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What a Government Shutdown Means for Farmers
The federal government shut down this week, and farmers are bracing for the ripple effects on their fields, finances, and futures. Government programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), such as crop insurance and sustainable practice programs, can hurt farmers when not operating, especially during harvest season.
Kentucky Corn Harvest Brings Abundance While Advocacy Supports Farmers
Combines are rolling across Kentucky as farmers bring in this year’s corn crop, part of what is expected to be a record 16.7 billion bushels nationwide. Harvest is always a season of pride, when farm families see the results of months of planning and resilience. Across the Commonwealth, golden fields mark the culmination of hard work that sustains rural communities and the state’s economy.
KY Corn Announces New CORE Class
Kentucky Corn is proud to announce the newest class of participants in the CORE Farmer Program, a two-year intensive experience designed to build a peer network, sharpen agronomic knowledge and business skills, and strengthen the future of Kentucky agriculture.
A Financial Crisis for Farmers
U.S. corn farmers face steep financial losses despite a record harvest. Kentucky Corn and NCGA urge Congress to boost demand through year-round E15 and expanded trade with nations like India and Vietnam.
The Power of Farmer Voices: New MAHA Commission Report is Much Improved for Agriculture
When draft recommendations from the MAHA Commission threatened farmer access to vital crop protection tools, corn growers mobilized. Through persistent advocacy, corn growers successfully helped shape a final report that respects science, supports pesticide use under EPA authority, and recognizes the role of precision agriculture. This outcome highlights the powerful impact of farmer voices in policy decisions.
Corn Growers Defend Ethanol, Push for Year-Round E15 Access
NCGA ramps up communications in support of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. CEO Neil Caskey defends ethanol and the farm economy in national media, calling for year-round E15 access to support U.S. farmers and lower fuel costs.
Corn Grower Advocacy Drives Science-Based Wins in MAHA Commission Report
Corn growers played a pivotal role in pushing the MAHA Commission to revise its pesticide recommendations, ensuring glyphosate and atrazine remain available for safe, effective use. A win for science-based policy and grower advocacy.
American Craft Spirits Association Announces 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition’s Four Farmer-Distiller Awards in Three Categories
CHICAGO, IL (August 19, 2025) – The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) today announced the recipients of the Farmer-Distiller program of the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition. Starlight Distillery in Borden, Indiana, claimed the prestigious Top Farmer-Distiller award—the competition’s most challenging honor, determined by the highest average score across three judged spirits from a single qualifying distillery. To qualify as a farmer-distiller, participants must both own a distillery and operate a working farm.
Reflections on Birth of Renewable Fuel Standard Offer Direction for Advocates
Twenty years ago this month, the president signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005 establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard, a development that reshaped the rural economy and provided immeasurable benefits to people across the country.
As Renewable Fuel Standard Turns 20, Corn Growers Celebrate
The Renewable Fuel Standard turns 20 today and a celebration is underway in recognition of the monumental contributions the law has made in American life.
U.S. Grains Council Transitions To U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council; Maintaining 65 Years Of Brand Equity
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Friday morning at the 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, U.S. Grains Council members voted and passed an organizational name amendment to change from the U.S. Grains Council to the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC).
Corn is not making your days more humid
When it gets very hot and very humid, people see the fields of tall, green corn and point the finger at these fields. Corn is not making your days more humid unless you are walking in corn fields all day.
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.
Brandon Hunt Elected to NCGA Board, Becomes First Kentuckian to Serve
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association is proud to announce that Brandon Hunt of Herndon, Kentucky, has been elected to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Board of Directors. Hunt’s election marks a historic milestone as the first Kentucky farmer to serve on the national board.
Kentucky Field Crops News – July
Here is the latest issue of the Kentucky Field Crops News. This newsletter is brought to you by members of the UK Wheat Science Group and the UK Grain Crops Group.
Corn Growers Need to Make Their Voices Heard on Policy Priorities
We may be faced with extreme heat in Washington as a heat dome hovers above the city during these first weeks of July, but the weather is not slowing the work of Congress or our corn grower leaders.
Kentucky Farmers and Industry Stakeholders Host Japanese Corn Buyers
KY Corn partnered with the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) to host buyers from Japanese starch milling companies who were interested in understanding American farmers’ efforts to decarbonize the corn they import. Our goal was to connect the values of Kentucky farmers and partnerships with end-users of Kentucky grown corn with their expectations to build and retain strong demand for grain commodities grown here in the USA.
New Study Shows Corn Farming is a Major Engine for U.S. Economy
The United States is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn, and corn farmers are bolstering the U.S. economy and building strong communities, according to a new study released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Corn grower leaders say they could make an even bigger contribution to the U.S. economy through increased sales of ethanol and the cultivation of new foreign markets.
Kentucky Field Crops News – June
Here is the latest issue of the Kentucky Field Crops News. This newsletter is brought to you by members of the UK Wheat Science Group and the UK Grain Crops Group.
New Study: Ethanol Saves U.S. Drivers Over $50 Billion Each Year
With a Middle East crisis once again roiling global oil markets, a new report shows that American-made ethanol keeps gasoline prices down—saving drivers well over $50 billion each year, or 39 cents per gallon.
RFA Applauds Inclusion of E15 Funding in Final California Budget
The Renewable Fuels Association today welcomed California’s inclusion of funding for E15 approval in the state’s newly enacted 2025–2026 budget. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, the budget allocates dedicated resources to fund the rulemaking process needed to make E15 a legal fuel. E15 is a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol.
Protecting Public Health Requires Science-Based Regulation, Not Just a MAHA Moment
The heat and sun over the next few days will send a lot of corn to tassel and will help younger corn reach rapid growth. All of the corn that had looked pale and yellow during those storms will reach a deep green color by Monday, June 23, 2025, as long as it has adequate nutrients and good roots. Corn that was shin-high this week will be waist-high or taller next week. Corn that was shoulder high this week will tassel by next Friday.
Corn across Kentucky will jump over the next week and we’ll find out if we need to pay for any planting sins
The heat and sun over the next few days will send a lot of corn to tassel and will help younger corn reach rapid growth. All of the corn that had looked pale and yellow during those storms will reach a deep green color by Monday, June 23, 2025, as long as it has adequate nutrients and good roots. Corn that was shin-high this week will be waist-high or taller next week. Corn that was shoulder high this week will tassel by next Friday.
Top Biotech Leaders to Judge Consider Corn Challenge V
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce that industrial biotech luminaries Drs. Doug Cameron and Chris Guske will be judges for Consider Corn Challenge V. Cameron and Guske have been instrumental in discovery, development, scale-up, financing and on-going management of numerous biotech technologies. Their participation as judges brings decades of expertise in identifying and commercializing successful products to the Consider Corn Challenge V winner selection process.
KY Corn Investing In New Uses
Radicle Growth, Kentucky Corn, and other supporting corn associations are thrilled to announce investments in two companies identified through the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, sponsored by US Corn Farmers.
KY Corn Supports the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative
In April 2024, the Kentucky Farm Bureau launched the Kentucky Farmland in Transition Initiative to support farmers and landowners in preserving Kentucky farmland for active agricultural use. As a proud supporter, KY Corn acknowledges the urgency of this effort—over the past 20 years, Kentucky has lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland.
Defending the Tools That Grow Kentucky Corn
A recent report by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission raised alarm about the use of pesticides, namely atrazine and glyphosate. While garnering media attention, these claims overlook decades of sound science and the practical realities Kentucky farmers face in growing safe, sustainable, and affordable food.
NCGA Comments on House Budget Reconciliation Legislation
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) praised the passage of key tax extensions, championed by the organization, which passed the House Committee on Ways and Means as part of the budget reconciliation process.
Triazine Network Statement on MAHA Commission Report
The assertion in the MAHA Commission’s report that pesticides such as atrazine are responsible for childhood illness is irresponsible, inaccurate, and is not backed by credible scientific data, according to the Triazine Network, a coalition of agriculture groups involved in the regulation of the triazine herbicides including atrazine. The report as presented creates threatening, groundless fears, and unfairly casts doubt on the integrity of the federal pesticidal review process. Several of the agriculture organizations involved with the Triazine Network released statements on the MAHA Commission report questioning the inclusion of highly regulated crop protection tools.
KY Corn Responds to MAHA Report to Defend Safe Use of Pesticides
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission today released its long-awaited report, which denigrates the safety of key pesticides used by corn growers and other farmers. In response, the Kentucky Corn Growers Association released the following statements:
Statement from Farmers of Major U.S. Agriculture Groups on Pending MAHA Report
May 19, 2025. Washington, D.C. – The Make America Healthy Commission is expected to soon release a report that will have significant bearing on America’s farmers, producers and ranchers, and the public’s trust in our food system. In anticipation, the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, International Fresh Produce Association, and in turn, the farmers these groups represent, are imploring the administration to consider the consequences of this MAHA Commission report before it is finalized.
Corn Grower Advocates Push to Open New Foreign Markets
Tariffs have been the talk of the town in Washington over the last several weeks and their impact on the corn economy is an issue my team and I have been concerned about as our farmers face high input costs and lower corn prices. But President Donald Trump’s laser focus on trade has also created opportunities for new trade deals that may open new markets that can benefit farmers and rural America.
New Support for Kentucky Farmers Aims to Boost Profitability Through Conservation
LEXINGTON, KY (May 12, 2025) – Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in partnership with the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KY Corn), is excited to announce its expansion into the Bourbon Region of central Kentucky, bringing new opportunities for corn, soybean, and small grain producers to improve profitability while implementing proven conservation practices.
KY Corn Expresses Support for UK Trade Agreement
KY Corn supports the new bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) that increases access for agricultural products, including ethanol. The agreement was announced by President Donald Trump at a morning press conference at the White House.
Kentucky Corn Drives Corn Demand Through USGC Partnership
KY Corn strategically utilizes Kentucky corn checkoff funding to enable many U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC) global success stories. By connecting Kentucky-grown corn to international markets, the USGC helps create valuable opportunities for farmers.
KY Corn and NCGA Encourage Trump to Include Corn in Bilateral Trade Agreement with India
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 8, 2025 – The president of the National Corn Growers Association said today that his organization fully supports the Trump administration’s effort to forge a new trade relationship with India, and corn growers urge the administration to include corn and corn co-products, such as ethanol and its byproducts, in any final agreement with the South Asian country.
NCGA Launches New Phase of Consider Corn Challenge
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is launching its fifth iteration of Consider Corn Challenge, a contest in which participants can submit proposals for new uses of field corn that have quantifiable market demand.
Kentucky Corn Sponsors Heartland Whiskey Competition
The Heartland Whiskey Competition is a one-of-a-kind, biennial event that brings together U.S. craft distillers in a professionally judged competition—with one key requirement: their whiskey must include corn as an ingredient.
KY Corn Welcomes New NCGA Policy Director
It is my privilege to rejoin NCGA as growers are putting a new corn crop in the ground and Washington is adjusting to a new normal.
NCGA Statement on Tariff Pause
President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he was placing a 90-day pause on all reciprocal tariffs, with the exception of China. In response to this development, Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement:
KY Corn Growers Association Joins KFB In Supporting the Protecting American Farmlands Act Introduced Today By Senator McConnell
The Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) Network, a coalition of Kentucky agricultural organizations and institutions committed to preserving farmland for active farmers, has officially endorsed the Protecting American Farmlands Act introduced by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.
Kentucky Corn Laid the Foundation for U.S.-Vietnam Ethanol MOU
U.S. ethanol leaders recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex, the largest petroleum distributer in Vietnam.
USDA Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. This funding aims to support growers facing multiple years of low crop prices combined with high input costs.
Kentucky Corn and Small Grain Growers Submit Recommendations to USDA on Climate Smart Agriculture Guidelines
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KYCGA) and the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association (KYSGGA) submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Energy and Environmental Policy.
Kentucky High School Crop Scouting Competition registration open through April 10
PRINCETON, Ky.—The University of Kentucky is excited to announce its annual High School Crop Scouting Competition, a career-focused contest for students interested in production agriculture.
Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour Slated for March 27
PRINCETON, Ky. — For a second consecutive year, the University of Kentucky will host the Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour. Presented by Dr. Travis Legleiter, UK Extension Associate Professor – Weed Science, this year’s tour will take place Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Kentucky Corn Growers Association Amplifies the Call for Year-Round E15
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KYCGA) joined farmers nationwide in a campaign led by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to push for the reintroduction of year-round E15. This legislation, referred to as the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, was recently brought to the House and Senate again, with Congressman Comer as a co-signer.
Kentucky Corn Growers Association Works with NCGA to Monitor Tariffs
In response to the tariffs imposed between the United States and its trading partners, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement:
‘Pearls of wisdom’: Hardin County farmer receives 2025 UK Grain Crops Science Service Award
Lexington, Ky.— The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Science Group is pleased to announce Hardin County farmer Richard Preston as the 2025 UK Grain Crops Science Service Award recipient. Previously known as the UK Wheat Science Service Award, the award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the success and effectiveness of UK Grain Crops research and was presented to Preston at the recent UK Winter Wheat Meeting at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville.
White House Actions Every Kentucky Corn Farmer Should Know
As the new administration and Congress take office, the nation’s political landscape is positioned for significant changes.Legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate aimed at ensuring year-round access to fuels containing up to 15 percent ethanol, commonly known as E15. The proposed bill, called the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, aims to remove the summer restrictions on E15 sales.
Keeping Kentucky Farmers Informed on Tariffs and Global Market Access
The Trump administration moved on Feb. 1 to place a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico. A couple of days later, the president agreed to a 30-day pause as the U.S. continues to negotiate with the two countries.
I am thinking a lot about change as I prepare to leave my current position at the National Corn Growers Association.
I thoroughly enjoyed leading NCGA’s public policy efforts and could easily stay in this job for the rest of my career. But I realize change is necessary if we are to learn, grow and expand our horizons.
Reflecting on Change
Change is hard. Change is scary. We are reminded at different periods in our lives – sometimes happily, other times painfully – that for everything there is a season and a time to every purpose.
I am thinking a lot about change as I prepare to leave my current position at the National Corn Growers Association.
I thoroughly enjoyed leading NCGA’s public policy efforts and could easily stay in this job for the rest of my career. But I realize change is necessary if we are to learn, grow and expand our horizons.
NEW GRANT FUNDING TO EXPAND CONSERVATION SUPPORT FOR KENTUCKY CORN GROWERS
Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in collaboration with the IL Corn Growers Association and Kentucky Corn Growers Association, has received new grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to bolster regenerative agriculture practices. This grant is part of the $14.7 million NFWF awarded nationwide to advance soil health and improve water quality on working lands.
Corn Growers Win Trade Dispute Against Mexico: How We Got Here
NCGA Director of Public Policy, Trade and Biotechnology, Nancy Matinez discusses the successful efforts of U.S. corn grower associations in engaging with the Biden Administration and Congress to address the trade dispute with Mexico under the USMA framework.
Kentucky Distilleries and Precision Conservation Management Join Forces to Enhance Regenerative Corn Farming Practices throughout Commonwealth
Four leading spirits companies and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) are joining forces with Precision Conservation Management (PCM) and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KCGA) to launch a five-year, $2.8 million initiative for Kentucky corn farmers.
Recent Corn Grower Win Shows How to Move the Needle in Washington
Persistent advocacy by corn growers secured a major win in Washington, protecting access to Mexico’s market under the USMCA.
Corn Growers Win Dispute with Mexico Over GM Corn Ban
In a major win for corn growers, a dispute panel ruled that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement when it issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports in early 2023.
As We Conclude 2024, a Look at the INS & OUTS In Washington
The National Corn Growers Association’s 2024 INs & OUTs as we recap a whirlwind year of political shifts, agricultural advocacy, and market innovation.
KYCPC Directs Farmer-Derived Funds to Prove Ethanol Enhances Human Health
Kentucky Corn is advancing human health research, using farmer funds to showcase ethanol’s role in reducing harmful emissions and its link to combating cancer risks, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.
KYCPC Research Committee Approves Funding for Key Corn Research Projects
The Kentucky Corn Promotion Council (KYCPC) Research Committee met at the Hardin County Extension Office to review and approve funding for a slate of agricultural research projects aimed at boosting corn production and profitability for Kentucky farmers.
Making It Sustainable: NCGA Works on Sustainability Efforts as Growers Work to Access Aviation Market
In January, we will swear in a new president and members of Congress. With these changes will come new leadership and direction at some of the government’s top agencies. Among the issues top of mind at the National Corn Growers Association is protecting the sustainable aviation tax credit and making it accessible to farmers.
Putting Your Checkoff Dollars to Work
Kentucky Corn is putting your checkoff dollars to work with impactful media campaigns promoting ethanol as a sustainable, affordable fuel. From Unleaded88 billboards to “Dad-Approved” commercials during the PGA Tour and Summer Olympics, KY Corn is raising awareness and driving demand for corn-based ethanol.
Celebrating 50 Years of Corn and Connection in Union County
Harvest season in Union County, KY brings the community together for the 50th Annual Morganfield Lions Club Corn Festival. This year’s theme, “Authentic Roots, Ambitious Pursuits,” highlights the festival’s original mission: to honor Union County’s agricultural heritage and strengthen community bonds.
Impact of Renewed China-U.S. Tariffs on U.S. Agriculture: Consequences for Corn and Soybean Farmers
How retaliatory tariffs could shift global market share, drive down U.S. crop prices, and affect rural economies, while benefiting competitor nations like Brazil and Argentina.
‘me energy GmbH’ Takes Top Prize at Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge
‘me energy GmbH’ wins 2024 Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, earning $1 million for its corn-bioethanol-powered rapid chargers. Sponsored by U.S. Corn Farmers and the National Corn Growers Association, the challenge supports innovations that expand sustainable uses for corn, from renewable energy to eco-friendly materials. Learn more about these groundbreaking projects shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.
U.S. Ethanol Exports Acheive a Record-Breaking Year
In the 2023/2024 marketing year, the U.S. ethanol industry achieved a record export total of 1.75 billion gallons, utilizing 619 million bushels of corn. This represents a 43% increase from the previous year, breaking the prior 2018 record.
Four Questions for NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr.
Kenneth Hartman Jr., the newly elected president of the National Corn Growers Association answers questions to pressing issues like passing a robust Farm Bill, expanding ethanol markets, and more.
Kentucky Corn Growers Association Hosts International Guests for Exploration of Dried Distillers Grains
After attending the U.S. Grains Council’s Export Exchange 2024 Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, from October 7-9, 14 participants from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean traveled to Kentucky and Tennessee to tour Green Plains Ethanol Plant, Lowry Farms, Tosh Farms Feed Mill and Swine Production, and Hopkinsville Elevator’s riverport facility.