Monday, the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Reputation program took the story of the sustainability of U.S. corn to people across the country through a series of interviews with television and radio stations. Timed to tell the story of corn’s sustainability directly leading up to Earth Day, the tour featured four women, all of whom volunteer with CommonGround Maryland. Offering information on the ways in which corn is both grown and used sustainably, the interviews were complimented by a wrap up Facebook Live event.
The event, which was organized with significant support by the Maryland Small Grain Producers Association, included 30 interviews, both live and taped, which will reach 23 specific media markets and radio listeners nationally. These interviews took place at Seneca Ayr Farms, allowing television audiences to see beyond the farm gate. The women participating included Paula Linthicum, who generously allowed the event to take place on her farm as well as, Linda Burrier, Amanda Heilman and Jessica Armacost.
Throughout the day, the women also responded to a variety of specific questions about production practices, technology and the many ways in which corn is used to make everyone’s daily life more sustainable. Noting that America’s farmers want to be a resource for an interested public removed from the farm, they invited those who wish to learn more to visit such resources as www.findourcommonground.com and www.fooddialogues.com
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A number of the stations involved in this tour aired the interviews live, but quite a few others taped the segments to run over the coming weeks. Interviews have aired or will air in: Washington, DC; Atlanta, Ga.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Cleveland, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; Charlotte, N.C.; Raleigh, N.C.; Baltimore, Md.; San Antonio, Texas; Norfolk, Va.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Lexington, Ky.; Wichita, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Toledo, Ohio; Huntsville, Ala.; Shreveport, La.; Champaign, Ill.; Lincoln, Neb.; Wausau, Wis.; Rockford, Ill.; Terre Haute, Ind.; Grand Junction, Colo.; and nationally on Family Life Radio, NewsWatch TV and Daily Flash.
To view a recording of the Facebook Live event, click here.
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.