CornTalk is the week’y interview program of the Missouri Corn Growers Association. This week MCGA President, Terry Hilgedick, talks about how the ethanol industry has already surpassed next year’s Renewable Fuels Standard production quota. He describes how grower-owned ethanol plant production is increasing in Missouri and looks forward to next spring’s legislative session and Missouri Governor Matt Blunt’s pledge to support a statewide 10% ethanol/gas blend requirement.
Big Oil Gets The Big Turkey Award
This week’s CornTalk has a holiday them. Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO, Gary Marshall, announces his “Big Turkey Award” which goes to big oil for posting record profits at the expense of consumers. Marshall also gives thanks to Missouri corn growers and lawmakers for supporting the continued growth of ethanol.
Missouri River May Rise Twice
This week on Corn Talk, Missouri Corn Growers Association board member, Paul Gross, of Corder, MO, talks about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and the concerns of Missouri agriculture with the plan’s not one, but two Missouri River spring rises ordered to take place in late March and early May.
Announcing Bootheel Agri-Energy
This week on Corn Talk, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council chairman Mike Geske (guess-key) of New Madrid county in the Bootheel talks about the announcement of Bootheel Agri-Energy, a new ethanol plant project proposed in southeast Missouri.
Missouri Ethanol Groundbreaking Next Week
CornTalk, a weekly program for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, features an interview with David Vogt, Presidnt of Missouri Ethanol, LLC. Missouri Ethanol, LLC is breaking ground for a new ethanol plant to be built in Laddonia, near Mexico, MO. Vogt talks about the project and the groundbreaking ceremony to be held on November 7.
Farm Bill & World Trade On CornTalk
CornTalk, a weekly program for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, features an interview with CEO, Gary Marshall. Gary talks about two big issues that have a direct impact on Missouri corn growers, the new farm bill and pending world trade talks. Gary discusses the status of both of these topics and explains how MCGA is working to protect its members as these issues move forward.
New MCGA President Outlines Priorities
CornTalk, a weekly program for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, features an interview with the newly elected president of the organization, Terry Hilgedick. Terry outlines the priorities for the organization this year, including the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard, which will see significant action in the upcoming legislative session. Terry also talks about the corn harvest, comparing it to last year and as he puts it, “What a difference a year makes.”
Diamond Pet Foods Buying Identity-preserved Corn
CornTalk, a weekly program for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, features an interview with Mark Brinkman, Diamond Pet Foods. Diamond Pet Foods has worked with MCGA’s Value Enhancement Program to develop premium price contracts with Missouri corn growers who supply identity-preserved corn for use in the company’s pet food business. Brinkman says this assures Diamond Pet Food will receive a consistent and safe source of corn!
Value Added On CornTalk
CornTalk, a weekly program for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, features an interview with the CEO, Gary Marshall. Gary talks about added value – and how it is benefiting Missouri corn growers. Last week USDA Rural Development announced the awarding of grant assistance under the Value Added Producer Grant program, and Missouri received more funding than any other single state.
Taiwanese Goodwill
CornTalk, a weekly program for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, features an interview with a familiar voice to Missouri corn growers! Fred Stemme, the current vice president of marketing for the National Corn Growers Association and former director of communications for MCGA, discusses last week’s visit by the Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission. The mission toured the United States following the signing of the Sept. 14, intent-to-trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan. Included in this high-profile tour was a stop in Missouri. Fred provides details of the event and also highlights the important role that this longstanding and important trading partner plays in the U.S. corn economy.