Kentucky Corn Growers Take Grower Voices to Capitol Hill

Kentucky corn growers traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress and ensure the voices of farmers from the Commonwealth were heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill. These farmer-leaders spent their week away from the farm not for themselves—but to represent you. Their goal: to keep the priorities and challenges of Kentucky’s corn growers front and center in critical national policy conversations.

“It was an important week for Kentucky growers to share their experiences directly with those shaping our farm policy at the national level. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring forward the real challenges our farmers are facing and to advocate for practical solutions that support the future of agriculture. Kentucky’s corn growers are committed to being part of the conversation and progress,” said Josh Lancaster, President of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KYCGA).

At Corn Congress, more than 300 corn growers gathered to set the priorities that will guide NCGA’s advocacy efforts in the months ahead. Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee and a proud Kentuckian, joined growers to discuss energy security, highlighting the vital role of American-grown ethanol in the nation’s energy future. The event also marked a historic moment for Kentucky, as Brandon Hunt was elected to the NCGA Board of Directors, the first Kentuckian to hold this national leadership position.

While in D.C., KYCGA met with Congressman Guthrie, Congressman Comer, Congressman Rogers, Congressman Barr, Congressman McGarvey, Senator McConnell, Senator Paul, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Growers also participated in meetings at the White House with Trump Administration officials, the USDA, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, and the Environmental Protection Agency. They asked questions and elevated grower priorities related to trade, biofuels, the Make America Healthy Again initiative, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and environmental regulatory policy.

KYCGA leaders met with the American Farm Bureau Federation to collaborate and develop strategies to address the pressing challenges facing agriculture today. KYCGA recognizes the importance of working alongside fellow farmer advocacy organizations to ensure the voice of agriculture remains strong and unified.

Growers spoke candidly about the day-to-day realities and offered personal examples from their farms that weigh heavily on every operation. Very few decision-makers in Washington live these challenges, and our growers emphasized the urgent need for practical solutions

that restore profitability at the farmgate and allow farmers to plan for next season with confidence.

Among top policy priorities was finalizing year-round E15, a commonsense move that would grind 2.3 billion additional bushels of U.S. corn. Not only would this benefit corn farmers across the country, but it also means cleaner air, lower fuel costs for consumers, and better engine performance. Kentucky growers urged lawmakers to deliver this win.

Trade challenges were also front and center. Growers described the strain of high input costs, growing supply chain hurdles, and trade tensions with key global partners. Fertilizer remains costly and harder to secure, while tariffs continue to disrupt relationships with top importers of U.S. corn and co-products. Farmers called for meaningful, enforceable trade agreements that offer mutual benefit and restore market confidence.

“I went to Washington because we’re feeling the pressure at home. Inputs like fertilizer are harder to get and more expensive than ever, and that’s directly tied to trade challenges. We need policies that open supply chains and stabilize markets. I didn’t go just for me. I went to speak up for every farmer facing the same uncertainty,” said Brandon Robey, KYCGA board member and first-generation farmer.

Growers expressed appreciation to members of Kentucky’s delegation who supported the beneficial tax provisions, and the Farm Bill provisions in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill. They emphasized that there are still key priorities to be addressed such as the need to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill which was echoed in every meeting. The current extension expires in September.

Your Kentucky Corn Growers Association is proud to be your voice in Washington, but that voice is only as strong as the farmers who speak. And last week, your fellow growers spoke up on your behalf, calling for action and accountability that puts the future of farming first.