offer a wide array of benefits to our members,” said NCGA Engaging Members Committee Chair Brandon Hunnicutt. “Summer vacations often build memories that last a lifetime, and we want to provide discounts that make these magical moments more affordable.”   Members taking their own vehicles on the road this summer can save with the new Association Motor Club Marketing benefit. AMCM is a roadside service provider...

May 29, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Mary Quigley

The Fuels Institute FUELS2019 conference in Dallas provided attendees with the opportunity to take a deep dive into topics around internal combustion engines, the future of retail, biofuels and more. FUELS2019 explored the market through a series of panel discussions and presentations that evaluated the pressures from the environment, government regulations and consumer behavior.   “This was a great opportunity to build new relationships, especially with the members of the retail community,” said Director of Renewable Fuels Mark Palmer. “Gaining insights from the various sectors represented at the conference helps us better understand the challenges and opportunities we have for getting more ethanol into the marketplace.”   There were roughly 150 participants in attendance from all aspects of the liquid transportation industry including retailers, refiners, auto manufacturers, ethanol producers and RIN traders.   NCGA was a sponsor of the event, providing participants with...

May 28, 2019

Key Issues: TradeAnimal Agriculture

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

The U.S. Meat Export Federation held their annual Spring Conference last week in Kansas City. Staff and members from the National Corn Growers Association and state corn associations were present. The conference featured updates on the positive growth of red meat exports and included presentations on U.S. trade related challenges and opportunities, an update from United States Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, country and region-specific marketing efforts and the global impact of African Swine Fever (ASF).   “There were a number of items on the trade front discussed at the meeting, including Japan’s lifting of longstanding restrictions on U.S. beef exports,” said Director of Market Development Sarah McKay. “That equates to $23 million in incremental value to corn growers in the U.S. Updates from other markets included, Mexico removing retaliatory duties on U.S. pork and Canada eliminating a 10 percent duty on...

May 23, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today welcomed the Trump Administration’s announcement of up to $16 billion in assistance to help farmers to make up for potential agriculture losses due, in part, to the most recent tariff increases and prolonged trade dispute with China.   “Farmers across the country are struggling. Wet spring weather, trade disputes and tariffs and demand destruction in the ethanol market are forcing farmers to make difficult decisions. We appreciate the Administration’s recognition of these challenges and support for America’s farmers,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp who joined President Trump for the White House announcement.   Following President Trump’s announcement that the Administration would be pursuing a second round of trade aid, NCGA put forward recommendations that would provide both short-term assistance and support market access for farmers.   NCGA called on USDA to update the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) to factor market...

May 23, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today applauded legislation introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Representative Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. The Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act of 2019 would set a deadline for refineries to apply for Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers and bring much-needed transparency to the waiver process.   Within the past year, EPA has granted 54 exemptions to refineries, waiving 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuel blending under the RFS. EPA has another 39 waiver petitions pending, with decisions from EPA expected in the coming weeks.   Currently, most refineries do not apply for a waiver until after EPA sets the RFS volumes for the coming year. This new legislation would set a June deadline for refineries to apply for RFS exemptions, allowing ample time for the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine exemptions before the annual...

May 23, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Farmers have a love-hate relationship with the weather because of how quickly and dramatically it can affect planting, plant development, pest management and harvesting. Droughts can be devastating but too much water can also be a huge problem as witnessed this spring.   Planting delays across farm country due to rain have been getting a lot of headlines but for crops already in the ground issues also abound. Wet weather is an important factor to consider when making herbicide applications related to timeliness of applications as well as getting the best product performance.   Fortunately, there are ways you can manage your herbicide use while factoring in the impact of weather on herbicide efficacy and NCGA is encouraging farmers to use the resources available on the Take Action website.   Wet conditions also mean higher risks of diseases in corn so careful management of fungicides to make sure they are effective is another priority.   You can learn more are the Take...

May 22, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Corn is wind pollinated and does not benefit from insect pollination so why the heck do corn farmers care about bees?   Well, few farmers grow only one crop and bees play a critical role in 80 percent of flowering crops. Even bigger picture, bees are a critical part of thriving ecosystems, including those found across the Corn Belt.   That’s why more and more farmers are keeping pollinators in mind as they manage their fields each year and make longer term plans for their operation, according to Nicole Hasheider, NCGA’s director of biotechnology and crop inputs. NCGA is doing its part to help by partnering with the Honey Bee Health Coalition and through the introduction of a new resource on pollinator protection.   Bees can cover up to 3,200 acres as they travel looking for nectar and pollen, which means the odds are high they are eventually going to end up hanging out in a cornfield. Corn pollen, while of low nutritional value to honey bees, can still be an important component...

May 22, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Farm Credit Administration Chairman Dallas Tonsager passed away Tuesday after a battle with lymphoma. Tonsager was a long-time champion of agriculture and rural America.   “Dallas was a good and honest man who worked hard on behalf of farmers and ranchers,” NCGA CEO Jon Doggett said. “He never lost touch with his rural roots and used his leadership positions to advocate for rural communities.”   Tonsager served as undersecretary for rural development at USDA from 2009 to 2013, overseeing an expansion of rural broadband development and increased funding for first- and second-generation biofuels, among other initiatives.   Tonsager grew up on a South Dakota dairy farm and served as South Dakota Farmers Union President and USDA state director for rural development. He was also a founding member of Rural Americans for Obama, served on the board of National Farmers Union Insurance, was a member of the CFTC advisory board, and executive director of the South Dakota Value-Added...

May 21, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Mary Quigley

NCGA continues to celebrate World Trade Month and Friday’s announcement that the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs on Mexico and Canada had been lifted was a major positive step for passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Lawmakers on Capitol Hill frequently cited this tariff as a roadblock for the bill.   USMCA would update the existing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to further solidify the U.S. trading relationship with Canada and Mexico, two of the largest markets for U.S. corn. Passing this agreement would help farmers in the frontlines of the economy. Exports to Mexico and Canada produced $4.1 billion in economic activity, supporting 25,000 jobs and 300,000 farms in 2016.   U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue stated on Friday: “Today’s announcement is a big win for American agriculture and the economy as a whole. I thank President Trump for negotiating a great deal and for negotiating the removal of these tariffs. Canada and Mexico are...

May 20, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Mary Quigley

As the spring moves along, the National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers to register early for NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest and save big on entry fees. Until June 30, fees will be reduced to $75. NCGA reminds growers that a small-time investment now saves money later this summer.   To enter today using the online form, click here.    Entry will remain open at the full rate of $110 through July 31. All harvest forms will be due by November 15. Contest winners will be announced on December 16.   Click here for more information on the NCGA National Corn Yield Contest.

May 17, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today provided the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with recommendations outlining both short and long-term actions that would provide assistance to farmers facing losses due, in part, to the most recent tariff increases and prolonged trade dispute with China.   NCGA analysis, capturing corn market impacts from May 2018 to April 2019, showed an average price loss of $0.20/bushel. In March and April of 2019, as trade talks with China lagged on, that loss widened again to closer to $0.40/bushel.   Given these losses, NCGA is urging USDA to improve upon last year’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP) which set the payment rate for corn at just one cent per bushel, to make sure that assistance more equitably compensates farmers for market losses. Beyond USDA, NCGA is also urging the Administration to address demand destruction caused by the EPA’s small refinery exemptions to oil refiners, among other actions.   NCGA members have...

May 17, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

Leaders from the United States, Mexico and Canada today announced that a deal has been reached to lift the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs.   Lawmakers on Capitol Hill frequently cited the tariffs as a roadblock to passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley leading the charge. NCGA appreciates lawmakers’ support for USMCA, along with the Administration’s willingness to hear from agriculture and work to resolve the industry’s concerns.   Mexico and Canada are the U.S. corn industry’s largest, most reliable market. In 2016 alone, more than 17.3 million metric tons of corn and corn co-products were exported to Mexico and Canada, valued at $3.2 billion.   USMCA secures and builds upon this important partnership, which is why ratifying USMCA is NCGA’s top legislative priority for 2019.   Tell Congress to Pass USMCA!

May 17, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

This week, the National Corn Growers Association continued its ninth 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.   Earlier this week, Field Notes caught up with Lowell Neitzel, who farms near Lawrence, Kansas. Cold, wet weather has hampered planting progress and could potentially impact the crop he will harvest this fall.   “We are about 300 acres away from completing corn planting. Usually, by this time, we would be done and pretty heavily into soybean planting,” said Neitzel. “We have gotten two rounds of rain that both lasted multiple days, and everything is saturated almost beyond belief. And, we were already way behind.   “We didn’t get started planting until the 15th or 16th of April. Mother...

May 16, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

Nebraska Program Benefits Both Interns and NCGA   With the generous support of the Nebraska Corn Board, college students from the Cornhusker State are joining the National Corn Growers Association as interns this summer to learn more about the industry.    NCGA is hosting two of the interns sponsored by Nebraska. Alyssa Jones is majoring in communication studies and political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). She is interning with the NCGA office in Washington, D.C. Emily Keiser is interning with the NCGA office in St. Louis, Missouri. Keiser is majoring in agricultural education, communication and leadership at South Dakota State University.   “I applied for this internship because I wanted to expand my knowledge of the production side of the agricultural industry and focus on policy issues,” said Keiser. “I also appreciated the action NCGA takes to inform members and consumers about the current changes and actions of the industry that shape the industry...

May 15, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Beth Musgrove

We need your help. Friday’s announcement that the Trump Administration is increasing the tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, and China’s retaliatory tariffs, could not have come at a worse time for corn farmers, bringing more uncertainty to markets and impacting commodity prices.   In an effort to ease this impact, the Administration is now pursuing a second round of trade assistance for agriculture with the intent of making an announcement in the next few days. As you’ll recall, the previous Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payment rate for corn farmers was just one cent per bushel.   Please tell the president that a penny didn’t cut it then and won’t cut it now.   On top of trade disputes and tariffs, EPA granting RFS waivers to oil refiners, devastating weather conditions, farm incomes on a downward trend, and crumbling infrastructure have all created a perfect storm for agriculture.   Tell the President that one penny won’t provide the market certainty that...

May 14, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Mary Quigley

Friday’s announcement that the Trump Administration was moving forward to increase the tariff rate from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods could not have come at a worse time for corn farmers.   As NCGA President Lynn Chrisp noted, “Corn farmers are watching commodity prices decline amid ongoing tariff threats, even while many can’t get to spring planting because of wet weather.” This spring’s heavy rains have impacted farmers across the country, with the most recent WASDE report showing that only 30 percent of the corn crop has been planted, half the five year average of 66 percent.   Trade disputes and tariffs, devastating weather conditions, stagnant farm incomes, crumbling infrastructures and EPA waivers to oil refiners have all combined to create a perfect storm for agriculture.   Times are tough for farmers. More tariffs won’t help, neither will another penny per bushel trade assistance payment. Simply put, farmers need a win and they need...

May 10, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

This week, the National Corn Growers Association continued its ninth 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.   Field Notes caught up with Lindsey Bowers, a farmer and grain merchandiser from southeastern Texas. In her area, some of the crop has reached tasseling despite difficult planting conditions.   “In our area, it is hit or miss. We have some corn that, honestly, looks great, and we have some corn where we saw uneven emergence with stands that I am unsure will be able to fully recover,” said Bowers. “Areas like those can take some substantial yield hits.   “Additionally, in our local area, corn acres are down about 15 to 20 percent. There wasn’t time to work the ground. Most of the acres here...

May 10, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

U.S. corn farmers are forecast to reach record total corn supplies according to U.S. Department of Agriculture reports released today. Higher forecasted production outpacing forecasted demand growth resulted in lower average farm price projection of $3.30 per bushel for the 2019/20 market year.    This report, the first forecasting overall U.S. corn supply and demand for the next marketing year, projected higher production than the year prior, with a projected increase of 3.7 million planted acres. The yield, projected to 176 bushels per acre, is based on a weather-adjust trend assuming that both planting progress and summer weather remain normal in comparison with that seen over the prior thirty years. If realized, it would be the third-highest yield on record. Beginning stocks are projected lower than the prior year, yet the total corn supply is forecast to set a new record high at 17.2 billion bushels.   Total corn use is projected to rise slightly in 2019/20, despite lower...

May 10, 2019

Author: Julie Busse

Today, the U.S. Trade Representative moved forward with increasing the tariff rate from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Farmers across the country are extremely concerned by the actions taken today by President Trump and his Administration. The National Association of Wheat Growers, the American Soybean Association, and the National Corn Growers Association were expecting a deal by March 1 before farmers went back into the fields but today saw an escalation of the trade war instead. The three commodities represent around 171 million of acres of farmland in the United States.    “U.S. wheat growers are facing tough times right now, and these additional tariffs will continue to put a strain on our export markets and threaten many decades worth of market development,” stated NAWG President and Texas wheat farmer Ben Scholz. “Further, members from both sides of the aisle and Chambers have reservations about the Section 232 tariffs in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada...

May 9, 2019

Key Issues: BiotechnologyProduction

Author: Mary Quigley

  The National Corn Growers Association welcomes Nicole Hasheider, who joins the organization this week as director of biotechnology and crop inputs in the St. Louis office. Hasheider brings a wealth of experience on farm production issues, stewardship and program management to the NCGA team. In this new position, she will provide key support to NCGA’s sustainability initiatives.   “Nicole’s previous experience working on behalf of farmer-led commodity groups like the United Soybean Board and NCGA makes her uniquely suited for this position. She brings a well-developed skill set which will allow her to make immediate contributions to our sustainability efforts,” said NCGA’s Vice President of Production and Sustainability Nathan Fields.  “We look forward to seeing how her perspective and understanding of our industry can provide strategic guidance on our staff and within the grower community.”   Hasheider most recently worked as an account director with Osborn Barr where she...

May 9, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

Tracy Rose has joined The Soil Health Partnership and will serve as a program specialist. In this role, Tracy will support the SHP team, especially the National team, on scheduling, coordination and connecting with external partners.  Rose is also the main support for Executive Director Shefali Mehta and Lead Scientist Maria Bowman.   “As our organization continues to grow, we knew it was important to have someone coordinate SHP’s comprehensive logistics. We are excited to gain Tracy’s wealth of experience and expertise,” said SHP Executive Director Shefali Mehta.    Rose previously worked as an executive assistant for eight years in the financial industry.   A St. Louis native, Tracy has two grown children and four well-loved dogs.

May 8, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

A bipartisan coalition of 35 members of the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, and Adrian Smith, R-Neb., today called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler to end the practice of granting small refinery exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for large or unqualified refiners.  The EPA has approved 54 SRE petitions totaling 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuels in the past year and a half; EPA currently has 40 more refinery waiver petitions pending.   “This unprecedented rate of granting waivers is a betrayal of our rural communities, detrimental to our energy security, and threatens our entire agricultural sector at a time of declining incomes and rising debts for our producers. EPA must halt this process and reallocate waived gallons as the law intends,” the lawmakers wrote.   Read the letter sent to the EPA.   NCGA thanks Representatives Axne and Smith and the 33 House members who...

May 8, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

The National Pork Board has been closely monitoring the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in China and other countries around the world. To date, ASF is not in the United States. The pork board has put together several resources that producers can utilize in preparation of a foreign animal disease, which you can find on their website.   The pork board also implemented a pork crisis alert text service, which you can sign up by texting PorkCrisis to 97296.   Some key facts about African Swine Fever from the National Pork Board include:   Pork is safe to eat. African swine fever is not in the United States. U.S. pigs are not affected by the African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in other countries, to date.   ASF does not affect humans and therefore is not a public health threat according to USDA. As with any food product, you should always follow safe handling and cooking instructions to protect your family’s health.   African swine fever is a viral disease impacting only...

May 7, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Mary Quigley

A new study shows access to international export markets for U.S. grains supported nearly $38 billion in business sales in the U.S. economy during 2016 beyond the value of the products themselves.   The analysis commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) found a total economic impact of U.S. grains exports of $55 billion that year, supporting 271,000 jobs directly or indirectly. These sales supported U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) by $19 billion over what would have occurred without such exports.   The analysis dives deep into the benefits to farmers, rural communities and the nation as a whole derived from overseas sales driven by strong trade policy and robust in-country market development for grains and grains products.   “Every sale counts for farmers, especially in this market, and this analysis shows just how much the grain sector is supported by regular and growing purchases from our overseas customers,” said Jim...

May 6, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Today is opening day, not for baseball, but for the National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC).  Baseball and growing record corn yields may have little in common on the surface, but both feature intense competition, months of preparation and good old-fashioned hard work.   Farmers have from today, May 6, through Sunday, July 31, 2019, to enter. This year marks the 55thyear for the contest that began with 20 entries from four states. Last year 7,258 entries from 46 states made NCYC the premier event of its kind in the nation.   “NCGA wants to challenge you to take advantage of this opportunity to explore new ideas and production techniques while gleaning knowledge to enhance your future yield potential,” said Linda Lambur, NCYC manager. “It’s not just about big yields but promoting innovative production methods and sharpening management skills. It’s about being more precise in how we grow each bushel of corn and that ultimately will make corn...

May 3, 2019

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

This week, the National Corn Growers Association continued its ninth 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.   Field Notes caught up with Jim Raben, who farms in southern Illinois, this week. While he has already begun corn planting, he has not made the progress normally expected due to extremely wet conditions.   “The weather is wet, wet, wet,” said Raben. “’We have had rain all the way through the spring. I planned on planting more this morning, but we have had rain again. We expect another 2- to 2 1/2- inches of rain just today.” To listen to the full interview, including how both weather and economic considerations impact planting decisions, click here.   Stay tuned over the coming weeks as...

May 2, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

More than 3,000 people from 38 countries were in attendance at the Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri this week. This is the pet food industry’s largest event, with exhibitors and attendees from various backgrounds including research and development, technology and packaging providers, ingredient suppliers and retailers. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Kansas Corn Growers Association had a booth at the event to interact with these stakeholders.   “This was an opportunity for us to discuss the benefits of corn in pet food as well as engage with current customers and potential future partners,” said NCGA Director of Market Development Sarah McKay. “We were able to showcase how corn can be used in treat form and talk about how corn is a key factor in digestibility, the value-added attributes of corn in pet food and the nutritional and energy value of corn to pets.”   While at the event, NCGA debuted its new corn in pet food materials, including technical...

May 1, 2019

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

May is World Trade Month and NCGA is using the occasion to highlight the importance of trade for future profitability and global food security. NCGA has a deeply-rooted policy of working to eliminate barriers to trade, supporting market development and promoting a transportation infrastructure that moves grain efficiently.   Exports of grains in all forms provide critical support across the economy, offering billions in direct and indirect economic benefits to farmers and rural communities. Exports of corn in all forms support 33 percent of corn farmer incomes.   In the 2016/2017 crop marketing year, the United States exported nearly 120 million metric tons of feed grains in all forms (GIAF), translating into roughly 4.75 billion bushels or a third of U.S. production. Feed grains in all forms include corn, barley and sorghum and products made with them as inputs including the corn equivalent of co-products like ethanol, DDGS and corn gluten feed/meal as well as beef, pork and...