Corn Grower Update

NCGA launched the 2014 fiscal year seating a new Corn Board on October 1, 2013. With Martin Barbre of Carmi, Ill. assuming the presidency, Pam Johnson of Floyd, Iowa moved to the role of chairwoman and Maryland farmer Chip Bowling became NCGA’s first vice president.

In addition to the officers, the 2014 Corn Board includes Keith Alverson of Chester, S.D.; Bob Bowman of DeWitt, Iowa; Anthony Bush of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Lynn Chrisp of Hastings, Neb.; Rob Elliott of Cameron, Ill.; Don Elsbernd of Postville, Iowa; Mike Geske of Matthews, Mo.; Jon Holzfaster of Paxton, Neb.; Kevin Ross of Minden, Iowa; Kevin Skunes of Arthur, N.D.; Wesley Spurlock of Stratford, Texas; and Paul Taylor of Esmond, Ill.

A full listing of NCGA’s 2014 action team and committee membership can be found at www.ncga.com/about-ncga. n

NCGA Welcomes 2014 Corn Board

A newsletter from the National Corn Growers Association First Quarter 2014 • Volume XIII, Issue 1

Front row, left to right: Pam Johnson, Chairwoman; Martin Barbre,

President; Chip Bowling, First Vice President; Rick Tolman, NCGA CEO

Second row, left to right: Lynn Chrisp, Keith Alverson, Mike Geske,

Paul Taylor, Kevin Ross, Kathy Baker (NCGA Staff), Rob Elliott

Back row, left to right: Don Elsbernd, Jon Holzfaster, Anthony Bush, Wesley

Spurlock, Kevin Skunes, Bob Bowman, Rodger Mansfield (NCGA Staff)

NCGA Collaborates with Members and Allies to Defend EthanolCiting severe economic and environmental ramifications, the National Corn Growers Association called on all its members and friends to submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, opposing its proposal to slash the amount of corn ethanol required in the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“It’s critical that our growers and all those concerned about the rural economy stand up for corn ethanol and urge the EPA to keep the volume obligations as they are now written in the law,” said NCGA President Martin Barbre. “The impacts of the EPA’s proposal, if enacted, will ripple throughout communities where America’s family farmers live, shop and do business. Rural America cannot afford this and neither can the environment.”

For 2014, the EPA has proposed a 1.4 billion gallon reduction in how much corn ethanol will be required under the RFS, the federal law that requires the blending of domestic, renewable, cleaner-burning corn ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply. This will reduce already-low corn prices and negatively affect planting decisions in 2014. It also will reduce the environmental benefits of using more domestic, renewable biofuels.

The EPA announcement followed the early November letter sent by 169 members of the House of Representatives urging Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy to use the agency’s authority to reduce the volumes of ethanol mandated in the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard. NCGA voiced firm disagreement with the letter, which used outdated and incomplete information in making its case, to disparage corn ethanol with allegations of negative economic and ecological impacts.

NCGA President Barbre personally voiced NCGA’s opposition to altering the RFs during a November 21 meeting at the White House. He joined key representatives from the biofuels industry and agribusiness to present information on the negative impacts of the proposed 2014 renewable Volume Obligation levels for the Renewable Fuel Standard. During this discussion, Barbre presented compelling evidence of the importance of maintaining the RVO

numbers of the RFS as written in statute.

As outlined in the proposed RVOs issued earlier that month, the TPA intends to reduce the baseline 2014 RVOs for the RFS from 14.4 billion gallons to 13 billion gallons. This ill-advised and unnecessary cut in required volumes will bring the promise of the renewable fuels markets to a close. Further, this reduction in volumes would have a devastating effect on farmers and rural communities across the country.

The meeting, which also included representation from the Advanced Biofuels Association, the Advanced Ethanol Council, Archer Daniels Midland, Growth Energy, POET, Monsanto, Novozymes, and the Renewable Fuels Association, presented the aforementioned information to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, advisors to the Obama administration and representatives from the EPA.

NCGA is working tirelessly to bring the Administration’s attention to the potential impacts of the proposed RVOs, and while this meeting served as an initial contact, it will sustain a focused, vigorous defense of the RFS. Members, non-member farmers, residents of rural America, advocates for biofuel and energy security and those invested in creating a more environmentally friendly energy future are urged to visit www.ncga.com for updated information on ways in which they can support these efforts as the situation evolves. n

Tell Washington: Keep the RFS!

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National Corn Yield Contest Winners for 2013 AnnouncedAdvanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the NCGA 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 400-plus bushel per acre mark.

The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 49th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members, setting a new participation record this year with 8,827 entries. This surpasses the previous record of 8,431 entries, set in 2011, and far outstrips the 8,263 entries received in 2012.

“While this contest provides individual growers a chance for good-natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming as a whole,” said Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for widely used advances that help farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations, including drought. This contest highlights how innovation, from both growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 354.6 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 160.4 bushels per acre in 2013. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 454.9837.

The all-time high yield record of 454 bushels per acre was set by David Hula of Charles City, Va. The five national entrants recording yields of more than 400 bushels per acre are: David Hula of Charles City, Va.; Johnny Hula of Charles City, Va.; Double ‘SA’ Farms Inc. of Hart, Texas; Randy Dowdy of Valdosta, Ga.; and Dowdy Farms/Curtis Davis/Renato Lamas of Valdosta, Ga.

“Many of our members first joined NCGA so that they could participate in the National Corn Yield Contest and test their skills as a farmer,” said Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “While they join to gain entry, their view of the organization, and corresponding level of participation, evolves. Once a contest participant looks at our activities and achievements on behalf of all American growers, they see the value in a grassroots approach that unites the voices of corn farmers across the country to affect change. Reluctant joiners turn into vital members, spokespeople for their industry and active advocates of NCGA membership.”

Winners will receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, and potentially receive trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed and crop protection companies. During the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, state winners will be recognized at the NCYC Breakfast and national winners will receive awards at the NCGA Awards Banquet. Contest winners will also be featured in a special edition of Progressive Farmer magazine. n

Remember to Register for NCGA CUTC 2014 Today!Register for the National Corn Growers Association’s 2014 Corn Utilization and Technology Conference today to take advantage of exclusive savings. The biennial event, which will be held June 2-4 in Louisville, Ky., will feature the cutting-edge technologies and new uses that continually improve and dynamically change the corn industry.

“While June may seem a ways away, registering now for CUTC provides an opportunity to save with valuable early registration discounts available until March 30,” said NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chair Tom Mueller. “The 2014 conference remains a must-attend event on calendars of many throughout the industry, fostering innovative ideas and the important networking connections necessary to move the industry forward.”

Sessions will address genetics, biotechnology and grain quality. Additional offerings will explore new technologies and products from wet and dry processing, enzyme technology and products from biorefineries. Participants may also select to attend presentations on new starch uses, resistant starch and nutrition, biopolymers and higher valued products such as nutraceuticals.

The Gary Lamie Graduate Student Poster Competition will again showcase the latest student research and provide networking opportunities for students looking to enter these fields after graduation.

Increasingly recognized as an important industry networking event, CUTC offers attendees the chance to meet hundreds of valuable business contacts, identify potential new customers and learn how new technologies will enhance the value of corn.

CUTC 2014 will be held at the Marriott Louisville Downtown Hotel. Visit www.corntechconf.org for updates as additional information becomes available. n

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MAIZALL Efforts Lift Off During Tour of Asian MarketsThe first international MAIZALL mission took place in Asia this November, bringing representatives of corn farmers from the United States, Argentina and Brazil to South Korea and China for meetings with key industry and government officials. The team, which included NCGA Chairwoman and MAIZALL board member Pam Johnson, discussed issues important to both parties including biotechnology, current corn production, product regulatory issues and domestic farming practices.

Launched in the spring of 2013, MAIZALL is a voluntary, non-governmental organization representing grower organizations in major exporting countries interested in the international trade

in corn. Currently, the group includes the National Corn Growers Association, the U.S. Grains Council, ABRAMHILO and MAIZAR, the national corn producers’ organizations of Brazil and Argentina respectively. While all three countries are now, and will remain, vigorous competitors, the three also share common interests in market access, transparent and efficient global trading systems, and increased global acceptance of modern agricultural technology.

Legally incorporated in Panama, a central location, MAIZALL is designed to elevate the producer perspective from the major corn exporting countries in the ongoing, and sometimes heated, global debate about agricultural technology and trade. n

In October, NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmerman represented U.S. farmers in the 8th annual Global Farmer Roundtable.

In 2013, farmers and producers from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Ghana, India, Kenya, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Ukraine, the United States, Uruguay and Zimbabwe participated in this event in support of freer trade and farmers’ freedom to choose the tools, technologies and strategies they need to maximize productivity and profitability in a sustainable manner.

“The Truth about Trade and Technology Roundtable, organized by the non-profit group of the same name, provides a forum for farmers from across the globe to discuss issues which impact us all in a productive manner,” said Zimmerman. “We share biotechnology, free trade and stewardship issues whether we farm in America or half a world away. Working together, we can create a global landscape that provides farmers with tools and opportunities that will help grow our industry and feed our world.” n

NCGA Action Team Brings CommonGround Volunteers Together for World-Class Discussion on GMOs CommonGround volunteers and staff from state corn and soy associations gathered in St. Louis in late October for the CommonGround Biotechnology Communications Workshop which was graciously sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association’s Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. The day-long event, held at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, featured internationally respected experts on biotechnology and a tour of the independent research facility.

“The energy and desire to learn that these women brought to the conference was inspiring,” said NCGA Chairwoman Johnson, who also attended. “They took full advantage of the opportunity to delve more deeply into the science behind common myths about biotech and GMOs, both actively listening and discussing these topics. Farmers must greatly intensify their efforts to help the public understand the benefits and importance of biotechnology in agriculture. I feel confident that these women will make the most of their interaction with these esteemed experts as they continue their conversations with consumers about food and farming.”

The workshop began with an address from Johnson, who spoke passionately about the necessity of joining in the public dialogue about the use of biotechnology in agriculture. Reminding attendees of the importance of their efforts in this area, she encouraged them to take full advantage of the expertise within the room to increase the understanding and confidence they bring to these conversations.

Following the workshop, CommonGround launched a series of four segments on The Balancing Act, a morning television program on Lifetime TV. Featuring volunteers from Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and Ohio, the shows highlight important messages about food safety, production and biotechnology.

This special opportunity to reach millions of the women who make a vast majority of America’s grocery purchasing decisions came to fruition through the special support of NCGA, and was spearheaded by the association’s Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. The Balancing Act empowers women in all aspects of their lives, striving to help today’s modern women balance it all by bringing them exceptional solutions to everyday problems. Working together, CommonGround and The Balancing Act will provide both immediate information and an ongoing resource for women with questions about the food they feed their families.

CommonGround is a grass-roots movement to foster conversation among women — on farms and in cities — about where our food comes from and how it is grown. The National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board and their state affiliates developed CommonGround to start conversations between women who grow food and the women who buy it. It’s a conversation grounded on volunteers who share their personal experience as farmers and support it with evidence based upon on science and research. CommonGround’s first goal is to help consumers understand that their food is not grown by a factory. It’s grown by people, and it’s important those on the farm that those off the farm can understand and trust the process. It’s about knowing that America’s families don’t have to fear their food. n

NCGA Takes Seat at Global Roundtable in Support of Trade and Technology in Ag

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FY 2014 APPROVED BUDGETNATIONAL CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION

RevenuesCheckoff  Revenue 14,556,708Commodity  Classic 500,000Corn  Yield  Contest 1,270,238Corn  Utilization  Tech  Conference  (CUTC) 217,736Industry 1,300,000Interest 500Membership 675,000Other 5,000

________________ Total Revenues 18,525,182________________

Team Program ExpensesTrade  Policy  and  Biotechnology  Action  Team 305,600Ethanol  Committee 866,100Grower  Services  Action  Team 1,839,200Production  &  Stewardship  Action  Team 1,179,846Public  Policy  Action  Team 393,950Research & Business Dev Action Team 1,328,000NASCAR 3,000,000________________    Total  Team  Programs 8,912,696________________

Association ProgramsCommunications 640,000Corn  Board  and  Funding 742,258Corn  Utilization  Tech  Conference  (CUTC) 217,000Membership/Leadership 894,000NCGA  Commodity  Classic/Awards  Banquet 390,360Resolutions/Policy/Corn  Congress 281,700State  Relations/Meetings 74,150________________    Total  Association  Programs 3,239,468________________

Human ResourcesHealth  Insurance 581,331Payroll  Taxes 247,510Professional  Development 20,000Retirement 377,803Salaries 3,948,730________________

   Total  Human  Resources 5,175,374________________

Property and EquipmentDepreciation 101,013Equipment  Leases/Rental/Purchases 93,650IT  Expense 52,600Maintenance 47,705Property  Taxes 35,000Rent 277,138________________    Total  Property  and  Equipment 607,106________________Operating ExpensesAccounting/Legal/Professional  Fees 116,365Dues/Subscriptions 31,300Electronic  Communication 67,600General  Liability  Insurance 58,293Meetings 119,200Office  Expense 99,380Travel 42,000Utilities 56,400________________    Total  Operating  Expenses 590,538________________

Total Expenses 18,525,182

Net Revenues/(Expenses) 0

National  Corn  Growers  Association                                                                      

FY 2014 Approved Budget