In The News

Aug 29, 2024

NCGA Supports the Next Generation of Agriculture with Student Scholarships

Author: Stacey Stiens

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce the awardees for the 2024 NCGA Scholarship Programs. Eleven outstanding students were selected by a committee of grower leaders to receive scholarships for this fall semester. NCGA is proud to continue supporting these vital programs in partnership with BASF Corporation.   "At NCGA, we are committed to securing a strong future for corn farmers through every initiative. These scholarships represent a key investment in cultivating the next generation of ag industry leaders and problem-solvers," said Dan Nerud, Nebraska grower and chair of the NCGA Member & Consumer Engagement Action Team. "The caliber of this year's applicants and the diversity of their skills is truly impressive. I'm eager to see how these students will contribute to shaping the industry and driving innovation that will sustain farms for generations to come."   Discover more about each recipient by exploring their full bios with the links...

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Aug 21, 2024

EP. 47 - Meeting Your Lawmakers Where They Are: Advocating for Agriculture During the Congressional Recess

Author: Dusty Weis

With priority legislation in front of Congress this fall, don’t miss the opportunity to make your voice heard.   Corn growers need to act now in order to support some important pieces of legislation that are moving through Congress in Washington, D.C.   The Farm Bill. The Next Generation Fuels Act. Opening up global trade opportunities to lower the cost of inputs.   Your lawmakers need to hear from constituents like you who support these issues.   And now is the perfect time to let them know.   With lawmakers returning to their home districts for the August recess, we have a golden opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter most to the agriculture community.   So in this episode, we’re talking to Lindsay Croke, the marketing director at Illinois Corn, and Luke Crumley, director of public policy and sustainability at Ohio Corn and Wheat, about how local advocacy makes a national impact.   They’ll offer practical advice for farmers to stay informed and...

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Aug 20, 2024

NCGA Calls on Canadian Officials to Head Off Rail Strike

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association today urged Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resolve a dispute between his nation’s railways executives and union leaders that could result in a strike interrupting rail service into the U.S.   “If a strike shuts down rail service from Canada into the U.S., it will adversely impact America’s farmers who rely on rail to ship goods between the two countries,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We encourage Prime Minister Trudeau, the Teamsters and Canadian rail workers to do everything possible to avoid such a strike.”   Canada is the third-largest destination for U.S. agricultural exports and the second-largest source of agricultural imports. Of great concern to corn growers, a strike could interrupt shipments of fertilizer imports and exports of ethanol, corn and byproducts used as animal feed.   The Teamsters have been at an impasse with the Canadian National Railways and the National Pacific Kansas City over labor contracts....

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Aug 6, 2024

Congressional Letter to Commerce Questions Tariffs on Popular Herbicide

Key Issues: Trade

Author: Bryan Goodman

Eighteen members of Congress sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo yesterday saying they are concerned that tariffs on imports of a widely used herbicide – called 2,4-D – could compromise reliable, affordable access to agricultural inputs. The effort was led by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.).   “Agricultural producers already face record high input costs while competing in a volatile market and prices for all crops are forecasted to decline over the next several years,” the representatives said.  “Without careful consideration of the facts during these preliminary investigations, new tariffs will result in difficulties for producers who rely on this critical input. This will only exacerbate their economic challenges.” The National Corn Growers Association supported the congressional effort. “Duties on 2,4-D imports would intensify what is already a difficult period for many growers as key input costs...

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Aug 2, 2024

NCGA Reminds Congress Farm Bill Remains on To-Do List

Key Issues: Farm Bill

Author: Bryan Goodman

As members of Congress head to their home states and districts for the August recess, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is reminding Representatives and Senators that the farm bill is still on their legislative to-do list this year.   “The farm bill is a top legislative priority for corn growers and agriculture at large,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “There is still an opportunity to build upon the 2018 farm bill by strengthening the commodity, conservation, trade and crop insurance titles and USDA programs."   The farm bill was originally scheduled for reauthorization in 2023. Last November, Congress voted to extend the legislation to September 30, 2024, with the Agriculture Committee leaders committing to work together to pass the legislation this year.   “We are counting on our elected officials to find a path forward for a strong bipartisan farm bill that can be signed into law this year,” Wolle said. “Let’s get it...

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