In The News

Jul 26, 2022

Key Issues: EthanolFarm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

In a step forward for energy security and the nation’s consumers, Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), with the support of Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), today introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act in the U.S. Senate. “The Next Generation Fuels Act would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions, and shore-up America’s energy security for the long run,” said Iowa farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. “We are very grateful to Sens. Grassley, Klobuchar, Ernst and Duckworth for their leadership on this important issue.”   The bill would establish a clean, high-octane standard for gasoline and require that sources of additional octane result in at least 40% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, allowing automakers to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency through advanced engines. Because corn growers have a vested interest in the future of transportation, NCGA began laying the groundwork...

Jul 25, 2022

Key Issues: Research

Author: Savannah Peterson

Dylan Schoemaker, graduate research assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has studied the response of maize hybrids across environments as part of the Genomes To Fields Initiative, which the  National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) funds. Aside from his studies, Dylan was a part of the NCGA Research Ambassador program where he found value in forming scientist-grower relationships to help bring attention to issues like food security and climate change.   Dylan’s research looks at understanding how corn responds to different environmental conditions and uses that information to predict hybrid performance in new environments. His research works to quantify these effects on genomes.   “My research strives to understand what components of the environment—such as rainfall, temperate, and soil moisture—can be incorporated into statistical models to predict hybrid performance across diverse environmental conditions,” explains Dylan.   Furthermore, Dylan’s work strives to...

Jul 22, 2022

Key Issues: Production

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has launched a call-to-action asking advocates to submit comments to EPA in response to the recent announcement that they are revising the registration for atrazine.   On June 30, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they are amending the registration of this well-studied herbicide that allows farmers to do more with less. The new level of concern for atrazine will vastly reduce the herbicide's effectiveness, hindering farmers' ability to utilize this critical tool.   “Corn growers know the value of atrazine, and it is time again that we tell EPA the value of this product to our operations,” said Iowa Farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington. “In 2016, we came together to submit 10,000 comments to the EPA, and we need that same momentum again.”   Comments can be submitted to EPA here, and advocates are encouraged to include information about how the proposed level of concern would impact their individual...

Jul 21, 2022

Key Issues: Farm BillFarm Policy

Author: Dusty Weis

Thought leaders from D.C. discuss important considerations for the upcoming farm bill legislation   The Farm Bill is an important piece of legislation that affects everything that is governed by the USDA. With Congress working to pass a new version for 2023, NCGA believed it was a topic worth discussing at this summer's Corn Congress in Washington, D.C.   Led by NCGA's VP of Public Policy, Brooke Appleton, this discussion panel, straight from the floor of Corn Congress, includes several experienced legislators and thought leaders in the field of agriculture:   Daniel Glickman, former Secretary, USDA Heidi Heitkamp, former Senator and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Richard Fordyce, former Administrator of the Farm Service Agency Together, these four discuss important topics to consider, and the work and relationships necessary to achieve our goals in creating a farm bill that is beneficial to everyone affected by agriculture.     Direct Share Link: Read More

Jul 20, 2022

Key Issues: Ethanol

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) disputed a lawsuit filed today in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit against the U.S. EPA over recently finalized volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard.   The lawsuit, filed by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), made erroneous assertions about the impacts and benefits of farming.   “Claims like these show that CBD’s leadership hasn’t visited a modern corn farm,” said Iowa farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington. “I invite them to visit my farm so they can learn about the sustainable practices we employ daily. The corn we produce is not only helping feed the world during a very difficult time, but it is also used for clean and affordable biofuels that lower costs for consumers while cutting both carbon and toxic tailpipe emissions.”   Edgington noted that corn growers are leading when it comes to increased yields that produce more corn with less land and fewer resources, meeting market demand...

Jul 20, 2022

Key Issues: Farm BillFarm Policy

Author: Bryan Goodman

Federal crop insurance is essential to farming and should be protected from harmful budget cuts and reforms in the 2023 farm bill, a National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) leader told House Agriculture Committee members today.   “Federal crop insurance is a major pillar of risk management for the vast majority of corn growers,” Minnesota farmer and NCGA First Vice President Tom Haag told the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. “Simply put, the public-private partnership of crop insurance works and plays a significant role for agriculture in the wake of natural disasters.” Haag’s testimony comes as Congress continues to review implementation of the 2018 farm bill ahead of debate and reauthorization of the farm bill next year. During development, passage, and implementation of the 2018 farm bill, NCGA’s top priority was to maintain support for a robust crop insurance program. Both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees were able to defeat attacks...

Jul 19, 2022

Key Issues: Research

Author: Savannah Peterson

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities doctoral student Claire Menard has been researching genetic elements that contribute to corn’s phenotype. Claire was a part of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Research Ambassador program. Coming from a non-agriculture background, she is grateful the program gave her the opportunity to connect with corn farmers to bring value to the purpose of her research.   With a focus on how maize responds to environmental factors, Claire’s research works to understand how transposable elements (TEs) affect corn production. TEs have the ability to move within genomes of maize which ultimately affects agronomic traits.   “My project is designed to identify these new regions where TEs jump into, measure the rate of movement, and characterize the types of TEs found within maize populations,” shares Claire, acknowledging TEs’ position in creating more sustainable practices. “TEs are greatly influenced by stress and may become activated under harsh...

Jul 18, 2022

Key Issues: TradeProduction

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled today against imposing tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers imported from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago. “This comes as a welcome relief,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. “We have been sounding the alarms and telling the ITC commissioners that tariffs will drive up input prices to even more unaffordable levels for farmers and cripple our supply. I am so glad they listened.”   The decision 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. Shortages and prices have since increased exponentially.   NCGA has come out strongly against the tariffs. It was the only commodities group that testified at ITC’s public hearing, and it forcefully raised the issue in the press. NCGA also engaged in an aggressive advocacy campaign with elected officials. ITC’s decision takes effect...

Jul 18, 2022

Key Issues: Animal Agriculture

Author: Julie Busse

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) just recently updated its export numbers and the value to corn and soybean farmers. The study shows in 2021, beef and pork exports accounted for 537 million bushels of corn usage, which equals $2.94 billion (estimated using an average corn price of $5.48 bushel).   “The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) works closely with USMEF and other domestic and export partners to help drive demand and bring value back to corn farmers,” said NCGA Market Development Action Team Chair and Colorado farmer Troy Schneider. “The animal ag industry is the largest user of U.S. corn, and it’s important to collaborate and partner with the industry to expand and grow these markets.”   Other key findings from the 2021 report include:   Beef and pork exports account for 3.4 million tons of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) Pork and beef exports contributed 12% of bushel value The market value of beef and pork exports to U.S. DDGS equals...

Jul 14, 2022

Key Issues: TradeFarm PolicyProduction

Author: Bryan Goodman

As farmers work to feed and fuel the world, filling the void left by the war in Ukraine, national corn grower leaders unanimously passed a sense of the Corn Congress today calling on President Biden to maintain grower access to crop inputs.   The vote came during the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress meeting, which is being held this week in the nation’s capital.   The measure, which is included in its entirety below, notes that “the world is facing skyrocketing fuel prices and potentially devastating food shortages, both of which can be addressed in part by America’s corn farmers, and America’s corn farmers have demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability through decades of documented reductions in soil erosion, greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.”   It then asserts that “the ability to address the crises facing our world today in a sustainable manner cannot be achieved without fair access to the inputs necessary to raise a crop each year,...

Jul 14, 2022

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress, which was held today in Washington D.C., elected five farmers to serve on the organization’s Corn Board.  Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA’s 2023 fiscal year, are new board members Matt Frostic of Michigan and J.R. Roesner of Indiana. Current board members Kelly Harsh of Ohio, Brian Thalmann of Minnesota and Dan Wesely of Nebraska were re-elected. Four were elected to three-year terms with Thalmann elected to the two-year term left open by FY23 First Vice President-Elect Harold Wolle, Jr. of Minnesota.   The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and...

Jul 14, 2022

Author: Bryan Goodman

National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington presented the organization’s prestigious President’s Award to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today during the group’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington, D.C. “Sen. Grassley has spent his career advocating on behalf of corn growers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington. “Whether it’s taking a stand on regulations burdensome to farmers, advancing agricultural exports through trade or supporting legislation that will extend access to higher ethanol blends, we would not have secured the policy successes we have over the years were it not for the contributions of the senior senator from Iowa. As an Iowan, it’s my honor to recognize Sen. Grassley with the NCGA President’s Award for his tireless work on behalf of the agricultural community.” Sen. Grassley accepted the award and reflected on his work on corn issues. “I am honored and humbled to receive this lifetime achievement award,” Grassley...

Jul 13, 2022

Key Issues: Research

Author: Savannah Peterson

Alden Perkins is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his research is focused on improving seed lines by incorporating diversity from exotic corn varieties. During his time in the NCGA Research Ambassador program, Perkins has been able to better understand farmers' concerns which have helped him create purposeful research.    “The conversations I had through this program gave me a better understanding of what growers look for when choosing hybrids and the relative value of different traits,” Perkins shared. “For example, it was very helpful to hear from growers based in other parts of the country about their experiences with managing tar spot and recent wind events.”   Through his initial research, Perkins found that many of the current seed corn hybrids in the U.S. are the result of selecting the best progeny from improved U.S. inbred lines. While this has proven successful, W.A. Russell, Iowa State professor and colleague’s study on a Peruvian...

Jul 12, 2022

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

Anthony Bush, an Ohio farmer, has been appointed to serve as a director on the board of MAIZALL, the international alliance of maize growers and exporters from Argentina, Brazil and the United States. He joins John Linder, NCGA’s chair, representing NCGA to the board. Bush, a fourth-generation grain farmer, is also a board member for Ohio Corn and Wheat.   “Anthony is a nationally respected agricultural leader who will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the MAIZALL board,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington. “I can think of no one better to represent the American agricultural community as we collaborate with other farmer leaders from Brazil and Argentina to position the Americas for new trade opportunities overseas.”    Combined, MAIZALL’s three countries account for over 50% of global corn production and 70% of world exports. Bush will begin serving on the board, effective...

Jul 11, 2022

Author: Savannah Peterson

On June 27 and 28, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) welcomed growers and staff to this year’s Women and Mentors Retreat. Focused on building a network of rising leaders, women and mentors came together to overcome workplace obstacles, share their leadership journey and empower each other.   The second annual conference kicked off with a lesson on Quieting Your Inner Critic and roundtable discussions. Both activities encouraged participants to put aside negative thoughts and experiences to lead with power and purpose. Then growers and staff separated into breakout rooms to individualize their experiences. Grower participants cultivated tools to lean on their network and get more involved in leadership, while staff learned tools to help them thrive in a male-dominated industry. This year’s conference concluded with a lunch program focused on Why Diversity is Important at Every Table.   Attendees left encouraged to continue their networking experience in their newly...

Jul 7, 2022

Author: Savannah Peterson

CommonGround volunteers and state staff came together in St. Louis June 20 and 21 to inspire, empower and connect with each other. Just like other moms across the country, these women are passionate about their food, their children and each other.   Through interactive sessions, inspiring panels and exciting activities, participants fostered their skills of advocating for agriculture. Highlights of this week’s event included a panel of inspiring women conducted by Tricia Beal, CEO of the Farm Journal Foundation. Panelists included six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Balkan Treat Box owner Loryn Nalic, CommonGround Nebraska volunteer and J&S Feedlot Co-owner Joan Ruskamp and Dr. Ruth Kaggwa of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.   “Jackie Joyner-Kersee reminded us there is gold in everyone. I believe CommonGround has had that in mind from the beginning in our approach to connect our stories from the farm to urban moms,” said Ruskamp, reflecting on what her...

Jul 6, 2022

Author: Cathryn Wojcicki

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will elect farmer leaders to fill positions on the NCGA Corn Board during Corn Congress on Thursday, July 14, in Washington, DC.   The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations.  Board members serve the organization in a variety of ways.  They represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokespeople for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.   Meet the Candidates   Matt Frostic   Frostic farms 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, edible beans and sugar beets in east-central Michigan. On his farm, they also have approximately 550 head-finished beef cattle on feed.   Matthew has gained hands-on experience in public policy,...

Jul 5, 2022

Key Issues: Production

Author: Stacey Stiens

  NCGA has a new tool for growers: the Corn Rootworm Risk Tool. This calculator allows farmers to enter historical and current management data—along with corn rootworm intensity—to determine the potential risk of developing resistance to valuable Bt traits. By using the information submitted by the farmer or their technical advisor, the tool provides growers with a low-, medium-, or high-risk level and summarizes the appropriate best management practices for each scenario.    This predictive tool is a helpful resource—not a replacement—for proactive conversations with technical advisors on what practices and strategies to employ. The ultimate objective of the calculator is to suppress corn rootworm populations using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and to assist farmers in maintaining the effectiveness of important tools—like Bt corn—for generations to come.    Suppress insect pest populations and maintain the effectiveness of Bt products for future growing seasons! Visit