In The News

Nov 28, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Yield Contest Harvest Entry deadline has been extended to Tuesday, December 5.   After considering the unique challenges that growers across the country have faced during the 2023 harvest season, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has extended the deadline from Thursday, November 30 to Tuesday, December 5.   Contest participants can submit a harvest entry from now until 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, December 5 at ncga.com/ncyc. Participants must submit their harvest results to be included in the 2023 rankings.    The 2023 NCYC Winner’s Announcement will still take place on Wednesday, December 13.   Please direct any questions on the deadline extension to ncyc@ncga.com or 636-733-5512.

Nov 21, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and BASF have partnered for another year to provide scholarships to undergraduate students passionate about agriculture. Over the past sixteen years, more than 80 undergraduate students have received scholarship funds to aid them in their pursuit of higher education.   “BASF has been a long-standing partner in support of this program, and we are grateful for their commitment to building up the next generation of leaders in our industry,” said Dan Nerud, chair of NCGA’s Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team. “Our grower members are passionate about this program, and we are excited for another year of supporting students who share our passion for agriculture.”   The William C. Berg Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship is open to NCGA members and their children pursuing an undergraduate degree in any field. Interested members and students can find more information about this program and the other national scholarship...

Nov 20, 2023

Author: Bryan Goodman

NCGA and 16 corn state affiliated associations recently joined with over 140 allied national, regional, and state commodity organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack relaying their concerns with the design of the Emergency Relief Program for 2022.   While the group expressed appreciation for the allocation of $3.74 billion in much needed ERP assistance to agricultural producers impacted by a wide range of natural disasters in 2022, the signatories said recent changes have raised concerns among farmers. Like previous programs, crop loss payments are generally calculated and factored using crop insurance coverage levels. However, new this year is a “progressive factor” that reduces the disaster assistance for many eligible growers based on the size of the losses. USDA also changed the method used to incorporate producer-paid insurance premiums.   The letter took issue with these two changes.   “In the case of the progressive...

Nov 17, 2023

Author: Gaylen Holloway

The National Corn Growers Association reminds all corn growers who entered the 2023 National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC) to submit their harvest results by Thursday, November 30. Participants must submit their harvest results to be included in the 2023 rankings.    Don't miss the opportunity to contribute your agronomic data to this 59-year-old contest and be recognized at Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas.    Participants can submit their 2023 harvest results at ncga.com/ncyc.   Please contact NCYC at ncyc@ncga.com with any questions.

Nov 16, 2023

Key Issues: Farm Bill

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said today that it is pleased that the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution that extends the 2018 farm bill for one year, but the association said the extension is no substitute for a fully reauthorized farm bill. “Growers are already making decisions for the 2024 crop year based on markets, growing conditions and risk calculations,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “This extension provides us with much needed certainty around the commodity title and other important USDA programs. But we continue to advocate for a full reauthorization of the farm bill as soon as possible.”   The 2018 farm bill, which expired on September 30, authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s farm and food programs. Late Tuesday night, the House of Representatives bundled the farm bill extension with a continuing resolution to fund the government through early next year. The Senate signaled its support soon after...

Nov 15, 2023

Author: Anne Thompson

Anne Thompson, a veteran Washington advocate and the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) senior director of PAC and political strategy, has been chosen by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics as its 2023 Top Grassroots Professional.     Her colleagues at NCGA said she is highly worthy of the award.   “This award confirms what we’ve known all along, and that is that Anne is an amazing advocacy professional who is deeply committed to making a difference for the nation’s corn growers,” said Brooke S. Appleton, NCGA’s vice president of public policy. “Anne’s deep-rooted knowledge of public policy coupled with her extensive relationships, which stretch across party lines, make her formidable in the policy arena and a champion that you want on your side.”   The Top Grassroots Professional is an honor that is awarded yearly to advocates with a proven record of public policy accomplishments. To receive the award candidates must be nominated by someone familiar with...

Nov 15, 2023

Author: Bryan Goodman

Members of Congress and their staff looking for a break this week from intense budget discussions were treated to a Capitol Hill show-and-tell of high-tech farm equipment.     Seen throughout a room in the Rayburn House Office Building were congressional staff and policymakers donning virtual reality headsets, engaging with robots and touching interactive displays.   The event, sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and entitled “Keep Agriculture Moving,” provided insight into the uses and need for sophisticated agriculture equipment, pathways for lawmakers to support precision agriculture, and how agriculture technology complements conservation efforts.   “It is important that our nation’s leaders understand that a great deal of innovation goes into precision agriculture and this technology allows for environmentally friendly agricultural practices,” said Minnesota farmer and National Corn Growers...

Nov 14, 2023

Key Issues: Research

Author: Stacey Stiens

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce that eight Research Ambassadors have been selected for the 2023-2024 academic year:   Travis Banet, University of Kentucky Jensina Davis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Ella Hampson, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Max Harman, Michigan State University Leannah Hicks, University of Massachusetts Sendi Mejia Jimenez, Purdue University Ty Thomas, North Carolina State University Alexandria Tran, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign   Developed and funded by NCGA’s Sustainable Ag Research Action Team, the objective of the Research Ambassador program is to build a network of future leaders in the agricultural sector. To qualify, students must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and be involved in research relevant to corn production.   "As we embark on the third year of the Research Ambassador Program, we continue to advance the connection between the field and the lab,” said...

Nov 9, 2023

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

A recent decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to significantly lower duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco has the potential to provide true savings to farmers while giving them access to crucial inputs that have been scarce over the last couple years, according to a recent analysis by the National Corn Growers Association. The decision comes after an intense advocacy effort by state and national corn grower associations.     Commerce decided last week to reduce rates on the imports from 19.97% to 2.12%. While that decision covers duties from November 30, 2020 to December 31, 2021, it could still be an incentive for OCP, the Moroccan company that manufactures the products, to reenter the U.S. market.   Growers say it is a big step in the right direction.   “The decision is very meaningful to us,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “Farmers were already facing rate hikes on inputs and the duties were making the situation worse....

Nov 8, 2023

Key Issues: Research

Author: Stacey Stiens

November 8 is a day to celebrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Need any ideas for how you can inspire young minds for agricultural science? We’ve got you covered!   Find activities and lessons on biotechnology, biofuels, water quality, soil and sustainability by visiting the Nourish the Future's (NTF) curriculum page.  4-H’s STEM and Agriculture programs cover topics not limited to Engineering & Technology, Environmental Science & Alternative energy, and Plant & Animal Science. For younger readers, check out Kansas Corn STEM’s book, “We Grow Corn.”  There are additional activities, videos and resources to help with corn-centric hands-on learning. Texas Corn Producers also have a collection of Educational Resources to keep K-4 students engaged and learning about the world of agriculture. For older students, broaden their horizons in career pathways with a tour of FFA’s Ag Explorer. Utilize some corn quick facts and resources from Ohio Corn &...

Nov 7, 2023

Author: Stacey Stiens

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) geared up for the tenth edition of the Fields-of-Corn.com photo contest with an exciting relaunch. The website underwent a streamlined transformation, designed to pay homage to the captivating history of visual storytelling. Alongside this, a more user-friendly interface has been implemented to streamline the submission process.   "I'm thrilled to see the surge of entries on our updated website. The enhanced interface has truly made a difference, and it's incredibly rewarding to witness so many talented photographers share their unique perspectives on American corn farming,” said Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. “Each entry tells a story, and I can't wait to see this year’s images stitched together to tell the story of 2023’s planting, growing and harvest seasons."   Open to photographers of all levels, the contest invites participants to help tell the story of farming field corn in America. NGCA is seeking high-resolution...

Nov 2, 2023

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced it was lowering duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco from 19.97% to 2.12%. The decision comes after the agency conducted an administrative review of the duties, which is performed annually by retroactively examining the price of shipments and other factors. The National Corn Growers Association, which has been vocal opponent of the duties, applauded the decision, calling it a big win for corn growers. “This victory was made possible by corn growers across the country who spoke out against these duties as they faced skyrocketing fertilizer prices and product shortages at the behest of The Mosaic Company,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “While the best duty on fertilizers is no duty at all, we are nonetheless thrilled that corn growers bearing the brunt of these tariffs will feel financial relief thanks to this decision.” The issue stems from a decision by Commerce in 2020 that favored a petition by the...