In The News

Oct 15, 2024

Analysis Shows Tariff-Induced Trade War Would Hurt U.S. Farmers

Key Issues: Trade

Author: NCGA and ASA

U.S. corn and soy farmers’ loss would be South America’s gain   A new economic study paints a troubling picture of the potential results a renewed U.S.-China trade war could have on hundreds of thousands of farmers and rural communities, showing American-imposed tariffs would come at a steep cost to U.S. producers while benefiting Brazil and Argentina.   The study, commissioned by the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers Association and conducted by the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services, shows a new trade war would result in an immediate drop in corn and soy exports to the tune of hundreds of millions of tons. As a result, Brazil and Argentina would claim the lost market share, which would be extremely difficult for American growers to reclaim in the future. “The study highlights the dangers that come with broad tariffs on imports,” said NCGA Lead Economist Krista Swanson. “While launching widespread tariffs may seem like an...

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Oct 11, 2024

Agricultural Leader, Harley Janssen, Joins NCGA

Key Issues: EthanolSustainability

Harley Janssen, a farmer and leader with over 20 years of experience in agriculture, construction and off-road technology, has joined the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). He will serve as the director of outputs and measurements, a newly created position at the organization. “We are thrilled that Harley will be putting his extensive experience to work for our farmers,” said Sean Arians, vice president of sustainable production & value chain engagement at NCGA. “The high caliber experience he brings to this issue will help NCGA take its sustainability work to new heights.” In his role, Janssen will translate and interpret production and sustainability data and help growers access new sustainability markets. For example, he will play a crucial role as NCGA helps farmers access tax credits that will allow them to sell into the aviation sector. “We want to make certain that existing private and public sustainability programs are as inclusive as possible when it comes to how...

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Oct 8, 2024

NCGA President Calls for Action During Meeting at White House

Author: Bryan Goodman

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. today told Biden administration officials that farmers are living through difficult economic times, but the administration and Congress can help by removing barriers so growers can access expanding markets for U.S. corn.   Hartman’s comments came during an event, called “Farmers and Ranchers in Action,” hosted this morning at the White House.   “On behalf of my fellow corn growers, I spoke about the need to make it possible for producers to access tax credits for sustainable aviation fuels,” Hartman said. “The tax credit would help us expand the ethanol market, which is important to growers, while boosting the airline industry’s efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions.”   The White House meeting comes as producers are faced with falling corn and other commodity prices.   Hartman also touched on priorities that he hopes Congress will tackle and called on administration officials to help in any way they...

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Oct 1, 2024

Illinois Farmer, Kenneth Hartman Jr., Becomes President of the National Corn Growers Association

Author: Bryan Goodman

Kenneth Hartman Jr., a corn farmer from Waterloo, Ill., began his term this week as president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).   During meetings with the media today, Hartman discussed the current economic challenges corn growers face and said he wanted to push for passage of a robust farm bill, expand markets and address tariffs that are being placed on ag supplies and passed on to farmers. He also talked about the need to extend consumer access to higher blends of ethanol. Key to accomplishing these goals, he said, is building relationships.   “My theme as president is “Building Bridges,” Hartman said. “We need to build on our ties with existing allies while cultivating new relationships with other organizations inside and outside agriculture. We also need to continue to reach out to policymakers and other leaders who may not represent rural communities but who benefit indirectly from the work of farmers. I strongly believe that coalition building is one of...

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