Despite some challenging economic times in farm country this year, thousands headed to San Antonio earlier this month to “Farmer Up!” and attend the 2017 Commodity Classic. The final total for attendance was 9,303 – second only to last year’s Classic in New Orleans. That total included over 4100 growers and 920 first time attendees. “Commodity Classic continued in its …
Scholarship Recipients Honored at #Classic17
The National Corn Growers Association and BASF have given five undergraduate or graduate students studying agriculture the William C. Berg Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship. These passionate and motivated students were presented with their $1,000 scholarships at a ceremony during the recent 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. “Our industry needs a well-educated and dedicated group of future leaders …
NCGA Study Shows Crop Insurance Returns Decreased
Since the renegotiation of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement in 2010, private crop insurance company returns have significantly decreased, says a new study by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Current returns are inline with standard established by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, averaging around 1.5 percent- a decrease of 12.6 percentage points. “The federal crop insurance program is the cornerstone …
#Classic17 General Session
A time-honored tradition of the Commodity Classic general session is the talk show style interviewing of the sponsoring organizations’ representatives – a panel which has grown to five now with the addition of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers last year. Appearing on the stage with emcee Mark Mayfield this year were: American Soybean Association president Ron Moore of Illinois National …
ASA and NCGA Talk Priorities at #Classic17
A new farm bill, growing export markets, maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard, taxes and regulatory reform are just a few of the top priorities for corn and soybean farmers in 2017. American Soybean Association president Ron Moore of Illinois, vice president John Heisdorffer of Iowa, and chairman Richard Wilkins of Delaware discussed some of those big issues during a press …
Ag Groups & Ethanol Discuss Common Ground
At the National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen sat down with representatives from the corn and livestock industries to talk about the current state of the farm economy, the policy impact of historic surpluses, and moving past food versus fuel. Dinneen discussed common ground with National Corn Growers Association CEO Chris Novak and National …
Fishing Tournament Co-Sponsored by #Ethanol
The 2017 Crappie Masters Tournament Trail gets underway today in Florida with a new addition this year – ethanol as a co-title sponsor with Bass Pro Shops. Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White says the purpose of the sponsorship is to help spread the word about ethanol to boaters. “It was an excellent opportunity to …
Groups Welcome Plant Breeding Policy from USDA
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has been actively engaged with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in developing a rule regarding plant breeding innovation. The rule-making notice was officially released yesterday, and ASTA, along with other organizations like the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), are pleased with the recognition of plant breeder’s history of safety and quality. “The farm and food value …
2016 NCGA Corn Contest Winners Announced
This year’s entires into the National Corn Growers Association 2016 National Corn yield Contest showed some of the highest results ever, with a record five entries surpassing the 400 bushel per acre mark. Six production categories mean there is no overall winner, but the top three entries in each of the six categories averaged more than 375 bushels per acre. When …
Why #Farmers Grow #GMOs
Maryland farmer Chip Bowling agrees with a new survey that finds the main reason farmers have increased their use of genetically modified (GM) crops is sustainability. “We’re better at what we do because of technology, whether it’s seeds and traits or through the equipment that we use,” says Bowling, who farms on the Chesapeake Bay. He is also chairman of …