NCGA Officers Highlight the Need for Action to Strengthen Markets

The National Corn Growers Association leaders interacted with farmers, ag media, academic and industry partners, and participated in the House Agriculture Committee’s farm bill listening session at this year’s Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois.

“We need stronger markets to help drive the agriculture economy, but we cannot do that by ourselves,” said Kevin Skunes, NCGA’s incoming president.  “We need Congress and the Trump Administration to work to break down trade barriers, increase the availability of renewable fuels and assist in building new markets.”

All NCGA officers including President Wesley Spurlock and incoming First Vice President Lynn Chrisp engaged with company leaders from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto, learning about new technologies that are available to farmers. They also had the opportunity to interact with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue as he stopped by the Illinois Corn Growers Association tent.

NCGA Chairman Chip Bowling provided comments on behalf of NCGA at the farm bill listening session.

“By now, you know all too well the impacts of declining commodity prices on corn farmers. NCGA believes the Agriculture Risk Coverage-County program can be modified to remain an effective risk management option during weak prices. Even more critical is maintaining sound, affordable federal crop insurance, which softens the blow of significant crop losses,” Bowling told members of the House Ag Committee.

“These tools, along with more investment in the Market Assistance and Foreign Market Development programs, are essential as we work to build demand through increased exports, a more robust livestock sector and an expanding ethanol market.”

Throughout the event, the officers were interviewed by members of the media from all over the U.S., discussing NCGA’s position on trade, ethanol and the farm bill.