In The News

Aug 30, 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.   This week, Field Notes caught up with Jim Raben, who farms in southern Illinois. While the crop continues to mature, the yields and overall quality of corn and soybeans in his area seem to have been impacted by this year’s difficult growing conditions.   “In southeastern Illinois, crops are maturing for the most part,” said Raben. “We did have some soybeans harvested in the area last week. The yields were 25 to 30 bushels less per acre than what they saw last year.”   To listen to the full interview, click here.   Stay tuned over the coming weeks as Field Notes follows the growers who...

Aug 30, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

The National Corn Growers Association today submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed 2020 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).   While NCGA appreciates EPA’s 15 billion gallon proposal for conventional biofuel, these proposed volumes are meaningless by failing to account for issued refinery waivers, which EPA significantly expanded during this Administration.   “NCGA has no confidence in the volumes EPA proposes for 2020. These refinery waivers have significantly outpaced annual increases in RFS volume requirements, taking RFS volume requirements backward,” NCGA President Lynn Chrisp wrote in the organization’s comments to EPA.   President Trump’s actions on ethanol have cost 2,700 rural jobs and impacted demand for more than 300 million bushels of corn as a result of ethanol plant closures and slowing production. Since 2018, the 85 RFS exemptions granted to big oil refineries have totaled 4.04...

Aug 29, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

Three weeks ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stunned the corn industry with news it approved 31 additional small refinery exemptions for big oil companies. Today, NCGA President Lynn Chrisp sent a letter to President Trump encouraging him to step in and help out corn farmers that have been affected by this mistake.   The body of this letter is provided below:   Dear President Trump:   Three weeks ago, your Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved 31 additional refinery exemptions to big oil companies. This news sent shockwaves through the corn industry and put us back on our heels.   Days after the 31 exemptions were announced, the nation’s largest ethanol producer, POET, idled production at an ethanol plant in Indiana. This action came after they already reduced production at half their facilities, with the largest drop taking place in Iowa and Ohio. Just yesterday, Corn Plus, a farmer-owned ethanol plant in Minnesota that has been in business for over...

Aug 29, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

It’s no surprise that trade and ethanol were top-of-mind, driving the conversations with farmers, media and industry partners at this year’s Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. The National Corn Growers Association officer team engaged in a number of conversations around these topics, talking about the importance of growing corn demand.   “One of the primary questions we were getting asked at the show was what is happening in regard to the small refinery exemptions,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp. “We are in a situation where we are putting some importance on the fact that the gallons need to be reallocated and they need to be reallocated to 2020, not 2021. Farmers can’t wait another year and President Trump needs to act to restore lost ethanol gallons starting this year.”   NCGA First Vice President Kevin Ross had the opportunity to briefly discuss the reallocation of gallons with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “I told the Secretary that we absolutely could not...

Aug 28, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Mary Quigley

NCGA is sponsoring a meeting this week attended by more than 400 plant breeders from industry and academia. The group, which will play a key role in the future of new corn varieties, are gathered at the 2019 National Association of Plant Breeders Annual Meeting in Pine Mountain, Georgia, to discuss cutting-edge research advances important to the breeding community.   While corn is just one of many crops represented at the meeting, the common language and goals of plant breeding mean that advances in other crops can be shared and provide benefits broadly. The meeting includes updates from USDA programs, field and facility tours at University of Georgia campus, and many opportunities for students and early career faculty to develop professional networks. NCGA is proud to be among the sponsors of the NAPB meeting.   "Events like these provide invaluable opportunities to share our perspective with those developing the next generation of varieties our growers need to continue...

Aug 27, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Mary Quigley

Anna Teeter is SHP’s newest team member, joining as a Field Manager covering Minnesota. Anna most recently received her master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from the Department of Soil Science. Her thesis evaluated preserving nitrogen from fall-applied dairy manure using nitrapyrin, a nitrification inhibitor, in combination with spring wheat as a fall cover crop.    “Anna is a great addition to the SHP Field Manager team. Her extensive experience working with diverse farming operations will bring a great perspective to Minnesota farmers,” commented SHP Field Team Director, Jack Cornell. Anna received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison double majoring in Agronomy and Life Science Communication. Throughout her undergrad, Anna worked with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Forage Extension Specialist and gained experience working with a diverse group of farming operations. Additionally, Anna served as a Crop Scout at Tilth...

Aug 26, 2019

Key Issues: TradeFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

The National Corn Growers Association today welcomed the announcement that the United States and Japan have reached an agreement in principle that sets the stage for increased market access for American agriculture products in Japan.   “This is very encouraging news,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp. “Japan is the second-largest purchaser of U.S. corn and has been an important, longstanding trading partner with America’s corn farmers. We hope the next stage of negotiations are successful in enhancing rules of trade and building on this strong relationship.”   Chrisp said NCGA is continuing conversations with the Trump Administration to learn more details on what specifically Sunday’s announcement will mean for America’s corn farmers.   The U.S.-Japan announcement follows recent Administrative actions that have added to growing economic concerns across rural America. On Friday, the Chinese government announced it would levy an additional ten percent tariff on U.S. products,...

Aug 26, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

This Women’s Equality Day, the National Corn Growers Association invites those on and off the farm alike to consider the important role women have and continue to play in agriculture. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 36 percent of all producers are now female, with 56 percent of farms having at least one female decision-maker.   Many of these women are also playing a key role in conversations in food and farming through their work in programs such as CommonGround. For more than eight years, CommonGround volunteers have served as resources for consumers who have questions about how their food is grown.   Sharing their personal stories, the volunteers who make up this grassroots movement foster conversations, based in shared values, that help moms off the farm discover that they can feel good about the food they feed their families. America’s farm families provide an amazing array of options but, with so many competing claims, honest questions are understandable. By...

Aug 23, 2019

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

President Trump today signed the Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2336). The legislation, supported by NCGA, aims to ease bankruptcy rules for farmers by raising the limit for farms to qualify for reorganizing their debts under agriculture bankruptcy law.   “Farmers are facing a perfect storm of challenges, be it uncertainty surrounding trade and tariffs or disruptions in the ethanol market. Amid these challenges they need access to all available tools which the Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 will ensure they have. This benefits not just the farmer, but their rural communities. This bill raises the Chapter 12 operating debt cap to $10 million, giving more farmers facing difficult financial decisions the opportunity to survive another day,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp.

Aug 23, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

A group of 20 Congressional staffers received updates from farmers, Illinois Corn Growers Association staff and NCGA staffers this week as part of the St. Louis Agribusiness Club’s Congressional Tour. NCGA Manager of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs Sarah Doese and NCGA’s Biotechnology and Crop Input Director Nicole Hasheider, joined the group on visits to numerous ag-related sites.   The tour, which happens every other year, give the Washington, DC Congressional staff a boots-on-the-ground look at farming and gain a better understanding of the industry and current key issues.   The tour included stops at a lock and dam facility on the Mississippi River, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, and multiple row crop and livestock farms in the area.   Tour participants heard about the benefits of ethanol and the importance of the biofuel to the farm economy. The group also engaged in conversations on the importance of trade and heard encouragement to pass the USMCA...

Aug 23, 2019

Key Issues: TradeFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp today made the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) release of its methodology to determine commodity payment rates for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). The payment rate for corn is $0.14 per bushel.   “NCGA welcomes USDA’s transparency in this process. Corn farmers were understandably disappointed by the one cent per bushel for corn in the first MFP program and we appreciate that it appears USDA considered our recommendations in developing MFP 2.0. Amid farmers’ concern over crop conditions, trade disputes and tariffs, and demand destruction in the ethanol market, this program will not make any farmer whole. NCGA continues to strongly advocate for the Administration to open markets and provide more certainty for corn farmers, including addressing the harm caused by RFS waivers and resolving trade disputes and tariffs.”   NCGA analysis showed an average price loss for corn of 20...

Aug 22, 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.   This week, Field Notes caught up with Lowell Neitzel, who farms near Lawrence, Kansas. The USDA Crop Progress report earlier in the week indicated crop progress in Kansas was closer to the five-year average than that in many other states. Looking at his fields, Neitzel does see progress delays.   “We are probably about two to three weeks behind where we normally would be at this time,” said Neitzel. “In terms of quality, I think this crop is going to be average to maybe just a pinch above average.”   To listen to the full interview, click here.   Stay tuned over the coming weeks as Field...

Aug 22, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

The impact of the Trump Administration’s recent granting of 31 refinery waivers to big oil is quickly being felt across the countryside, compounding farmer’s concerns about crop conditions, markets, and trade.   In the last 12 months, 15 ethanol plants have been shuttered or idled, including POET’s Cloverdale facility which specifically cited the most recent waivers as the cause. Given this reduced demand, it is likely more closings will follow.   Recent press reports indicate the President is, rightly, rethinking this action and NCGA is continuing to work with members of his administration and ethanol advocates in Congress. This includes sharing solutions that would significantly boost corn demand.   President Trump’s actions on ethanol have cost 2,700 rural jobs and lost demand for more than 300 million bushels of corn as a result of the ethanol plant closures and slowing production. Since 2018, the 85 RFS exemptions granted to big oil refineries have totaled 4.04 billion...

Aug 22, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Mary Quigley

NCGA Stewardship and Sustainability Director Rachel Orf is in central Iowa this week attending the 2019 Conservation Technology Information Center Conservation in Action Tour. Attendees are examining a wide range of edge-of-field systems, in-field solutions, and management practices on the farm and at those being adopted by retailers.   “The theme of the 12th annual Conservation in Action Tour, Conservation at The Leading Edge, is reflected in how farmers hosting tour stops are literally at the leading edge of conservation practices,” Orf said. “Healthy soil and clean water are incredibly valuable assets for farmers living - and making a living - from the land as well as society at large.”   Yesterday the group got to see a bioreactor in the process of being constructed. In agricultural applications, bioreactors are vessels/trenches filled with woodchips that literally contain water briefly allowing bacteria to filter and clean the water from the farm field. They are...

Aug 20, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

Corn farmers have until August 30 to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging the agency to keep the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) whole. Farmer comments are critically important following EPA’s recent announcement of waivers to big oil.   EPA’s annual RFS volume proposal seeks to increase total renewable fuel blending by 120 million gallons and maintain an implied conventional ethanol requirement of 15 billion gallons. But these volumes are meaningless amid EPA's expansion of retroactive RFS waivers for refineries, which now total 4.04 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons.    EPA’s proposal fails to account for projected waivers and ignores a 2017 court decision that EPA improperly cut 500 million gallons of renewable fuels blending in 2016. Tell EPA the agency must account for waived gallons in the volume rule in order to keep the RFS whole. 

Aug 19, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Beth Musgrove

The American Coalition for Ethanol Annual Conference What It Takes looked at ways the industry can grow the ethanol market internationally and domestically. This was the 32nd annual ACE conference, which was held this year in Omaha, Nebraska.   ACE CEO Brian Jennings emphasized the need for “a vision of how to increase demand for ethanol and break free from the status quo.”   Jennings went on to talk about the positives of E15 being available year-round but told the crowd we have to keep fighting the EPA’s abuse of the RFS. “At ACE, we’ve come to the conclusion we can’t keep doing what we’ve been doing and hope the results get better, playing defense on the RFS and hoping trade wars subside isn’t a growth strategy. We need to turn the page, to go on offense.”   Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and U.S. Grains Council CEO & President Ryan LeGrand were featured speakers among the group. Some of the high-level trends and topics included improving carbon intensity scores of...

Aug 15, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

With harvest beginning in some states and right around the corner in others, National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers that following pesticide labels is critical right through the end of the season.   In particular, it’s important to pay close attention to preharvest interval requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure that any potential traces of the product left behind are at levels that will not cause disruptions in trade.   Every pesticide has a maximum residue level (MRL) specific to each crop for which it is labeled. MRLs are a measurement of acceptable pesticide residues, set far below toxicological safety limits, for every product treated with pesticides.   They provide a standard to help ensure that food treated with pesticides is safe for consumption and ultimately verify that farmers have used crop protection products correctly. Especially in international markets, if shipments are tested and the MRL for one or more pesticides is exceeded that...

Aug 14, 2019

Key Issues: Transportation and Infrastructure

Author: Mary Quigley

The Waterways Council, Inc. recently produced a series of videos, aimed at educating various audiences on inland waterways. The five videos focus on agriculture, labor, shippers, communities and the Army Corps of Engineers. In the agriculture video, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue kicks it off by saying “I don’t think anything is more important to agriculture than logistics and transportation. That’s ultimately how we get that product to the ultimate end customer and our waterways have been absolutely critical in that effort.”   To watch the agriculture video, click here. To learn more about and watch the other four videos, click here. In September, NCGA staff will be participating in a Mississippi Riverboat trip with the Army Corps of Engineers from Hannibal to St. Louis, to learn more about river transportation, lock and dam infrastructure and various projects the Corps is working on.   Fast Facts on River Transportation:   Corn, soybeans and wheat account...

Aug 13, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

The National Corn Yield Contest entry deadline is Thursday, August 15, 2019. To participate and receive recognition for your yield, enter online.   All harvest entries will be due by November 15. Contest winners will be announced on December 16. For access to additional contest information and a detailed list of the entry and harvest rules, click here.   Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2020 in San Antonio, Texas.   Contact the direct call line at 636-733-5512 or email ncyc@ncga.com with any questions.

Aug 12, 2019

Key Issues: Production

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

American farmers planted two percent fewer corn acres than forecast in June estimate but still exceeded 2018 acres planted by one percent, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture reports released today. The report indicates a 1.7 million-acre net decrease from the Acreage report released in June. At the same time, today’s reports show a 3.5 bushel per acre increase to national average yield projections from last month, with 169.5 bushels per acre now forecast. With increased yield projections more than offsetting decreased planted acres, total production for 2019/20 is now projected to reach 13.9 billion bushels.   Yield projections, notably, reflect the season’s first survey-based yield forecast.   Ending stocks are forecast up by 171 million bushels to 2.2 billion given reductions to the projected demand for corn from the ethanol and export sectors, along with increased production projections. The season-average corn price received by producers lowered by 10 cents to...

Aug 9, 2019

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Julie Busse

NCGA President Lynn Chrisp made the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved 31 refinery exemptions. Since early 2018, EPA has undermined the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and granted 53 RFS waivers to big oil companies, totaling 2.61 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuel.   “Waivers reduce demand for ethanol, lower the value of our crop and undermine the President’s support for America’s farmers. Waivers benefit big oil at the expense of corn farmers who, between losing export markets abroad and ethanol markets at home, are losing patience.   “Mr. President, you proudly stand with farmers, but your EPA isn’t following through. You can step up for farmers today by reining in RFS waivers. Farmers expect the RFS to be kept whole by accounting for waived gallons and bringing more transparency to EPA’s secret process.   “Farmers are facing a sixth consecutive year of depressed income and commodity prices, with farm income for...

Aug 9, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

Fifteen growers from nine states - Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas, South Dakota and Wisconsin took part in NCGA’s Leadership Academy program in St. Louis this week.   The NCGA Leadership Academy is designed to prepare state corn leaders to lead their respective state grower associations and checkoff boards.  This year’s program included training on the following: transformational leadership, consensus building, forecasting and anticipating future challenges, parliamentary procedure, and building trust with consumers through traditional and social media. The group visited the NCGA office to meet and build a relationship with staff who lead national programs.  NCGA’s CEO, Jon Doggett, Board President, Lynn Chrisp and in-coming First Vice-President John Linder were on hand to interact with the participants.   Leading the conversation on building trust was the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). CFI is a not-for-profit organization whose members and partners...

Aug 8, 2019

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Mary Quigley

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp and American Soybean Association (ASA) President Davie Stephens have written the below opinion piece urging President Trump to uphold his commitment to America’s farmers and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).   President Trump, Uphold Your Commitment to the RFS American farmers have a strong history of innovation. Whether that be the seeds that we plant or the tractors that we drive, we are always looking for ways to do better and increase market opportunities for our products.   Home-grown renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel, are far and away our biggest success story. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has reduced our dependence on foreign oil, lowered fuel prices at the pump, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and added value by increasing demand for the corn and soybeans our farmers produce.   Recently, President Trump took a significant step forward for renewable fuels, instructing the Environmental...

Aug 8, 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.   Field Notes checked in with Lindsey Bowers, a farmer and grain merchandiser from southeastern Texas. Further along in terms of crop development than her counterparts further north, she has already begun harvesting this year’s crop.   “Harvest is coming along quite nicely. Fortunately or unfortunately, we had had quite a bit of dry weather. So, we have made quite a bit of progress,” said Bowers. “We are about 95 percent complete on harvesting milo and about 65 percent complete on harvesting corn.”   To listen to the full interview, click here.   Stay tuned over the coming weeks as Field...

Aug 7, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

Written by Emily Keiser     After traveling to six different states, visiting D.C. twice, and learning the true meaning of “farmers come first,” I could not be more grateful for my time with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Soil Health Partnership (SHP). Throughout the summer, I have learned the mission of NCGA, the dedication it takes to continue to move the needle through the tough times, and the importance of continuing to spread the positive message of agriculture.   With over 40,000 farmers served by NCGA nationwide, it becomes a big task to have each region represented. During my time in the national office, I have seen the true dedication to provide the voice for farmers, no matter what their geography. Learning how an issue that starts in a farmer’s field gets to Washington is a process that I have truly enjoyed getting to learn more about.   This year has not been the year most farmers would hang their hat on, with the continued trade challenges...

Aug 6, 2019

Author: Mary Quigley

The coming school year is facing families on farms and in cities alike. Members of the National Corn Growers Association can save on the supplies they need for a successful school year through the association’s partnership with Office Depot. Online and in-store, NCGA members are eligible for special discounts on the products necessary to help their families prepare for another successful school year.   The benefit offers members discounts on already low Office Depot prices and provides the flexibility to shop online and at any of their retail locations with a Store Purchasing Card. Online savings include up to 55 percent off a 260 item “best buy” list of their most popular items and 5 percent off every online item. Members can also save 10 percent off everything in Office Depot & OfficeMax retail stores with their store card.   Register by clicking here to either shop online or receive a discount card for in-store shopping.

Aug 5, 2019

Key Issues: Biotechnology

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

The National Corn Growers Association today submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the Proposed Rule regarding Movement of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms. The submission voiced support for the proposed rule while also offering several suggestions that would strengthen the final rule. The proposed rule marks the first comprehensive revision of USDA’s regulations since they were established in 1987.   Corn farmers have a strong interest in the availability of new technologies to enhance the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. Agriculture biotechnology and next generation breeding techniques allow growers to increase yields while decreasing inputs. Meeting demand, improving processes and minimizing environmental impacts are what make modern corn production a dynamic industry. The proposed rule, in large part, demonstrates an underlying agreement with the basis of NCGA’s stance and strives to create a more efficient...

Aug 2, 2019

Key Issues: Farm Policy

Author: Mary Quigley

Members of the U.S. House and Senate are returning home after adjourning for the annual August recess. This district work period provides ample opportunity for NCGA’s farmer members to engage with their representatives on issues of importance to corn farmers.   NCGA continues to advocate for passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and lawmakers are hoping to consider the new pact when they reconvene this fall. USMCA will solidify a $4.56 billion export market and provide some much-needed certainty for farmers. Ratifying USMCA will also instill confidence in other nations that the U.S. is a reliable partner and supplier, ensuring U.S. agriculture remains competitive for generations to come.   Townhall meetings, county fairs and local festivals are all opportunities for farmers to share their stories with lawmakers. Farmers can learn more about upcoming events in their area by contacting their state corn grower association.   Farmers can also send a message to...

Aug 2, 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.   Field Notes caught up with Jim Raben, who farms in southern Illinois, this morning. Like many farmers, a wet planting season continues to impact the quality and size of his crop.   “Our crop definitely doesn’t look as good as it has in years past, but we have some corn that looks halfway decent,” said Raben. “We also have other corn, that was planted later, that looks very uneven and very stressed. It will still make some sort of corn – we hope.”   To listen to the full interview, including his observations about the use of prevent plant in his area, click here.   Stay tuned over the...

Aug 1, 2019

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Mary Quigley

The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) has been fostering transformation in agriculture through improved soil health since 2014. This year, SHP celebrates its fifth anniversary and the foundational collaborations that developed the program.   SHP was founded by a diverse group of organizations with a shared vision of developing a farmer-led research network to measure the impacts of implementing soil health practices on working farms. The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Bayer, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), alongside the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), came together to see this vision through. This program was based upon work supported by the National Resources Conservation Service, U.S Department of Agriculture.   “We are proud of the collaboration led to SHP’s establishment. That collaboration has continued to grow and evolve with many partners, bringing dynamic perspectives to the table. We would not be where we are today without our founding partners sharing the...