National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) CEO Rick Tolman shared the farmer’s perspective to the American Coalition for Ethanol’s conference while addressing the group on the 2012 corn crop, the drought and NCGA’s support for ethanol and all markets for U.S. corn.
“It could all change tomorrow,” was the theme of Tolman’s talk, just hours after the USDA released a new crop forecast showing a 13% drop in corn production this year compared to last. “This too shall pass,” said Tolman. “We think the future’s going to be bright still.”
Tolman stressed the importance of withholding judgment on the final size of the total corn crop until more complete information is available and harvest is complete and reminded attendees that a few short months ago it appeared that farmers would produce a record crop, far exceeding forecast demand. Despite the significant short-term impact of the drought, he noted that conditions will improve, production will increase and ethanol will remain a key market for corn.
NCGA remains committed to maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard corn ethanol requirement and Tolman said they are working to set the record straight about the RFS and correct misinformation that has been distributed by those who want to waive or dismantle the program. Most important is the inaccurate statement that more corn is used for ethanol than is used for livestock. “That is not true,” said Tolman. “More corn is GROUND for ethanol, but more still is consumed for livestock” when the co-product distillers grains is added to the equation.
Listen to my interview with Tolman at ACE: Interview with NCGA CEO Rick Tolman
Listen to Tolman’s comments at ACE: NCGA CEO Rick Tolman remarks at ACE