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Casey Jones Distillery Named Kentucky’s Top Craft Whiskey at the 2023 Heartland Whiskey Competition
In a blind judging competition supervised by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) in St. Louis, Missouri, Casey Jones Distillery’s Single Barrel Original 4 Grain Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon was judged Kentucky’s best craft whiskey. The competition,...
A Bustling Washington Takes on Issues Important to Farmers as Fall Arrives and Deadlines Loom
By Brooke S. Appleton Fall is quickly arriving in the nation’s capital and with it comes the sense that Congress has much to accomplish in a very short period with potential roadblocks along the way. Perhaps the most serious potential impediment is a looming...
NCGA Responds to EPA’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) Comments on Ethanol
In a letter to the EPA administrator, Neil Caskey, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), responds to the Scientific Advisory Board's (SAB) draft commentary regarding the "Volume Requirements for 2023 and Beyond Under the Renewable Fuel Standard...
Gov. Beshear Proclaims September as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Recognizing the Commonwealth’s centuries-old distilling industry, its deep agricultural roots and its growing economic and tourism impact, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear today proclaimed September as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky. The proclamation,...
Brooke Appleton, VP of Public Policy Shares NCGA Policy Positions on Upcoming Farm Bill
This article was posted in the September 5, 2023 issue of POLITICO's Weekly Agriculture Newsletter. CORN GROWERS Q&A: Morning Agriculture (MA) caught up with Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association, via email...
Agriculture to EPA: Get the Science Right
Independent Scientific Panel Takes Another Look At Atrazine Kentucky corn and sorghum growers took time away from their farms to testify last week before an Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) about the importance of Atrazine. The...
Members of Congress Head Home to Hear from Constituents During August Recess
By Brooke S. Appleton I still remember arriving in Washington, D.C., as a young congressional intern and quickly figuring out my favorite and not so favorite aspects of the city. The hot, sticky summers here were one of my least favorite parts of Washington. But...
KyCorn Leaders, Members and Staff Advocate and Educate during National Corn Meetings in Washington D.C.
Kentucky corn grower leaders and staff were in Washington D.C. for National Corn Growers Association's Corn Congress last week. Action teams met on Monday and Tuesday. Farmers participated in Hill visits on Wednesday and the week wrapped up with the Corn Congress...
NCYC Early Entry Period Closes June 30
The early entry deadline for the National Corn Growers Association Corn Yield Contest is fast approaching on June 30, 2023. The 2023 contest entry period will close on August 16, 2023. All harvest forms will be due by November 30 and contest winners will be announced...
Kentucky Distillers Celebrate National Bourbon Day Marking Industry’s Importance to the Commonwealth
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association celebrates National Bourbon Day with the launch of bourbonbuildskentucky.com, a new campaign that showcases all the ways that Bourbon and Kentucky are stronger together. “In Kentucky, National Bourbon Day is more...
April Freeze No Effect on KY Corn Thanks To Soil Temperatures
Many central and eastern Kentucky farmers woke up on the morning of April 24, 2023 to freezing temperatures. The effects of a freeze like this can not only damage crops but also infect them with pathogens and other diseases. To learn more read Dr. Chad Lee's article...
Hudnall Hits the Trifecta as Recipient of 2023 NCGA, KyCorn, and KY Small Grains Scholarships
Just in time for the Derby, Riley Hudnall received three high-honors agriculture scholarships this week. This trifecta win shows great testament to Riley’s commitment to her studies and commitment to agriculture.
Creating a Legacy of Life-Long Learning with the 2023 National Corn Yield Contest
The 2023 National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC) opens today . . . and together, entrants will contribute their expertise and innovation to create a pool of agronomic knowledge that has been almost six decades in the making. The 2023 contest opened May 1, 2023 with the...
Congratulations to our 2023 KyCorn Scholarship Winners!
Riley Hudnall, of Bowling Green, was awarded the $2,000 Kentucky Corn Growers Jim Barton Memorial Scholarship. Riley is studying agricultural business at Murray State University, and her goal is to work with and educate other agriculturalists like herself. Miranda...
KyCorn Sponsors 2023 Competition For Kentucky’s Best Whiskey
Craft distilleries in Kentucky will once again compete for top honors at a national whiskey tasting competition sponsored by Kentucky Corn Promotion Council. The 2023 Heartland Whiskey Competition is the fourth competition sponsored by state corn marketing...
2023 April Freeze Effect on Corn and Soybean
Chad Lee, Conner Raymond, and Carrie Knott University of Kentucky Freezing temperatures were recorded across Kentucky Monday morning, April 24, 2023. The coldest temperatures were mostly in central and eastern Kentucky, but freezing temperatures were as far west as...
Breaking New Ground with Yield Contest’s Newest Opportunity
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is proud to announce the expansion of the National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC) to include a new pilot class focused on nitrogen management. The pilot allows corn growers to continue experimenting with practices that reduce...
Consider Corn Challenge IV Continues to Find Game-Changing New Uses for Field Corn
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is launching its fourth iteration of the Consider Corn Challenge. This open-innovation contest invites participants to answer the call and submit proposals for new uses of field corn as a primary feedstock for producing...
Corn Grower Leaders to EPA: Maintaining Consumer Access to E15 Increases Fuel Supply
Kentucky Corn Growers Association joined 13 states, and the National Corn Growers Association in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency requesting an emergency waiver to keep E15 available for Americans this summer. The president of the National...
Agriculture and the Economy: An Assessment of Our Current Situation Versus the 1980s
The following is a brief analysis by Krista Swanson, the lead economist for the National Corn Growers Association. The recent banking fallout and economic comparisons to the 1980s are likely to grab the attention of anyone in agriculture. Fortunately, the general...
A Brief Check-In from Kentucky Corn Growers Association
I made my usual “quick” trip to National Farm Machinery Show last week. I always try to get in and out really quickly to see a few new things and have some brief discussions on new technology that I am in interested in – but inevitably, I run into some friends and end up closing the place down. I appreciate grassroots leaders from National Corn Growers Association from around the country for traveling in to stand alongside Kentucky Corn leaders at our booth.
Kentucky Corn Growers Applauds Congressman Comer for his Commitment to Remove Barriers to Ethanol
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KyCGA) wants to express its appreciation to Congressman James Comer for his commitment to corn farmers and the US ethanol industry.
Corn Management in Kentucky Extension Publication Updated
See the latest version of ID-139 published by the University of Kentucky.
2022 Kentucky Corn Yield Contest Winners Announced
Congratulations to Tanner Stroup (Daviess Co.) and Kevin Hayden (Carlisle Co.) for achieving 300+ yields in this year’s contest.
KyCorn Joins the Nation’s Corn Grower Leaders in Calling on Biden to Set Quick, Firm Timeline with Mexico on Biotech Corn
The presidents of 23 state corn grower groups, joined by the president of the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to President Biden yesterday calling for him to take additional steps to address the pending decree by Mexico that would block imports of biotech corn. Joseph Sisk, Kentucky Corn Growers Association President and Christian County farmer, was among the letter’s signatories.
A Look at the Ins & Outs of Washington in 2022
As 2022 draws to a close and the mid-term elections are all but wrapped up, we are beginning to gain clarity on what will be in and out as we enter the new year.
NCGA: Mexico’s Proposed Ban on Biotech Corn Illegal under USMCA, Banning White Corn a Non-Starter in Negotiations
“Any decision to block biotech crops by Mexico would be illegal under the U.S.-Mexico Agreement,” said Haag. “Eliminating white corn will in no way resolve this conflict. We are highly appreciative of Secretary Vilsack for going to the mat on this issue for U.S. farmers.”
KyCorn urges reversal of Mexico GM corn ban
KyCorn supports calls by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) for Mexico to reverse a proposed ban on genetically modified (GM) corn.
KyCorn Hosts Grain Buyers from Mexico, Southeast Asia
Kentucky Corn Checkoff dollars are invested every day to boost demand through relationships with global buyers. It is important to demonstrate the advantages American grain farmers have over our overseas competitors, like reliable maritime transportation and on-farm investment in grain storage and handling systems.
Kentucky Distillers Set Records for Bourbon Barrel Inventories, New Fills – And Punishing Production Taxes
The number of Bourbon barrels in Kentucky reached a record 11.4 million in January, as the state’s signature industry marked its fourth consecutive year filling more than 2 million barrels – while paying $40 million in discriminatory barrel taxes, the highest amount in history.
Taiwan officials visit Kentucky in anticipation of future corn, soybean purchases
Members of Kentucky corn and soybean associations and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture joined representatives from the Republic of China (Taiwan) at an event September 16, 2022 to sign Letters of Intent for Taiwan to purchase corn and soybean products from United States farmers over the next two years.
Corn Earns Top Spot Among Kentucky Commodities
Corn earned a record $1.2 billion for Kentucky farmers last year.
Kentucky Corn Yield Forecast Lower
According to USDA-NASS, corn production in Kentucky is forecast at 204 million bushels, down 26% from 2021.
Take Action on Atrazine Now! October 7 Deadline
Can you afford to spend more on inputs? While costs skyrocket, EPA is taking another swing at atrazine, disregarding sound science, transparency, and regulatory framework. Please join this fight with us!
Alarming surprises surface in EPA’s Atrazine proposal
When EPA announced its June 30 proposed rule on atrazine, farmers took immediate notice of EPA’s ultra-low level for atrazine. After examining the extensive documentation posted to the docket, the scenario has gone from bad to worse.
As July Ushers Heat and Controversial Issues into the Nation’s Capital, I am looking forward to a Cool Corn Congress
We will discuss biofuels issues, such as asking lawmakers to co-sponsor the Next Generation Fuels Act, which paves the way to higher ethanol blends in America’s fuel supply. And as the International Trade Commission debates duties on nitrogen fertilizers and the Environmental Protection Agency considers restrictions on atrazine, corn grower leaders will be talking about how critical it is that farmers have access to the tools necessary to continue to do more with less.
EPA Resurrects Radical Atrazine Proposal, Threatens Key Sustainability Efforts
In an unprecedented move, EPA today announced it is reopening the finalized reregistration of atrazine, putting this key crop protection tool and today’s carbon-smart farming practices at risk.
Red Meat Exports Deliver Value Back to Corn and Soybean Producers, Says Study
Record-level red meat exports of $18.7 billion in 2021 had a major impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study by the Juday Group. The study quantified the returns that red meat exports brought to corn and soybean producers in 2021 nationally, and at state levels for leading corn-producing and soybean-producing states.
Triazine Network Sends Letter to EPA
Farmers and farm organizations involved in the Triazine Network are actively involved in an effort to fight a potential unprecedented EPA action that would have serious impacts for the use of atrazine for growers.
2022 Renewable Fuel Volume Rule Will Lower Fuel Prices and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
For 2022, the final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume of 20.63 billion gallons includes an implied 15 billion gallons of ethanol, following the law. EPA also added a supplemental 250 million gallon requirement for 2022, responding to a 2017 Court decision finding EPA improperly waived past volumes.
Council Advocacy Overturns Egyptian Tax Which Threatened $2 Billion in U.S. Agricultural Exports
Responding quickly to the freight barrier in Egypt, the Council showed its ability to maintain viable markets for U.S. farmers and exporters when threats and disruptions are presented in the MENA region, especially at a time when the global economy is experiencing significant challenges and when Egyptian buyers have started buying and shipping U.S. corn by the Panamax into the country.
KyCorn Part of Strategic Planning to Expand Exports
This week, Laura Knoth, Executive Director of Kentucky Corn Growers had the opportunity to join U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff members and representatives from commodity checkoff organizations as they came together for the Global Industry Partners Conference.
2021 UK Corn Science Research Report
Read the latest University of Kentucky Corn Science Research Report
Corn Growers Thank President Biden for Counting on Biofuels to Lower Costs, Boost Energy Independence
President Biden announced today that his administration would use existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88.
Corn Growers Call on the Biden Administration to Use Emergency Authority to Maintain Consumer Access to Lower-Cost Fuel
Corn grower leaders from 19 states sent an open letter to President Biden last week calling on him to use the administration’s existing emergency authorities to tap more homegrown renewable fuels, like ethanol, to help stabilize energy markets and lower the price of fuel for consumers. The letter comes as Russia’s attack on Ukraine has impacted energy markets, increasing oil and gas prices.
Chinese Agriculture Officials Visit with Kentucky Grain Producers and End Users
KyCorn and the Tennessee Corn Growers hosted a China Embassy team earlier this month to facilitate conversation about American grain production, transportation, and end use. The trade mission was accompanied by the U.S. Grains Council.
Biofuel & Ag Leaders Call on White House to Provide Relief at the Pump Through Higher Blends of Biofuels
To provide relief at the pump in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector, six farm and biofuel organizations wrote to President Biden urging his administration to use existing authority to allow for the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15).
How Does Russian Invasion on Ukraine Affect the Corn Industry?
With a lot of unknowns and surreal times ahead, we are concerned with the future and the people impacted in both countries. We are also closely monitoring how this will directly impact corn.
New Study: Corn Ethanol Can Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Well Before 2050
Following a pledge by members of the Renewable Fuels Association to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, on average, by 2050 or sooner, a new report released this week shows that new and emerging technologies and practices could help the industry achieve this vision well before mid-century.
Faulty Ethanol Study Gets Media Attention, Pro-Ethanol Groups Respond
The Renewable Fuels Association pushed back against the faulty research with a seven-page paper debunking several of the report’s claims.
Yellow Banks Bourbon Promotion is a Hit at NFMS
The National Farm Machinery Show was a great place to discuss critical issues with members and promote the partnership with Green River Distilling Company.
Intensive Corn Management Seminar and NFMS promote productive conversation among growers
KyCorn had a successful relaunch of their Intensive Corn Management Seminar in Louisville this week, as a prequel to the Farm Machinery Show for Kentucky corn growers.
Now Taking Applications for CORE Farmer Program Class VI
KyCorn is now accepting applications for Class VI of its CORE Farmer Program. More than 90 farmers have participated since 2010.
Awards and Recognition from the Kentucky Commodity Conference
See how was honored at the 2021 Kentucky Commodity Conference.
Grain and Forage Center of Excellence Will Rebuild
We will build again at Princeton. Our commitment to western Kentucky and the entire region remains. The Category EF-4 tornado on December 10, 2021 damaged 49 of the 59 structures at the Research and Education Center.
UK specialists offer tips to deal with high fertilizer costs
Near record-high fertilizer prices, increasing seed costs, supply chain issues and questions about availability have many producers worried about how these challenges are going to affect their profitability in the coming year.
2021 Kentucky Corn Yield Contest Winners
View this year’s winners.
As U.S. Court of International Trade Says It Will Review Amicus Brief on Fertilizer Tariffs, Farmers Call on Companies to Withdraw Petitions for Levies
The U.S. Court of International Trade this week said that it will review an amicus brief submitted by the National Corn Growers Association and other ag groups in a case it’s considering on tariffs of phosphorous fertilizers imported from outside the country.
2020/2021 Marketing Year Ranks As Best Export Year Of All Time
U.S. exports of grains in all forms (GIAF) reached an all-time high during the 2020/2021 marketing year. Recovering from a two-year period of decline, exports rose by 28.3 percent, totaling 129.5 million metric tons (MMT), or 5.2 billion bushels, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and analysis by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).
2021 Corn Extended Growing Season in Kentucky
Corn planting for 2021 was ahead of schedule, yet harvest and several other developmental stages were behind. Milk, dough and dent were all behind the 5-year average.
Op-Ed: American Farmers Face Crippling Prices at the Hands of Fertilizer Oligopoly
NCGA CEO Jon Doggett – If you’re looking to make a killing off the stock market, forget about Amazon, you should invest in fertilizer companies.
NCGA Praises Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation Important to Farmers, Rural Communities
The House of Representatives voted Friday 228 to 206 to approve the bipartisan infrastructure package, which the Senate passed in August by a vote of 69 to 30, clearing the way for legislation to become law.
Waterways Campaign Highlights Environmental & Economic Impacts
KyCorn is proud to partner with the Waterways Council Inc and others to help audiences understand the importance of inland waterways and efficient infrastructure.
Kentucky Expecting Big Crop Harvests
Corn production in Kentucky is forecast at 268 million bushels, unchanged from the September forecast and up 7% from the previous crop.
KyCorn Leaders Provide Program Updates
We hear great things across the state about this year’s harvest. Hopefully, you are having to drive your combine really slowly! As the new crop comes in, our minds focus on demand and profitability, and we feel it is important to update you on what the Kentucky Corn Promotion Council (investment arm) and Kentucky Corn Growers Association (grassroots advocacy program) are doing to help your farm’s bottom line.
Tar Spot Found in Kentucky
The University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab in Princeton confirmed the state’s first case of tar spot on corn during the week of Sept. 13. Curt Judy, Todd County agriculture and natural resources extension agent, submitted the diseased sample from an inbred corn line that was part of a local breeding trial. It was not found in a commercial corn field. The disease was found on plant leaves.
Comer and Congressional Colleagues Support Bill that Would Lower Emissions, Help Kentuckians
An important bill introduced this week in the U.S. House of Representatives, which may soon play a vital role in addressing environmental issues while supporting Kentuckians in rural communities, is being buoyed by support from a congressional member from the Bluegrass state.
Study Shows How Corn and Soybean Producers Benefit from U.S. Red Meat Exports
A recent study showed how red meat exports add value to Kentucky corn.