AgWired

The National Corn Growers Association‘s Corn Congress elected five new farmers to serve on the Corn Board this week.  The new board members will begin their terms on October 1; the start of the NCGA’s fiscal year.  New members are: Chris Edgington of Iowa, Don Glenn of Alabama, Tom Haag of Minnesota and John Linder of Ohio. A current board member, Kevin Ross of Iowa, was re-elected.

“Again this year, we had an impressive slate of candidates for the Corn Board, growers who already have an extensive history of service to American agriculture,” NCGA Chairman Martin Barbre, who chairs the nominating committee, said. “It inspires me to see such an interest on the part of these growers, particularly at this time when our industry faces so many challenges. I am certain they will be a valuable addition to the board and look forward to see what they do for corn farmers I the years to come.”

Chris Edgington has been serving on NCGA’s Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action, as well as acting as chair for the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.

Don Glenn has previously chaired NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team and Mycotoxin Task Force, and has also served on the Ethanol Committee.  He has also been a president of the Alabama Soybean and Corn Association.

Tom Haag is a graduate of the Advanced Leadership Program and a member of the NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team.  Previously Haag has chaired the Grower Services Action Team and been a past president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

John Linder has worked as chair of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and been a member of the Ag Credit Co-op Board of Directors.  He now serves as chair of the NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team.

Current Corn Board member, Kevin Ross, is the board liaison to the Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team and the 2017 Commodity Classic Joint Venture Committee co-chair.  He has previously chaired the Finance Committee and is a past president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

The NCGA Corn Board is responsible for directing policy and day-to-day operations.  They supervise NCGA activities and affairs and implement NCGA policy.  Members also act as spokespeople for the organization.

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly of Indiana has earned the President’s Award by the National Corn Growers Association.  Chip Bowling, president of NCGA, explains that the honor is given to leaders who strive to advance important issues to corn farmers and agriculture.

“Senator Donnelly is a true advocate for farmers in Indiana and throughout the country,” said Bowling. “He is one of ethanol’s biggest champions in Congress. He understands the importance of ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard, which has made America more energy independent, strengthened the rural economy, and given consumers more choices, lower prices, and cleaner air. He has consistently defended the RFS and has spearheaded meetings with the Administration in support of this policy. He is also a lead sponsor of a bill that would give consumers access to higher blends of ethanol year-round.”

“Indiana and America’s corn farmers are providing the feed, food, and fuel that help to feed our families and power our economy,” said Senator Donnelly. “It is an honor to be recognized by the National Corn Growers Association, and I look forward to continuing to work hard every day to bring the wisdom of America’s farmers to Washington to advance the interests of our farming and rural communities.”

“Senator Donnelly knows that farmers need clarity and certainty when it comes to regulations that affect their business,” said Bowling. “He cosponsored the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, a bipartisan bill to improve and clarify the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ Waters of the U.S. rule. While the bill ultimately fell short, we appreciate his efforts to find a permanent, constructive solution to the WOTUS rule.”

Joe Donnelly is the junior Senator from Indiana. He previously represented the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he helped negotiate and pass the 2014 Farm Bill, which included a landmark shift toward a market-based risk management program. He has also supported increased funding for inland waterways, roads, bridges, and railroads, which help farmers and ranchers get their products to market quickly, safely, and efficiently.

Donnelly is Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Markets, Trade and Risk Management. Prior to serving in Congress, Donnelly helped run a small business and practiced law.

“Senator Donnelly is a leader and problem-solver at a time when Washington is desperately lacking in both,” said Bowling. “It has been a privilege to work closely with him and his staff during his time in Washington, and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”