Cobcast: Inside the Grind with the National Corn Growers Association: Recent Episodes
National Corn Growers Association
Big picture conversations about the future of agriculture with the National Corn Growers Association and its network of industry leaders. Join us every month as we explore new topics and advocate for America’s corn farmers. From the fields of the Corn Belt to the DC Beltway, we’ll make sure that the growers who feed and fuel America have a say in issues that are important to them. Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers, with a vision of sustainably feeding and fueling a growing world.
Over the last several years, tariffs and trade have been a major pain point for growers. But this summer, the NCGA has helped bring home a huge win for America’s farmers in a recent International Trade Commission case involving proposed tariffs on imported Urea Ammonium Nitrate fertilizers. So in this episode, we'll talk to Andy Jobman, a Nebraskan corn farmer, and Jared R. Wessel, an attorney with Hogan Lovells in Washington, D.C. These two played major roles in arguing NCGA's case at the ITC hearings. Andy and Jared will discuss how they argued their case, why this win was so important, and what the industry needs to do next to continue to fight unnecessary trade restrictions.
The Farm Bill is an important piece of legislation that affects everything that is governed by the USDA. With Congress working to pass a new version for 2023, NCGA believed it was a topic worth discussing at this summer's Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. Led by NCGA's VP of Public Policy, Brooke Appleton, this discussion panel, straight from the floor of Corn Congress, includes several experienced legislators and thought leaders in the field of agriculture:
Daniel Glickman, former Secretary, USDA Heidi Heitkamp, former Senator and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Richard Fordyce, former Administrator of the Farm Service Agency
Together, these four discuss important topics to consider, and the work and relationships necessary to achieve our goals in creating a farm bill that is beneficial to everyone affected by agriculture.
The rising cost of food and fuel are everywhere right now. From big headlines in the news to your own wallet, Americans are feeling the pinch of rising prices. And in the corn industry, we're still leveraging a powerful tool to help take the edge off the financial pain we all feel each week: corn ethanol. In this episode, we’re talking to Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, about how ethanol can help Americans weather this economic storm. And we’re busting some common ethanol myths that keep on turning up everywhere from policy discussions to social media.
Farmers work in a business where the finances keep getting tighter and the stakes keep getting higher. That kind of pressure takes a toll. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate in the agriculture industry is nearly 10 points above the national average, and about one in four farmers struggles with mental health issues. But mental health doesn’t typically get talked about a lot in the ag community. So in this episode, we meet Lowell Neitzel, a grower from Kansas who’s trying to change that by sharing his personal story about mental health. Lowell also leads the NCGA Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team, which has targeted grower mental health as a priority. Lowell is joined by Dr. Heather Sedges, an associate professor from the University of Tennessee who’s working to prioritize mental health resources for growers. Dr. Sedges serves as Principal Investigator and Lead of the USDA/NIFA-funded Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the Southern Region. Together, they discuss how to change the conversation about mental health in rural America, what to do when a friend or loved one is in a mental health crisis, and how to create a one-stop shop for mental health resources that growers can use to protect their own well-being.
Click here to watch Lowell's story on YouTube.
And here is the list of resources that Dr. Sedges references in this episode:
Farmer Resource Network
North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center
Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program
National Farmers Union Farm Crisis Center
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Training Kit
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
Managing Farm Stress (Michigan State Univ. Extension)
AgrAbility Mental Health Resources
Univ. of Maryland Extension Farmer Stress Webinar
Dr. Val Farmer articles archive
Office of Rural Mental Health Research (Federal Government website)
Rural Behavioral Health Initiative
National Rural Health Association
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
And here is a link to the Productivity Protocol that Dr. Sedges mentions.
The NCGA National Corn Yield Contest is an annual tradition that dates back to 1965. But in that time, no one has had quite the sustained success as Charles City, Virginia’s David Hula, who has won the contest with record-setting yields on four separate occasions. In this episode, we talk to David about his formula for success, which includes a combination of precisely-targeted fertilizer applications and a blend of strip-till and no-till. Plus, we discuss the unique environmental challenges he faces as he works tirelessly to preserve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and how his farm traces its historic roots back to a time when growers planted a dead catfish with their corn seed.
150 years of experience, at the very highest levels of the agriculture industry, was on display at the Commodity Classic Executives Round Table a few weeks ago. As leaders from the five Commodity Classic presenting organizations, these five executives have their fingers on the pulse of the agriculture world and the iissues that affect farmers. Panel members included:
Jon Doggett, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association.
Steve Censky, , CEO of the American Soybean Association
Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers
Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers
Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of Ag at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Together, we discussed policy, supply chain, sustainability, infrastructure, biofuels, precision ag, the next Farm Bill, and just about every other issue facing the ag industry today. And in this episode, we bring you that discussion in its entirety.
The Mississippi River transports 60 percent of American corn and soybean exports to market. The massive barges that ply America’s waterways are more cost-effective than any other form of transportation, and also play a role in getting vital inputs to growers. And yet, much of the infrastructure that makes this possible hasn’t been updated since the 1930’s… until now. In this episode, we talk about a key win for the NCGA and other groups who have spent decades pushing Congress to act on this critical infrastructure problem. Joining us are Jim Tarmann, the managing director with Illinois Corn Growers, and Tracy Zea, the president and CEO of the Waterways Council, which is an association dedicated to advocating for a modern national system of inland waterway infrastructure. We discuss how we got to this point, what it means for growers in the Midwest, and what comes next.
Chip Flory is sometimes called the Voice of Rural America. Host of the AgriTalk radio program and podcast, he brings ag news, policy updates and expert insights to a network of more than 135 radio stations across the U.S. So in this episode, we flip the script on Chip, interviewing him at the National Corn Growers Association booth on the show floor at Commodity Classic. Plus, we finally settle, once and for all, who’s the biggest music buff—Chip Flory or NCGA CEO Jon Doggett—with a classic rock trivia contest for the ages.
Heightened tensions in Eastern Europe have dominated the news lately, as Russia seems poised to invade Ukraine. As a result of this and other global flashpoints, the unstable geopolitical climate is creating uncertainty in the world of agriculture, and growers are already feeling the effects. So in this episode, we’re talking to Colonel Mark Purdy, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Aimpoint Research, about how food security is vital to national security. We’ll sort out the context of the showdown in Eastern Europe, explore scenarios for what’s likely to happen, and provide some insight about what this could mean for growers here in the U.S. Most importantly, we’ll revisit how food power is vital to national security in the U.S.
Last year was a mixed bag of news for the nation’s corn growers. Corn prices climbed, but so did input costs. News about supply lines, infrastructure and politics came fast and heavy. And 2022 is giving every indication of continuing on that chaotic, breakneck pace. So in this episode, we check in with NCGA President Chris Edgington to hear how all these big national news stories have impacted his operation in Iowa, what lessons he learned in 2021 and what growers need to know to thrive in 2022.
Bipartisanship is how things get done in Washington, and what holds us together as Americans. So how’s that going in our nation’s capital? “Things are not good, from a bipartisan perspective right now,” Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson from South Dakota tells us in this episode. And Democrat Abigail Spanberger from Virginia agrees. As members of the bipartisan “Problem Solvers’ Caucus,” these two Congresspeople have developed a reputation for trying to work together instead of tear one another down. But they can’t do it alone. And so in this episode, they join us once again to discuss how Americans can help bring compromise back, and why it’s important for the corn industry AND the nation.
With harvest season winding down, NCGA members are observing another fall milestone—the induction of a new NCGA president, Chris Edgington. Administratively speaking, NCGA’s “new year” began on October 1. And, hailing from St. Ansgar, Iowa, Chris has been sworn in to lead the organization in the year ahead. So in this episode, we’re going to get to know him a little bit better… his operation, what drives him to lead, and what he sees as the biggest hurdles that growers face in the year ahead.
After a long day in the field, there's no reward like a tender juicy corn-fed cut of steak. And it's made all the sweeter by the fact that the US beef industry is one of the largest consumers of American corn. So, in this episode, we're going to talk to two beef industry leaders, Collin Woodall from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Nicole Erceg from Certified Angus Beef, about how corn growers can be good partners to the beef industry, what it means to meet modern consumer expectations, and how you might be cooking your steaks wrong. As Nicole notes, sustainability is a team sport. And with consumer expectations evolving year in and year out, close partnerships between corn growers and beef producers are more important than ever before. Colin shared his favorite recipe for Grilled Cowboy Steaks. And Nicole invites you to: · Access more than 500 chef-tested recipes at CertifiedAngusBeef.com · Follow Certified Angus Beef Test Kitchen on YouTube for recipes, how-tos and technique videos
The Field of Dreams is an iconic movie for baseball fans and corn growers alike, and the image of an idyllic baseball diamond set amongst the Iowa corn stalks has endured now for decades. But this summer, the NCGA had the opportunity to be part of Major League Baseball’s plan to bring baseball back to that field in Dyersville. And on this episode, we’ll relive the event with Ron Kittle, former White Sox outfielder and 1983 AL Rookie of the Year, as well as NCGA President John Linder. Together with Jon and Dusty, they'll revisit the planning that made this special event possible, share stories from game day and explore Ron's career in Major League baseball. Plus, John Linder shares the tale of his run-in with actor Kevin Costner at the game itself.
The Next Generation Fuels Act is poised to reinforce the market for American ethanol, and it’s been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. And in this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who was honored with the NCGA President’s Award this year for her support as sponsor of the Next Generation Fuels Act. She’ll outline the specifics of the bill, share the outlook from Washington and detail what you can do to make sure this important piece of legislation becomes law.
Between a couple of recent high-profile court cases and all the hype surrounding electric vehicles, stakeholders in the corn and ethanol industry are looking for a little reassurance right now. But the reality of the transportation energy puzzle is a little more complex than what you’ve heard on the news. So in this episode, we’re joined by John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute, for a reality check about the present and future of the transportation energy sector. Together with NCGA CEO Jon Doggett, he discusses the shifting makeup of the American transportation fleet, the hurdles to mass adoption that electric vehicles still face, the probable impact of recent court cases, and why ethanol remains the best option for decarbonizing American transportation today.
In today’s world, farmers face growing consumer expectations, a need for economic resilience and the very real pressures of global climate change. And they’re meeting these challenges head-on with science-driven practices that prove that sustainability is more than a buzzword in the agriculture industry. In this episode, Nebraska farmer and NCGA board member Brandon Hunnicutt outlines NCGA’s new sustainability goals, and the benefits he’s seen from thinking about the sustainability of his own operation. He shares his personal insights about smart farming advances, cover crop use, advanced irrigation management and other techniques that make his farm more sustainable, and how he’s saved money and improved yields as a result. Plus, Jon offers up the view from Washington, and why it’s important for growers to be perceived as part of the solution in the ongoing discussion over sustainability. To learn more about NCGA’s 2030 sustainability goals, and to offer your feedback, visit ncga.com/sustainability.
With a grain content at least 51 percent corn, bourbon is a drink that’s near and dear to every grower’s heart. But in the heart of bourbon country, there’s a really neat partnership taking root between the Kentucky Corn Growers Association and the producers of Yellow Banks bourbon, who source their corn from local growers and donate a portion of their profits to support corn research. In this episode, we’re back at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville for part two of our discussion about bourbon, as 8th generation master distiller Jacob Call from Green River Distilling talks about the partnerships… and the relationships… that make Yellow Banks possible. Plus, Frazier Kentucky History Museum president and CEO Andy Treinen talks about how bourbon tourism is helping people reconnect with life on the farm. And Laura Knoth and Adam Andrews from the Kentucky Corn Growers Association discuss how strongly-rooted bourbon and corn are in Kentucky’s economy and culture.
Bourbon is a uniquely American beverage. Not only is its heritage deeply rooted in early Appalachian history, but up to two-and-a-half pounds of corn go into every bottle that’s distilled. So in this episode of the podcast, we’re going on the road with Jon as he pays a visit to the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville. There, in the midst of the exhibit on bourbon, we’ll learn about the unique way that corn farming contributed to the history of this singular beverage from museum president and CEO Andy Treinen. We'll also follow the crop from kernel to kettle to bottle with 8th generation master distiller Jacob Call from Green River Distilling. And we'll explore how the corn industry and bourbon celebrate their shared history together from Laura Knoth and Adam Andrews from the Kentucky Corn Grower's Association.
Two and a half million Americans are getting their COVID-19 vaccine every day. And as America takes this critical step to beating the virus and re-opening the economy, it’s more important than ever that rural America does NOT get left behind. So the NCGA has joined a nationwide effort to support that process, the COVID-19 Community Corps. Together with other founding members, NCGA will promote the science behind the safe and effective vaccines that are a critical component in the battle against Coronavirus. In this episode, we talk about the unique challenges we face in getting rural Americans vaccinated with Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, and Carrie Saia, the CEO of a small town hospital in Holton, Kansas.
With planting season upon us, we continue our focus on agronomy for the month of March. In this episode, we catch up with Brett Begemann, the Chief Operating Officer at Bayer Crop Science. He shares details about the new inputs they’ve got in their technology pipeline, what that means for the future of farming and how their role in the ag industry is evolving. We also catch a bit of the March Madness and hear Jon Doggett’s secret for filling out his bracket every year. Before joining Bayer, Brett served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Monsanto Company, where he led global efforts to connect farmers with solutions for growing better harvests. Brett worked for 35 years at Monsanto, holding a number of leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.
It’s that time of year when planting is on the front burner again. And so here at the NCGA, we’re digging in on the topic of agronomy this month, talking to the leaders of some of the world’s foremost providers of agriculture inputs. In this episode, Jon catches up with Tim Glenn, the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Corteva Agriscience, about how they’ve navigated the roller coaster of the last couple years, what new technologies they’re bringing to bear, and what kind of barbecue they cook up in Alabama. Tim has been in the ag inputs business with Corteva and its heritage organizations for 30 years, and shares insights to help growers maximize their productivity after a roller coaster couple of years in the ag business.
The U.S. pork herd consumed 900 million bushels of corn in 2019. Not only does that make the pork industry a key customer segment for NCGA’s growers, but many of the same trade and sustainability issues that we grapple with in corn impact them as well. So in this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett chats with Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, to review some of the cooperative efforts the two groups have underway, the challenges they face and the opportunities that await if they work together. They also recount some of their favorite mouthwatering pork dishes. Spoiler alert: bacon is involved.
After a 2020 calendar year in which it seems like we were always asking, "What next?", we take a look at what the future holds for America's corn industry with the President of the NCGA, John Linder. Linder is a fifth-generation farmer from the little town of Edison, Ohio. Prior to his elevation to the role of President, John served as the Corn Board liaison to the Market Access Action Team, on the Resolutions Committee and chaired the Finance and Engaging Members Committees. He also represented NCGA at the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center. Together with association CEO Jon Doggett, they'll discuss new demand generation opportunities, why it's important to get new growers involved with the NCGA, and what Commodity Classic is going to look like in a pandemic year.
From his roots on a Nebraska corn farm, Jeff Zeleny has gone on to become one of the nation's foremost experts on presidential politics, covering the White House and campaigns for the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times. Now as CNN's Senior White House Correspondent, he's spent every day of 2020 with his finger on the pulse of the election for U.S. president. In this episode, Jeff joins Jon to talk about the issues that defined the campaign, what we can expect as President-Elect Joe Biden transitions to the presidency, the future for President Donald Trump, and what it all means for America's corn farmers. With the economy and the COVID-19 response hanging in the balance, he also offers insights about what a Biden presidency means for agriculture-focused issues like trade and the environment. And, Jeff shares tales about how growing up in the heart of corn country shaped his world view and his work ethic as a world-renowned journalist.
The NCGA’s outgoing President Kevin Ross had a term in office unlike any other. From a Twitter battle with the world’s largest beer brewer, to a public speech with President Donald Trump, to the NCGA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, his year at the helm was anything but boring. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett asks the Iowa grower to unpack all the highlights from his term and look to the future of the industry. And, in spite of all the uncertainty, Kevin shares his reasons for optimism and a love of farming that's stronger than ever.
Even before the onset of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, this had been a tough decade for corn growers. It turns out our members have gotten REALLY GOOD at growing corn, and demand just hasn’t kept up with supply. NCGA’s efforts to spur corn demand have made great strides toward big-picture, far-horizon initiatives that will grow corn consumption in the future. But with the extra hit to corn demand posed by the pandemic, farmers could use a little extra help this harvest season. And so the NCGA is partnering with Aimpoint Research, a strategic consulting firm that specializes in applying a military tactical mindset to solving business problems. In this episode, Jon discusses the issues with Aimpoint Senior Vice President Mark Purdy, a former Army Colonel who graduated from West Point Academy. He served as Director of War Games at the U.S. Army War College, and his experience ranges from leading combat units to managing multi-billion dollar security assistance portfolios. He traces his roots back to a family farm in Ohio where he grew up raising sheep, corn soybeans and hay. They’re also joined by Jim Bauman, NCGA’s Vice President of Market Development.
The poor quality of internet access in rural America has been an issue for a long time. The lack of reliable broadband has impacted farms, communities and the rural economy, and that was BEFORE the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that kids in farm country are headed back to school, some virtually and some in-person, broadband access is a bigger issue than ever before. In this episode, Jon talks with Elsie Wetzel--a school administrator, teacher, mother, farmer and Common Ground volunteer from North Texas--about how they’re making it work in these unprecedented times. Together, they explore the need to connect our rural communities, discuss the pandemic's impact on kids, families and rural schools, and share some important advice for staying grounded in the midst of all this uncertainty.
While the USMCA trade agreement was a big win for corn growers in the U.S., the industry is still reeling amid the larger trade war that has embroiled the U.S. and its strategic partners. Since America’s retreat into protectionist economic policies, the U.S. corn industry has lost significant influence in global trade talks. Strong leadership and consistent trade policy are needed to right the industry’s economic course and secure an export market for America’s corn crop. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett talks to a pair of the world’s foremost experts in global agricultural trade about what comes next for U.S. ag trade policy. Ambassador Darci Vetter is the Former USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator and USDA Deputy Under Secretary, and currently works as a consultant at Edelman. And Ryan LeGrand is the CEO of the U.S. Grains Council.
The so-called “Urban-Rural Divide” has played a growing role in American life, politics and social issues recently. But it doesn’t need to be that way. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett has a candid discussion with three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee about her experience growing up in East St. Louis, the issues facing residents of the inner city, and her accomplishments as a world-class athlete. She also talks about the JJK Foundation’s efforts to educate city kids on the art of urban farming, including corn and soybeans, and the valuable life lessons they take away from the experience. And together, Jackie and Jon agree that there’s more to unite us than divide us. Learn more about the JJK Foundation
When new materials can increase demand for corn, offer low-cost alternatives to traditional plastics AND benefit the environment, everybody wins. And, backed by organizations like Iowa State’s Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) and the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), researchers in the heartland are pioneering new uses for corn that could reinvent the future of manufacturing. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett explores the possibilities with CRA CEO John Bode, CBiRC Director Dr. Brent Shanks, BioCognito Principal Nathan Danielson, and NCGA Director for Market Development Sarah McKay.
This may be a tumultuous time for corn farmers and ethanol producers. But then again, the ethanol industry's entire history has been a roller coaster ride. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett revisits the battles that got us to this point with "the Godfather of Ethanol" himself, Bob Dinneen from the Renewable Fuels Association. Plus, they're joined by NCGA's Director of Renewable Fuels, Mark Palmer, to discuss what the future might hold as the ethanol industry navigates a new set of uncertain times.
Creating a place to have a conversation instead of yelling at each other is one reason why NCGA CEO Jon Doggett started this podcast. And in this episode, he takes that philosophy to one of the most contentious places in America—Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. From the Congressional office of Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Jon interviews the Democratic Congresswoman and her Republican colleague, South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, about what it takes to bridge the partisan divide in Washington. As members of the bipartisan “Problem Solvers Caucus,” Spanberger and Johnson discuss their efforts to pass the USMCA trade agreement and find common ground on other topics that are important, not just to farmers, but to Americans nationwide. They’re also joined by NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Brooke Appleton.
In response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, the institution of social distancing protocols has left growers and ag stakeholders with more questions than answers as they head into planting season. So we're interrupting your normal programming to provide a timely update with the CEO of inputs supplier Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mike Frank. In this episode, Mike tells NCGA CEO Jon Doggett that Nutrien is on-track to deliver all the inputs growers need to get a jump on the season, and enacting special protocols to keep staff and farmers safe. Ultimately, the fate of the nation hangs on its uninterrupted food supply, and Jon has details on NCGA's efforts to ensure the supply lines remain open and farmers have the support they need.
Farmers are the original environmentalists. For generations, they’ve tended the land, kept track of its health and put their hearts, backs and livelihoods into keeping it productive. But in an era of climate change and extreme weather events, it’s going to take new allies and new tactics to help farmers in that mission, and the National Corn Growers Association has found an important partner in an unexpected place. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett and Environmental Defense Fund Senior VP of Ecosystems David Festa discuss the common ground they’ve discovered in helping growers weather storms, grow their profits and reduce their impact on the environment. They’re joined as well by NCGA VP of Production and Sustainability Nathan Fields. Learn more about EDF’s conservation efforts to bolster farm finances.
With the Super Bowl just a few days away, many in the corn industry will be thinking about a Super Bowl ad that ran during last year’s big game. In it, Bud Light launched a year-long attack against the corn syrup that Coors Light and Miller Lite use during their brewing process. This misleading smear campaign could have been a new low point in what was already a bad year for corn producers. But instead, the National Corn Growers Association teamed up with MolsonCoors, the company behind Coors Light and Miller Lite. Together, they hit back against Bud Light parent company Anheuser-Busch, and they made it hurt. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett relives the "Corntroversy" of 2019 with help from MolsonCoors CCO Adam Collins, NCGA President Kevin Ross, and NCGA VP of Communications Neil Caskey.
Jon Doggett, the CEO of the National Corn Growers Association, travels thousands of miles each year in his mission to protect the future of the American corn-growing industry. And he's got the stories to prove it. But in this age of quick sound bites and snappy tweets, Jon believes it's time to have a real conversation again. And so he's launching "Wherever Jon May Roam," a podcast dedicated to telling the story behind the headlines and exploring the issues that impact corn producers' bottom lines. In this episode, Jon shares some stories about growing up on a ranch in Montana, laments the changing nature of politics in Washington D.C., and shares his plans for the podcast with NCGA VP of Communications Neil Caskey.
Big picture conversations about the future of corn farming with Jon Doggett, the CEO of the National Corn Growers Association. Launching on Jan 22, join Jon every month as he travels the nation on a mission to advocate for America’s corn farmers. From the fields of the Corn Belt to the DC Beltway, we’ll make sure that the growers who feed America have a say in issues that are important to them with key leaders who are shaping the future of agriculture. Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers, with a vision of sustainably feeding and fueling a growing world.