Much of the U.S. agricultural world converged on Kansas City last week to participate in the annual convention of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. The meeting provides a great opportunity for agricultural businesses and organizations like the National Corn Growers Association to tell the story of the industry.
“As a farmer, I also appreciate the unique relationship I have with my local farm broadcaster who shadows me throughout the day in my home, my tractor, my shed and my truck. They provide important information I need from markets to weather,” said Kevin Skunes, NCGA president from Arthur, North Dakota. “Sometimes we forget that farm broadcasters also provide an opportunity to reach many urban folks. Consumers get farther and farther from the farm while the list of issues they are concerned about continues to grow.”
So, leaders of NCGA spent hours last Thursday doing dozens of interviews on critical issues like the new farm bill, trade and ethanol. But they also discussed the expansive efforts underway to make farming more sustainable and protect our soil and water resources.
“Trade is obviously a hot topic here that effects farmers and consumers alike. Farmers continue to grow their productive capacity and we are producing a crop the world needs. But building and maintaining the relationships necessary to keep trade moving is a constant process and one we can’t ignore,” Skunes said. “Corn and corn product exports account for 33 percent of my income. With corn prices at or below breakeven, every market counts. And everyone has a stake because each dollar of agricultural exports creates an additional $1.27 in business activity.”
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.