The “polar vortex” seems to be a hot topic the last couple of days and that means farmers have to work extra hard to stay updated on what to expect while they prepare for planting. The NCGA-FMC Ag Weather Advisor, prepared by Blue Water Outlook, is a special free member benefit that can help growers stay a step ahead. “The …
National Corn Yield Contest Winners for 2013
Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2013 National Corn Yield Contest. Entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, setting a contest record with a new all-time high yield of 454 bushels per acre. Additionally, a record five national entries surpassed the …
EPA Hearing on Biofuels to Draw Big Crowd
A huge turnout is expected Thursday at a public hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations for 2014. Literally busloads of stakeholders, both opposed to and in favor of cutting the requirements, are attending the hearing at the Hyatt in Crystal City, Virginia. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will be attending with several Iowa livestock producers, …
Biotech Crops Alliance Names Secretariat
An alliance of organizations supporting biotech crops has named a leader to help “spearhead collaborative efforts to improve the environment for technology innovation and the market for U.S. crops produced through modern biotechnology.” Dr. Michael J. Phillips has been selected as the first secretariat for the U.S. Biotech Crops Alliance (USBCA), which was established by several organizations under a memorandum …
Classic + Ag Connect = Really Big Show
With corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum growers all part of the Commodity Classic, who thought it could get any bigger? But it will definitely be bigger in 2016 when Classic joins forces with AG CONNECT expo to become what may well be the biggest farm show on Earth. In this edition of the ZimmCast, we hear from Sara Mooney, AG …
NCGA Chair is TATT Roundable Alumni
I was happy to see National Corn Growers Association Chairwoman Pam Johnson of Iowa at the World Food Prize symposium last week and interested to find out that she was a Truth About Trade and Technology Global Farmer Roundtable alumni. Pam had a seat at the global roundtable in 2010 and she was pleased to reconnect with some of her …
Corn Grower Voice on Climate Change
The president of the National Corn Growers Association provided a voice for American farmers Monday at the Opening Ceremony for Climate Week NYC 2013 along with leaders from business and government all over the world. Iowa farmer Pam Johnson, who spoke alongside international notables including former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair, President of World Bank Jim Kim, U.S. Special …
Corn Communicators Talk Maizall in Argentina
Communications directors of three major grain grower organizations in the United States were among those attending the IFAJ 2013 Congress in Argentina this week. It was the first time for Mindy Williamson with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Marri Carrow with U.S. Grains Council, and National Corn Growers Association Communications Director Ken Colombini to attend the international meeting of agricultural …
Corn Growers Strong at Farm Progress Show
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) president Pam Johnson of Iowa and First Vice President Martin Barbre in his home state of Illinois were visiting with farmers and the media at the Farm Progress Show this week. The farm bill is still a big concern for the corn growers and Pam says they are “not waiting very patiently anymore” for …
MAIZALL Announces Board and Website
An organization uniting corn growers of North and South America has elected officers and unveiled a new website. The International Maize Alliance (MAIZALL) was formed in May between the corn industries of the United States, Brazil and Argentina with the goal of addressing key issues concerning food security, biotechnology, stewardship, trade and producer image. MAIZALL is composed of MAIZAR, representing …