Last weekend, the National Corn Growers Association put newer breeding techniques in the spotlight at Maryland Farm Bureau’s Women in Agriculture Conference, “Speak Up & Speak Out". The presentation, part of a full-day focused on spreading important information about farming and ranching, delved into the importance of providing consumers relevant, relatable information on budding breeding technologies and offered insight into effective communications in the area provided by the American Seed Trade Association.
The session, which offered concrete guidance on approaching a seemingly daunting subject, also offered an introduction to the CommonGround program. With nearly half of the attendees currently uninvolved in this effort, the afternoon provided insight into the joint state-national program that brings together the women who grow and raise food with those who buy it for conversations that build trust and assuage unnecessary fears.
The night prior, CommonGround MidAtlantic volunteers also gathered in Annapolis to explore a variety of topics, including an insightful exploration of farming practice communications by Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board President Jennie Schmidt and a deep dive into constructive sustainability conversations. The group, which included both longstanding agvocates and faces new to the program, also shared their mutual passion while discussing potential activities for the coming year.
NCGA Communications Manager Cathryn Wojcicki delivered both the new breeding technology and sustainability-related presentations, answering questions and promoting several NCGA initiatives and programs.
COVID-19 Resources
NCGA is taking a series of actions to do our part to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic fallout it is creating for corn farmers and our customers. Short term, this means instituting policies to protect the health and safety of our stakeholders and the broader communities we serve. Long term, we’re focused on creating solutions to help corn farmers and our customers recover from the financial impacts of this crisis.
CommonGround
CommonGround is a group of farmers connecting with consumers through conversations about science and research and personal stories about food and misinformation surrounding farming. Supported by the NCGA and state corn organizations.
SHP
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is a farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health. Administered by NCGA the partnership has more than 220 working farms enrolled in 16 states. SHP’s mission is to utilize science and data to partner with farmers who are adopting conservation agricultural practices that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.