Dec 13, 2021
EP. 27 - Bipartisanship Revisited, with Congressional Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.)Author: Dusty Weiss
A Democrat and a Republican work together for reason and compromise in our national politics. Bipartisanship is how things get done in Washington, and what holds us together as Americans. So how’s that going in our nation’s capital? “Things are not good, from a bipartisan perspective right now,” Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson from South Dakota tells us in this episode. And Democrat Abigail Spanberger from Virginia agrees. As members of the bipartisan “Problem Solvers’ Caucus,” these two Congresspeople have developed a reputation for trying to work together instead of tear one another down. But they can’t do it alone. And so in this episode, they join us once again to discuss how Americans can help bring compromise back, and why it’s important for the corn industry. Direct Share Link Rep. Abigail Spanberger: I value bipartisanship. It's being intentional with the desire to say, "I don't need you to agree with everything I'm about to say, but I want...
Read MoreSep 15, 2021
EP. 24 - Former White Sox Outfielder Ron Kittle Recaps the MLB Field of Dreams game, with NCGA President John LinderAuthor: Dusty Weiss
NCGA's involvement in the baseball game in Dyersville, Iowa was a "stalk-off" home run for corn, for MLB and for America. The Field of Dreams is an iconic movie for baseball fans and corn growers alike, and the image of an idyllic baseball diamond set amongst the Iowa corn stalks has endured now for decades. But this summer, the NCGA had the opportunity to be part of Major League Baseball’s plan to bring baseball back to that field in Dyersville. And on this episode, we’ll relive the event with Ron Kittle, former White Sox outfielder and 1983 AL Rookie of the Year, as well as NCGA President John Linder. Together with Jon and Dusty, they'll revisit the planning that made this special event possible, share stories from game day and explore Ron's career in Major League baseball. Plus, John Linder shares the tale of his run-in with actor Kevin Costner at the game itself. Direct Share Link Ron Kittle: If nobody knew what the Corn Growers Association is all...
Read MoreJul 29, 2021
EP. 22 - Transportation Energy Reality Check, with Fuels Institute Executive Director John EichbergerKey Issues: Ethanol
Author: Dusty Weiss
Corn and ethanol still have an important role to play in fueling America’s transportation needs. Between a couple of recent high-profile court cases and all the hype surrounding electric vehicles, stakeholders in the corn and ethanol industry are looking for a little reassurance right now. But the reality of the transportation energy puzzle is a little more complex than what you’ve heard on the news. So in this episode, we’re joined by John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute, for a reality check about the present and future of the transportation energy sector. Together with NCGA CEO Jon Doggett, he discusses the shifting makeup of the American transportation fleet, the hurdles to mass adoption that electric vehicles still face, the probable impact of recent court cases, and why ethanol remains the best option for decarbonizing American transportation today. Direct Share Link TRANSCRIPT John Eichberger: There are very low carbon...
Read MoreJun 9, 2021
EP.21-Leading the Field in Sustainability, with Nebraska Corn Grower Brandon HunnicuttKey Issues: Sustainability
Author: Dusty Weiss
NCGA charts a course on the future of U.S. corn sustainability for continued improvement, increased marketability and a better future. In today’s world, farmers face growing consumer expectations, a need for economic resilience and the very real pressures of global climate change. And they’re meeting these challenges head-on with science-driven practices that prove that sustainability is more than a buzzword in the agriculture industry. In this episode, Nebraska farmer and NCGA board member Brandon Hunnicutt outlines NCGA’s new sustainability goals, and the benefits he’s seen from thinking about the sustainability of his own operation. He shares his personal insights about smart farming advances, cover crop use, advanced irrigation management and other techniques that make his farm more sustainable, and how he’s saved money and improved yields as a result. Plus, Jon offers up the view from Washington, and why it’s important for growers to be perceived as part of the...
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