In The News

Jul 15, 2024

NCGA, Joined by Other Ag Groups, Warns Commerce on Herbicide Tariffs

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association, joined by five other commodity groups, sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo asking her to consider the impacts on farmers as she reviews a petition by the agricultural chemical company Corteva that would place duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D. “Restricting imports of 2,4-D will have wide-ranging consequences for farmers,” the letter said. “American farmers cannot solely rely on Corteva, which is the only domestic supplier of 2,4-D, because there is not enough supply to meet demand.”   The letter also said that, if granted, the petition would cause availability shortages and hamper the ability of growers to be successful. “Restricting the availability of 2,4-D will be very harmful at a time when farmers are grappling with rising input costs and low commodity prices,” the letter said.   The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects total farm production cash expenses for 2024 at a record-high level....

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Jul 11, 2024

New Study Showcases Corn Farming’s Contribution to the Economy

Author: Shelby Basham

Corn growers were responsible for a $151 billion boost to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to a new report released this week by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).   The report, entitled NCGA Economic Contribution Study for 2023, looked at a number of ways in which corn growers shaped the economy, including  economic output, contributions to the gross domestic product, tax revenues, labor income and employment statistics.   “This report highlights the crucial role America’s corn growers play in our nation’s agricultural and economic value chain,” said NCGA Lead Economist Krista Swanson who authored the analysis. "The data show that growers remain deeply rooted in rural America where they serve as pillars of economic growth. They work to foster technological innovation, expand commercial opportunities, advance free trade, build the bioeconomy, and feed a hungry world.”   In 2023 U.S. corn farmers produced 15.3 billion bushels of corn, valued at $73.9 billion, across...

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Jul 3, 2024

NCGA Holds Fourth Annual Women and Mentors Retreat

Author: Maddie Weber

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted the fourth annual Women and Mentors Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 27 and 28.   The program offers a network for women and their male allies, providing mentorships and creating a pipeline of female leaders for NCGA and other agricultural organizations.   Participants at the most recent event noted that they were able to grow their leadership, communication, and professional skills while networking with others who are invested in elevating women’s voices in agricultural leadership. “The Women & Mentors Program has inspired me to continue growing as a leader while supporting new and emerging leaders,” said Joan Ruskamp, a participant from Nebraska. “Most importantly, this retreat builds a growing network of women supporting one another no matter what role each of us has in agriculture.”   Participants were encouraged to “Quiet their Inner Critic” during the first session with helpful tips from Randi Braun, an author,...

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