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Farmer Leadership Programs Provide Summer Learning & Networking
July was a busy month for corn farmer leadership training and education programs. Class 5 of the CORE Farmer Program met after a COVID-induced hiatus of over a year. Classmates were glad to be reunited and to learn from each other in Session 6 of the seven-session curriculum.
Look for the Blue Handle at Thortons
Installation of pumps that can dispense E15 at Thorntons Convenience Stores are now complete. Branded as Unleaded88 and identified by a blue handle, dispensers throughout more than a dozen of their locations in Louisville, Lexington, and a few in western Kentucky, will boost ethanol content by 50 percent compared to regular unleaded.
Corn Growers Work to Elevate the Image of America’s Crop
The nation’s corn growers blanketed the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport earlier this summer to elevate the image of America’s top crop and the farmers who grow it. The campaign was organized as a response to the growing negative view of corn’s impact on the environment.
Kentucky Grain Tour Hosts Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
Grain agriculture organizations came together earlier this month to host a team from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
NCGA Releases US Corn Sustainability Goals and Report
KyCorn President Richard Preston delivered the US Corn Sustainability Report to Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman during a Kentucky grain tour hosted by KyCorn, Kentucky Small Grain Growers, and Kentucky Soybean Association.
Heartland Whiskey Competition for Craft Distillers is coming to Louisville, July 22-23
KyCorn is happy to announced that the next Heartland Whiskey Competition will take place July 22-23 in Louisville, and craft distillers from Kentucky are invited to compete.
Corn & Bourbon: Powering Partnerships and Kentucky’s Economic Revival
The partnership taking root between the Kentucky Corn Growers Association and the producers of Yellow Banks bourbon, who source their corn from local growers and donate a portion of their profits to support corn research.
Corn Growers Join Agricultural Tax Priorities Letter to Congress
USGC, FGIS Collaboration Helps Instill Global Buyers’ Confidence In U.S. Grains
A transparent and reliable understanding of the grain inspection process is essential to global markets and a critical reason the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) works so closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (USDA’s FGIS) to demonstrate to overseas buyers that the quality of U.S. grains delivered is the quality promised.
Bourbon, the Spirit of America, and Corn’s Deep Roots in Kentucky
Not only is its heritage deeply rooted in early Appalachian history, but up to two-and-a-half pounds of corn go into every bottle of bourbon that’s distilled. In this episode of the podcast, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett pays a visit to the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville to talk bourbon with KyCorn and a master distiller.
NCGA Supports Reintroduction of Senate Climate Policy Legislation
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauds the bipartisan reintroduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, sponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.).
USDA Expands and Renews Conservation Reserve Program
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with higher payment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation.
2021 KyCorn Scholarship Recipients Announced
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 scholarship program, which is funded through grower leader contributions.
E15 Coming Soon to Louisville, Lexington, Northern KY and Henderson
Kentucky Corn Promotion Council (KyCPC) has invested with Thorntons Convenience Stores for the installation of new ethanol dispensers at 13 of their Kentucky retail locations. The program marks the largest direct investment by KyCPC in ethanol dispenser infrastructure to date.
RESEARCH: Determining the Profitability of Growing Premium Corn Varieties in Kentucky
Across Kentucky, we have seen the rapid expansion in of the staple spirit of Kentucky, bourbon, resulting in increased production capacity and new distilleries entering the market. This expansion provides opportunities for corn producers to supply this market and provide distilleries with locally sourced inputs.
Ethanol is the fastest growing corn market. Period.
The KY Corn Promotion Council puts a lot of energy and effort into finding the best ways to invest farmers’ corn checkoff resources – while, in Kentucky, livestock and poultry rule the day (with exports, or delivery to the Ohio River, closely trailing), nationally there is not a clearer avenue for growth in corn utilization than through ethanol.
Kentucky Pollinator Protection App
The Pollinator Protection mapping program is now available to beekeepers and pesticide applicators.
China’s Corn Appetite Fuels Record Sales, A Boost For Farmers
The U.S. has booked sales of 17.72 MMT (697 million bushels) of corn to China as of Feb. 11, 2021, versus a mere 61,000 tons (2.4 million bushels) at the same time last year – a dramatic turn of events for both the corn markets and the U.S.-China ag trading relationship.
Economic Boom from Grain Exports Highlights Need for Trade Access and Market Development
Access to international markets for U.S. grain supported an additional $41.8 billion in business sales during 2018 over and above the value of the grain sold, according to a study commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) – highlighting the importance of new market access and robust market development for the profitability of U.S. grain farmers.
RFA Releases Statistical Reports on 2020 Ethanol, Distillers Grains Exports
The Renewable Fuels Association today released two reports summarizing 2020 U.S. ethanol and distillers grains export and import data. These annual reports provide industry advocates, policymakers, the media and the general public with the latest information on the important role U.S. ethanol and distillers grains play on the world stage.
New Study Highlights Corn-Ethanol’s Impact on Carbon Emissions
A new study released this week further emphasizes the need and benefits of corn ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply. Scientists from Harvard University, Tufts University and Environmental Health & Engineering Inc., in Carbon Intensity of Corn Ethanol in the United States: State of the Science showed that corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46 percent, compared to gasoline.
Opinion: The Secret to Clean Air is No Secret. It’s Ethanol.
Today, nearly 97 percent of America’s fuel supply is blended with 10 percent ethanol and use of 15 percent ethanol blends is growing. Higher blends of ethanol will produce even greater environmental benefits, especially when used with high efficiency engines designed to improve fuel economy with higher octane fuel.
2020 University of Kentucky Corn Research Report
Research conducted by the University of Kentucky Grain Science Group and supported by Kentucky Corn.
Spring 2021 OCTC Automotive Technology Scholarship Awarded to Henry Lytle
The Owensboro Community and Technical College Scholarship Committee proudly awarded the Kentucky Corn Growers Scholarship to 4th semester Automotive Technology student, Henry Lytle.
Record Corn Production Achieved in 2020
Kentucky’s average 2020 corn yield was estimated at 184 bushels per acre, which is a record high yield for the Commonwealth.
2020 Corn Yield Contest Winners Announced
Congratulations to Kevin Hayden, of Carlisle County, for achieving the top yield of 324.98 bu/A in the 2020 Kentucky Corn Yield Contest and the National Corn Yield Contest (among Kentucky producers) with DeKalb KDC65-95RIB seed.
Farmer-researcher partnerships are backbone of agricultural advances
Scientists in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment engage with an extensive network of producers in all disciplines. The partnerships do not form overnight but over the course of numerous meetings, developing personal relationships and building mutual trust and respect.
No-Till Corn Yields More in the Good Years, Too
A western Kentucky extension agent recently commented on the disappearance of no-till corn. No one is returning to the moldboard (or chisel) plow, but there is a lot of discing/vertical (minimum) tillage going on. Why might this be happening?
USGC 2020 Corn Harvest Quality Report: Higher Average Test Weight, Lower Moisture And Damage
The 2020/2021 U.S. corn crop – entering marketing channels now – has a higher average test weight, lower moisture and lower total damage relative to each quality factor’s average of the previous five crops, according to the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 2020/2021 Corn Harvest Quality Report.
Agriculture Trade: A Reason for Optimism in 2021
or generations, America’s farmers and ranchers have built strong trading relationships to help maintain a competitive edge in the global economy and bolster job creation across the United States. While corn farmers celebrated agreements to secure the future of U.S. trading relationships in 2020, there are still new growth opportunities for U.S. corn and corn products around the globe that we will work to capture.
Kentucky Corn Works with Green River Distilling Company on Yellow Banks Bourbon
KY Corn is proud to announce a new collaboration with the Green River Distilling Company in Owensboro on a new bourbon offering that is designed to put a portion of profits back into the corn industry for corn production and sustainability research.
A Discounted Holiday Treat for Corn Grower Members
Members receive a 12% discount on the purchase of Cabela’s gift cards. Cabela’s cards can be used for shopping online or at one of their massive retail locations.
Congress Reauthorizes U.S. Grain Standards Act
The U.S. grain inspection system provides certainty to our foreign customers that all U.S. grains and oilseeds have been inspected and certified by an independent agency. The system provides great value to U.S. commodities, enhancing our competitiveness in the world market, and is a significant advantage for U.S. products versus commodities from other origins.
China Sales Fuel Fast Start to Marketing Year
The U.S. corn marketing year began Sept. 1 and already has 832.7 million bushels of corn sold on the books, including 377.546 million bushels (9.59 million tons) destined for China alone.
UK begins on-farm variable rate irrigation research
A University of Kentucky research project that could have significant impacts for Kentucky grain producers with irrigated acres is beginning on a Western Kentucky farm. Ole Wendroth, soil physicist in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, is leading a study examining the effects of a variable rate irrigation system that, to his knowledge, is the first-of-its-kind in the state.
UK Fall Crop Protection webinar series begins in November
The 2020 Fall Crop Protection webinars begin Nov. 10 on the video conferencing app Zoom and will focus on new and common threats to Kentucky corn, soybeans and wheat. The weekly webinars will occur at 10 a.m. EST on Tuesdays and are hosted through the Southern Integrated Pest Management Center.
Corn and Soybean News – October Issue
Read the latest issue from the University of Kentucky Grain Crops team.
Biofuels Infrastructure Grants to Boost E15 Pumps at Kentucky Retail Locations
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced last week that the USDA has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to recipients in 14 states, including Kentucky.
Covid, Commercial Applicators CEUs, and EPA Opportunities
The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc with typical Continuing Education Units (CEU) opportunities, as well as testing for commercial applicators. Some meetings have been cancelled and others have gone on-line.
Corn Grower Investment in Agriculture Literacy Amplified Through Partnerships
KyCorn wants to thank Kentucky’s farm community for continuing this project that is educating the next generation of consumers.
America’s Farmers: Resilient Throughout the COVID Pandemic
USDA explains the impact of COVID on the agricultural community.
Next Generation Fuels Act Introduced
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association applauds the introduction of The Next Generation Fuels Act. This legislation, that was introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives, will boost long term corn demand for clean, affordable ethanol.
Investments that Move Corn
With corn harvest in full swing, it is a great time to focus on how the Kentucky Corn Promotion Council is continuing to invest in projects that will increase corn demand. KyCorn is focused on rebuilding markets for corn farmers by growing ethanol utilization, increasing exports of corn and corn products, finding new uses for corn, and building upon our relationships with animal agriculture partners.
EPA Announces Interim Decision on Crucial Crop Protection Tools
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a long-awaited interim decision regarding the reregistration of the triazines: atrazine, propazine, and simazine. After years of research and public comments from the agriculture community, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler declared these fundamental crop management tools safe for continued use in controlling resilient weeds.
September Issue of Corn and Soybean News
Read about pre-harvest disease scouting observations, The known and unknown: Choosing herbicide tolerance packages for 2021, weed science plot walk videos, nitrogen management, and more.
August Issue of Kentucky Corn and Soybean News
Read about field checks and soil testing, rye cover crops in the latest issue from UK Grain Crops.
Spotted Corn Leaves: Disease or Something Different?
Over the past few weeks, there have been increased reports of spotting on corn leaves across the state. Symptoms include tiny tan to brown spots with a darker brown margin.
KyCorn partners with Casey’s General Store for E15 and E85 pump conversions
KyCorn is facilitating several conversions of the fuel pumps at Casey’s General Store throughout Kentucky to enable offerings of both E15 and E85.
CORE Program connects young farmers with association leaders and experts
Session 4 of the current CORE Farmer Program class was held in late-July with farm visits and in-field practicals. The group began the learning adventure in Princeton, where Dr. Lloyd Murdock spent a few hours with the participants talking about Kentucky soils. Dr. Chad Lee spend some time with them in corn fields as well.
Enter the 2020 Kentucky Corn Yield Contest
Rules and entry form are available for 2020 Kentucky Corn Yield Contest. Deadline is November 16.
Fields of Corn Photo Contest is Taking Entries Through November 30
Calling all photographers!
NCGA Releases Mid-Year Report for 2020
2020 began with reason for optimism in our industry. The signing of the USMCA trade deal, emerging corn purchases by China, a successful challenge to EPA granting RFS waivers and approval of year-round sales of E15 had us all looking for an economic rebound. Then the unthinkable happened as a pandemic stunned the world.
UK research: cover crops, no-till could slow climate change
Cover crops combined with no-tillage systems can increase soil organic carbon, which could help slow climate change on farms, according to a recent study by University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment scientists.
Southern Rust Confirmed in Kentucky
Southern rust of corn, caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora, was confirmed in Caldwell and Daviess counties in Kentucky on July 20, 2020.
Linking Agriculture For Networking and Development (LAND) Forums To Be Held This Summer
These forums are intended to bolster existing collaboration between the two sectors to develop and expand upon the existing supply chain for agricultural products to the manufacturing sector.
CORN LEADERS TACKLE PROFITABILITY CRISIS DURING TWO-DAY MEETING
The Kentucky Corn Growers Board of Directors and the Members of the Corn Promotion Council met July 8 and 9 in socially-distanced fashion at the UK Research and Education Center (the Kentucky Corn Growers Conference Room, actually).
Enter the National Corn Yield Contest Now and Save
Enter before June 30 to save on the entry fee.
Corn and Soybean News – June 2020 Issue
Read the latest issue of UK Grain Crops Corn and Soybean News.
Analysis Projects $89 Per Acre Losses for 2020 Corn Crop Due to COVID-19
Over the Horizon: Commentary by Trend Talk Futurist Bob Treadway
KyCorn asked futurist Bob Treadway to provide the same advice to our members that he provided to the National Corn Growers Association.
Statements on Dicamba Ruling
See the recent statements on the Dicamba ruling from the National Corn Growers and the EPA
USDA seeks feedback from producers about crops and stocks
During the next several weeks, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the June Agricultural Survey. The agency will contact 2,000 producers across Kentucky to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2020.
Just How Cold was Friday Night & Saturday Morning?
Freeze damage to crops occurs from a combination of cold temperature, the duration of the cold temperature and the crop growth stage. Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist with the UK Ag Weather Center, compiled temperatures across Kentucky.
U.S. Red Meat Exports Remain Strong Despite COVID-19
Demand for high-quality red meat from the U.S. remained strong in the first quarter of 2020, despite CoVID-19-related disruptions in export markets. Through March, U.S. exports of both pork and beef were on a record pace and accounted for a growing share of U.S. production, even with record production levels.
Grains Go With The Flow: U.S. Inland Waterway System Operating Normally During COVID-19
Flowing from farms in the Corn Belt down to the Mississippi River and into ports on the Gulf of Mexico, more than 12,000 miles of marine highways are a crucial part of the U.S. grain supply chain – one that has continued to operate in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corn-Ethanol Partnership Helps Kentucky Proud Farmers’ Markets
As Commonwealth Agri-Energy has diverted their 200-proof ethanol product to fill the need hand and surface sanitizer, an idea formed to provide the product to Kentucky’s many farmer’s markets and livestock sale barns as they begin to open back up to the public.
COVID-19 Continues to Create Havoc for Ag and Food Markets
While the demand for some foods like beef and seafood tend to be more responsive to income changes, total food consumption doesn’t change much in an economic downturn compared to other vulnerable sectors of the economy like travel, entertainment, housing, and manufacturing.
2019/2020 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report Released And Promoted Virtually
The 2019/2020 U.S. corn crop faced many challenges, including late planting, delayed maturation and late harvests. Even with these challenges, data compiled in the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 2019/2020 Corn Export Quality Report indicate the majority of the crop – 71.2 percent of samples tested – still had a test weight at or above the limit for U.S. No. 1 grade corn, indicating good quality and demonstrating the resiliency and reliability of the United States as a global grain supplier.