A week ago corn planting was running behind schedule but thanks to the very latest precision technology corn farmers are now 17% ahead of the five year average with 55% of the crop in the ground, according to the latest crop progress report. “We saw more than one-third of the nation’s corn acres planted in a single week,” said USDA … Read More
Corn Growers Provide UAV Comments
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is asking the government to give flight to some unmanned aerial vehicles. The group submitted comments to both the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration about proposed rules regarding the commercial usage and privacy best practices of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In the letter to … Read More
Reaction to Prospective Plantings Report
The much-anticipated 2015 Prospective Plantings released by USDA Tuesday shows declines expected in corn, wheat and cotton acres this year, with only a modest increase in soybean acreage. Corn planted area for all purposes in 2015 is estimated at 89.2 million acres, down 2 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the third consecutive year of an acreage … Read More
Drones Can Increase Efficiency of Farming
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), better known as drones, will make farming more efficient, lower operating costs, and reduce their environmental impact. That was the message from National Corn Growers Association Manager of Public Policy Clint Raine to a group of policymakers and reporters during a panel about the applications of UAS technology to the agricultural industry. “I’m optimistic about the … Read More
Corn and Soybean Groups Support Non-GMO Label
Corn and soybean grower organizations applauded the introduction Wednesday of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, legislation that would create a national, science-based labeling standard for foods containing genetically modified organisms. “Farmers and consumers agree on the need for clear, consistent labeling. Labels should be science-based and uniform in all 50 states,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip … Read More
USDA Report Shows Ethanol Increasing Efficiency
The amount of corn necessary to make a gallon of ethanol is less than previously believed according to a new U.S. Department of Agriculture report. In this month’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report (WASDE), corn use for ethanol production was projected 50 million bushels lower based on the new Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production report recently released by the … Read More
Corn Growers Offer Free Webinar on Risk Coverage
Farmers trying to pick the right risk coverage under the new Farm Bill can be a daunting task. But the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is offering some help. The group is co-sponsoring a free webinar on March 12 from 10-11 am CDT that will help producers pick which coverage package is right for them. Farmers and ranchers will have … Read More
NCGA Good Steward Award at #Classic15
The National Corn Growers Association honored Mike Shuter of Indiana with this year’s Good Steward Recognition Program during last week’s 2015 Commodity Classic convention and trade show. The award recognizes one U.S. farmer annually who is demonstrating leadership in sustainable corn production. “When it comes to finding practical solutions to conserve and better natural resources on the farm, Mike Shuter … Read More
Farmers Heading to Phoenix for #Classic15
Corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers from all over the country are heading to Phoenix this week for the 20th annual Commodity Classic convention and trade show. “Commodity Classic gives us the opportunity not just to celebrate great work, meet with friends and learn about new products and services, it allows growers to get together in one place to shape … Read More
Iowa Corn Farmer at Soil Health Summit
The National Corn Growers Association is the administrator for the Soil Health Partnership which was launched at the 2014 Commodity Classic and Corn Board member Kevin Ross believes it’s a very worthwhile initiative for farmers and all involved. “I’m really pleased with the direction it’s heading,” said Ross at the first Soil Health Summit last week in St. Louis. “It’s … Read More