Jun 30, 2022
NCGA Expresses Disappointment in EPA’s Revision to Atrazine’s RegistrationKey Issues: Farm PolicyProduction
Author: Bryan Goodman
A Move that Could Restrict Access to a Critical Crop Protection Tool The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it is revising its registration for atrazine, a well-studied herbicide essential to farming. “We are disappointed by EPA’s decision,” said Iowa farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. “We can feed and fuel the world and fight climate change, but we can’t do these things without modern farming tools, and atrazine is a tool that is critical to our work.” The new labeling requirements will impose arduous new restrictions and mitigation measures on the herbicide, limiting how much of the product farmers use. The latest development marks a step backward in EPA’s commitment to transparency and the use of the best available science, Edgington said. However, he noted that EPA listened to growers’ requests and agreed to additional scientific review. Edgington said NCGA is committed to working with EPA in...
Read MoreJun 29, 2022
As NCGA Raises Alarms about Tariffs, Court of International Trade Begins Asking Tough Questions of Fertilizer CompaniesKey Issues: TradeProduction
Author: Bryan Goodman
Fertilizer companies have been under scrutiny this week as the Court of International Trade considers an appeal of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s decision to place duties on phosphorus fertilizers from Morocco and Russia. These developments come after the National Corn Growers Association has worked for months to eliminate tariffs on nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer imports. “We have been banging on the doors in Washington, sounding the alarm and telling federal officials that tariffs are hurting farmers,” said NCGA President Chris Edgington. “This week, we saw some results as a judge with the Court of International Trade began asking tough questions about the assertions made by fertilizer companies.” The appeal came after the U.S. Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission last year ruled in favor of a petition by the U.S.-based Mosaic to impose duties on phosphorous fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. Mosaic had claimed that...
Read MoreJun 28, 2022
June Plenary Introduces New Leadership and Strategic VisionKey Issues: SustainabilityResearch
Author: Stacey Stiens
Last week, Field to Market (FTM) held its June Plenary and General Assembly meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to being the first in-person plenary held since June 2019, this was the first meeting led by Field to Market’s new president, Scott Herndon, who was appointed in January of this year. The meeting kicked off with thought-provoking considerations surrounding expanding and exploring research areas. That theme continued throughout the course of the meeting as members discussed possible R & D opportunities to better understand the roles supply chain actors play in supporting the adoption and retention of practices that support sustainable outcomes from U.S. commodity crop production used for our food, feed, fiber and fuel. Wednesday afternoon’s agenda included a panel presentation focused on the GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance draft that will be released in late July. The guidance will explain how companies should account for emissions and...
Read MoreJun 28, 2022
Help Foster the Next Generation of Agriculturalists!Author: Stacey Stiens
Nourish the Future—a national education initiative developed by science teachers for science teachers—has put out the call for the next round of Teacher Leaders! This national leadership program is a year-long cohort experience especially designed for middle and high school teachers. The Teacher Leader Community (TLC) program is limited to 20 teachers, and the deadline for TLC IV application is December 1, 2022. The leadership experience begins in January 2023 with a virtual celebration and introduction to the Nourish the Future (NTF) program. NCGA believes agriculture is a vital partner in engaging students in STEM concepts in ways that directly and indirectly impact their lives. Not only does teaching ag-based curriculum in the science classroom inspire students to solve real-world science issues, but reaching students is critical to address the job gap in agriculture-related careers, many of which go unfilled. But don’t just take our word for it! Two East Coast educators...
Read MoreJun 23, 2022
Farmers Can’t Farm with One Hand Tied Behind Their Backs, NCGA Says After Ruling on FertilizersKey Issues: TradeFarm PolicyProduction
Author: Bryan Goodman
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a final determination this week, saying that urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer exported to the U.S. was subsidized and sold at less than normal value in the U.S. market during its period of investigation. While an important step in the process, the ruling will not on its own lead to the placement of duties on nitrogen fertilizers shipped into the country. The final stage in the process is expected later this summer when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes a final ruling on the matter. “Placing tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will land yet another blow to farmers, who are already dealing with a host of issues,” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “Farming is hard enough in the current environment. Farmers can’t do what they do with one hand tied behind their backs. And actions like these, pushed by fertilizer companies, will tie the hands of farmers.”...
Read MoreJun 23, 2022
This Week is Buzzing with Pollinator BMPs! (June 20 – 26, 2022)Key Issues: Pollinators
Author: Stacy Stiens
Sixteen years ago, the U.S. Senate approved the designation of a “National Pollinator Week” to help bring to light the issue of declining pollinator populations. It has now grown into a worldwide celebration of all pollinators--bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles and small mammals, just to name a few! NCGA is proud to support pollinator health awareness through initiatives like the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund, the Honeybee Health Coalition, and Farmers for Monarchs. These programs offer online tools, educational resources, and best management practices to help support pollinator habitats. By incorporating pollinator forage and creating a pollinator-friendly landscape in tandem with their croplands, growers can protect soil health, improve water quality by controlling runoff and sediment, and capture carbon in the environment. Last October, NCGA also entered into partnership with Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) to increase pollinator and wildlife...
Read MoreJun 22, 2022
Don’t Miss the NCYC Early Entry Deadline!Author: Julie Busse
Time is running out to save on entry fees for the National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC). The early registration deadline is June 30, 2022. After June 30, fees will go from $75 to $110. Registration for the contest closes on August 17, 2022. To enter today using the online form click here. The online harvest entry opens August 18, 2022, and all harvest forms will be due by November 30, 2022. Contest winners will be announced on December 14, 2022. For the 2022 Entry & Harvest Rule Book, along with information on changes this year and other resources, click here. Contact NCYC at 636-733-5512 or email ncyc@ncga.com with any questions. The contest started in 1965. Be part of its history. Be part of its legacy.
Read MoreJun 21, 2022
#CUTC22 Content is Just a Click Away!Author: Stacey Stiens
Since 1987, the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC) has convened the corn industry’s leading innovators to participate in scientific exchange and thought-provoking discussions. This year’s virtual edition—focused on New Uses and Mycotoxins—did not deviate from that formula, allowing a diverse group of researchers, farmers and other industry leaders to come together to consider the future of the industry from the varying perspectives of each stakeholder’s lens. Day one of the conference kicked off with New Uses sessions focused on topics including advancements in wet and dry milling, sustainable aviation fuel, advocacy for biotechnology and renewable products, innovative financing solutions and commercialization of renewables. The following two days, Mycotoxins were forefront, including but not limited to the prevalence of mycotoxins, advances in technology to reduce fumonisins, vomitoxin, aflatoxin and approaches for mycotoxin-contaminated corn...
Read MoreJun 17, 2022
EP. 35 - Ethanol Mythbusting: How Corn Ethanol Can Take the Edge Off Inflation for America, with Geoff CooperKey Issues: Ethanol
Author: Dusty Weis
The CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association helps Jon knock down some common misconceptions about ethanol. The rising cost of food and fuel are everywhere right now. From big headlines in the news to your own wallet, Americans are feeling the pinch of rising prices. And in the corn industry, we're still leveraging a powerful tool to help take the edge off the financial pain we all feel each week: corn ethanol. In this episode, we’re talking to Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, about how ethanol can help Americans weather this economic storm. And we’re busting some common ethanol myths that keep on turning up everywhere from policy discussions to social media. DIRECT SHARE LINK TRANSCRIPT Geoff Cooper: Consumers, the most obvious sign that they see of inflation is when they drive past a gas station and see that record pump price. We've got a good story to tell there. Ethanol reduces those gas prices. Dusty...
Read MoreJun 16, 2022
Legislation that Would Tap Ethanol to Lower Gas Prices Secures Passage in U.S. HouseKey Issues: EthanolFarm Policy
Author: Bryan Goodman
The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation today that would expand consumer access to higher biofuel blends that save consumers money at the pump and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. NCGA supports two biofuels provisions in the “Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act.” The provisions offer a permanent solution for maintaining year-round market access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend, called E15, and provide additional support for infrastructure for higher biofuels blends. NCGA also endorsed the PRECISE Act, which was included in the package. “NCGA thanks Members of Congress, including Reps. Angie Craig and Cindy Axne, for advocating for biofuels as an energy security solution,” said NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Brooke S. Appleton. “We are also appreciative of the bipartisan House members who voted in favor of this bill to keep these solutions moving forward in Congress.” Renewable fuels add billions of gallons to the nation’s fuel supply every year,...
Read MoreJun 16, 2022
Fertilizer Tariffs, Shortages Taking Toll on American Farmers and Relief is Needed, National Corn Grower Leader Tells International Trade CommissionKey Issues: TradeFarm Policy
Author: Bryan Goodman
Shortages in nitrogen fertilizers are placing an undue burden on farmers and could eventually be detrimental to the global food supply, according to testimony provided today to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Commission (ITC). The hearing comes after CF Industries filed a petition with ITC in late 2021, requesting that the commission place tariffs on urea ammonium nitrate, which is used in liquid fertilizers imported from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago. Shortages and prices have since increased exponentially. “Some farmers are electing not to use UAN at recommended rates and, therefore, sacrificing yield because of the shortages,” said Nebraska corn grower Andy Jobman, who represented the National Corn Growers Association during the hearing. “As a farmer and agronomist, I can assure you that we study the optimal rate of UAN that should be applied and are cutting back given the shortages in the market.” This is an incredibly important issue for...
Read MoreJun 16, 2022
Wolle Elected to Corn Board LeadershipAuthor: Neil Caskey
The National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board has elected Harold Wolle to become the organization's next first vice president for the new fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2022.
Wolle grows corn and soybeans on his farm in Madelia, Minnesota, with his son, Matt.
“I’m honored to serve America’s corn farmers as an NCGA officer,” said Wolle. “With all the unfinished business we have in Washington right now on ethanol, trade and farm policy, it’s a critical time for our industry. Expectations of what we need to get done are high, and October can’t get here soon enough for me. I look forward to partnering with corn farmers on all these issues we must tackle as part of the NCGA team.”
Wolle currently chairs the NCGA’s Finance Committee. Prior to that, Harold served as president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and chairman of the Watonwan Farm Service/Central Farm Service Coop Board.
You can learn more about Wolle
Jun 13, 2022
Take Action This Season with Resistance BMPsKey Issues: Production
Author: Stacey Stiens
This year marks the fifth observation of PEST (Pest Elimination Strategy & Tactics) Week—June 13 through 17—which aims to boost awareness around the United Soybean Board’s (USB) Take Action program. Mid-season is a crucial time of year for pests, and the program website offers tools and resources to help combat resistance against weeds, diseases and insects. This year, Take Action will be hosting a one-hour live-stream event on Thursday, June 16, at 9 a.m. CT. Experts and farmers from around the country will discuss pest BMPs. Visit PEST Week LIVE to register. Check out some of the following tools as you continue to plan and implement your management strategies for this season and beyond: Bt Refuge Lookup Tool Managing Corn Rootworm Multiple Modes of Action for Insect Control Herbicide Lookup Tool Fungicide Lookup Tool Digital Take Action Kit Be sure to follow the Take Action program on Facebook and Twitter. With the...
Read MoreJun 10, 2022
NCGA Now Accepting Applications for the 2022-2023 Leadership Academy ClassAuthor: Gaylen Holloway
Are you interested in enhancing your leadership skills to help advance the priorities of our nation's corn growers? If so, apply today for NCGA’s Leadership Academy. Leadership Academy brings together a diverse group of grower leaders. It focuses on various aspects of leadership training and key policy issues in a world with ever-changing consumer and environmental demands. The program is open to any NCGA member seeking to improve their leadership skills. “Leadership Academy is an incredible opportunity for those looking to enhance their leadership skills and take a larger role in advocating for the corn industry,” said NCGA Chairman and Leadership Academy Alum John Linder. “Participating in Leadership Academy opened my eyes to the opportunities to better serve my state organization, the national organization and the entire corn sector.” Leadership Academy consists of two sessions, one three-day program in St. Louis, Mo. (August 2022) and one in Washington, D.C....
Read MoreJun 9, 2022
Celebrating our Animal Ag Partnership During National Dairy MonthKey Issues: Animal Agriculture
Author: Michael Granché
June is National Dairy Month, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to focus on the relationship between the corn and dairy industries! Did you know that dairy cattle consume 30% of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGs), a co-product of the ethanol production process? In 2021, DDGs used 1,055 million bushels of corn. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) engages with the dairy industry through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, who recently hosted the 2022 Dairy Sustainability Alliance Spring Meeting in Oak Brook, Illinois. NCGA’s Market Development Manager Michael Granché attended the conference where participants discussed sustainability in a transitioning world away from COVID-19 restrictions, the FARM ES data model, the intersection between high tech and high touch, driving profits with purpose, global methane pledges and cultivating a culture of social responsibility. “It was great to engage in such high-energy conversations around what...
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Jun 8, 2022
McKalip to be Nominated to Serve as Ag Negotiator with USTRKey Issues: TradeFarm Policy
President Biden announced today that he intends to nominate USDA advisor Doug McKalip to serve as chief agricultural negotiator with the United States Trade Representative. “This position is important to corn growers,” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “We are very pleased to see this nomination in place and moving forward, and we look forward to working with Mr. McKalip on some of our key trade issues.” McKalip has worked on agricultural policy and trade for over 28 years. He most recently served as senior advisor to Secretary Vilsack. The position, which requires a Senate confirmation, is charged with conducting and overseeing international negotiations related to trade in agricultural products.
Read MoreJun 7, 2022
Calling All Photographers: The Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest is Officially Open!Author: Julie Busse
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Fields-of-Corn.com photo contest is now open and accepting entries for the 2022 contest. Since the beginning of the contest in 2014, nearly 3,000 pictures have been submitted across the various categories. This year a new category, Farm Babies, has been added. “Each year, we evaluate the categories and entries to determine if we should expand the areas photographers can enter, and farm babies was a natural addition for this year,” said NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. “Our winners last year knocked it out of the park, and I can’t wait to see what gets entered this year. Other popular categories include growing field corn and the farm family lifestyle, just to name a few.” Last year, “My Drone’s View Returning Home” was the grand prize winner. The picture was taken via drone by Todd Wachtel of Illinois. The most popular entry was from April Anthony of Ohio for “Fire in the sky!!” in the equipment category. A...
Read MoreJun 3, 2022
2022 Renewable Fuel Volume Rule Will Lower Fuel Prices and Reduce Greenhouse Gas EmissionsKey Issues: Ethanol
Author: Bryan Goodman
The final 2022 renewable fuel volumes released today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will support access to higher blends of ethanol, saving consumers money at the pump and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. For 2022, the final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume of 20.63 billion gallons includes an implied 15 billion gallons of ethanol, following the law. EPA also added a supplemental 250 million gallon requirement for 2022, responding to a 2017 Court decision finding EPA improperly waived past volumes. EPA finalized the delayed 2021 volume at 18.85 billion gallons, including an implied 13.79 billion gallons for ethanol, tracking retroactive renewable fuel consumption for the year. In a separate action, EPA finalized denial of 69 pending RFS exemption petitions. Closing the books on RFS exemptions helps restore much-needed integrity to the forward-looking volumes set today. “More ethanol in the fuel supply saves Americans money at the pump and lowers...
Read MoreJun 2, 2022
NCGA Welcomes Hoffschneider, Peterson to Summer InternshipsAuthor: Cathryn Wojcicki
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) welcomes two interns this summer thanks to the generous support of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA). Emma Hoffschneider, who is majoring in agricultural economics and agricultural & environmental sciences communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be working in the NCGA office in Washington, D.C. Savannah Peterson is interning with the NCGA office in St. Louis, Missouri. Peterson majored in agricultural communications and animal science at Casper College and will begin at Kansas State University this fall. “I am so excited for this opportunity to grow my network and make real connections within the agricultural industry,” said Peterson. “There are really talented and influential leaders within this organization, and I look forward to learning from and working with them.” Hoffschneider and Peterson are two of six interns in all who were selected for internships with...
Read MoreJun 1, 2022
Commodity Classic Names Maureen Feck Show DirectorAuthor: Kris Martinez
Commodity Classic is delighted to announce Maureen Feck has accepted the role of Show Director and will begin her new job on July 1, 2022. Feck comes to Commodity Classic from the True Value Company, where she served as Senior Director of Meetings and Events. In her previous role, Feck worked in the hardware and tools industry with accomplishments including growing attendance in biannual, city-wide conventions by 18% over two years and developing events that are strategically focused on creating meaningful experiences for attendees. Feck, who brings more than 15 years of hands-on event, communications and management experience, will play an integral role in the continued growth and innovation of agriculture’s premier trade show and educational experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Meet Maureen and say hello when you join us at Commodity Classic in Orlando from March 9 to 11, 2023. For information,...
Read MoreJun 1, 2022
Extended Access to Higher Ethanol Blends Will Save Consumers Money at the Gas PumpKey Issues: EthanolFarm Policy
Author: Bryan Goodman
A recent decision by the Biden administration to extend access to higher blends of ethanol through the summer months will begin today, resulting in cost savings for Americans at the gas pump.
“Gas prices are crippling American consumers,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. "Having access to higher levels of ethanol will save drivers money this summer.”
Biden’s action came after a 2021 court decision – resulting from oil industry efforts to limit the growth of higher ethanol blends – was set to end full-market access fuel with a 15% ethanol blend this summer.
Ethanol has been priced at least 80 cents less per gallon than unblended gasoline at wholesale throughout the spring, and drivers currently save up to 20 cents or more per gallon where E15 is available. E15 is lower in carbon, tailpipe and evaporative emissions.
Drivers can find retail fuel locations that offer E15, often marketed at Unleaded 88, and compare prices using
Corn Economy
NCGA's Lead Economist Krista Swanson's reports and articles can be found here.
Ethanol
Corn ethanol is critical for a sustainable, clean energy future.
A Commitment to the Future
For media inquiries contact Bryan Goodman, goodman@ncga.com