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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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) 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.
NCGA Analysis shows $50 per acre revenue declines for corn due to COVID-19
Analysis released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today showed cash corn prices have declined by 16 percent on average, with several regions experiencing declines of more than 20 percent, since March 1 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis projects a $50 per acre revenue decline for the 2019 corn crop.
USDA Announces Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
This new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 national emergency.
Commonwealth Agri-Energy Meets Higher Demand for Hand Sanitizer with Local Corn
Commonwealth Agri-Energy began selling several 270-gallon totes of 200-proof alcohol to local craft distillers last month. Demand has grown to the point they are now loading 8,000- gallon tanker trucks daily to serve packagers across the Southeast.
FSA Makes Changes to Farm Loan, Disaster, Conservation and Safety Net Programs to Make it Easier for Customers to Conduct Business
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices are open in Kentucky by phone appointment only until further notice, and FSA staff are available to continue helping agricultural producers with program signups, loan servicing and other important actions.
USDA Announces Loan Maturity for Marketing Assistance Loans Now Extended to 12 Months
Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this flexibility is available for most commodities.
Latest WASDE Report
USDA published the latest WASDE report, which you can read in full here. The report included the following information on corn.
Proper grain bin management saves lives
This spring, grain producers across the Midwest, including those in pockets of Kentucky, are dealing with grain quality issues in storage bins that are causing problems during unloading.
Leopold Conservation Award 2020 Call for Applications
If you, or someone you know, is a Kentucky landowner who is committed to land management practices that increase conservation, we invite your application for the Leopold Conservation Award. The deadline has been extended to April 15th.
White House/EPA Decision To Not Appeal SRE Ruling is Great News for Corn Farmers
Ethanol and farm groups today welcomed the Trump administration’s decision not to seek a re-hearing of a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that struck down certain small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
U.S. Grains Council Sends Letter To Global Grain Customers
The U.S. Grains Council reported that they we have received an increasing number of questions from overseas buyers and embassies about what is happening in the U.S. related to grain exports. The following letter was sent this afternoon to address those questions.
COVID-19 and its Impact on Grain and Ethanol Markets
An update from several sources regarding COVID-19 and its impact on grain/ethanol markets and scheduled education events.
Corn Growers Welcome USDA Action to Increase Biofuel Use
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue last month announced plans to increase biofuels usage in USDA vehicles, directing the department to acquire alternative fueled vehicles when replacing conventionally fueled vehicles.
KyCorn Showcases Ethanol Programs with Record Commodity Classic Crowd
Miles from home, KyCorn had the opportunity to showcase it’s ethanol programs with the nearly 4,700 farmers who attended this year’s Commodity Classic in San Antonio.
2020 Potential RP Projected Prices and Revenue Guarantees for Corn and Soybeans
The projected prices for revenue protection (RP) insurance for corn and soybeans are currently being determined. RP insurance initial price guarantee is the average of the closing prices for the December and November futures contracts for corn and soybeans, respectively
IPM Training School Returns to Princeton
The University of Kentucky’s IPM Training School is scheduled for March 12 at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton.
Tenth Circuit Court Strikes Down EPA Small Refinery Exemptions
In a decision that is expected to broadly impact the Environmental Protection Agency’s approach to granting small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit late on Friday struck down three exemptions that were improperly issued by EPA.
Kentucky Corn Yield Contest Winners Announced for 2019
Winners of the 2019 Kentucky Yield Contest were honored the evening of Jan. 16 at the Kentucky Commodity Conference in Bowling Green, where they received a cash award from KyCorn and trophies sponsored by KyCorn, DuPont Pioneer and Whayne Agri-Business.
KyCorn Thanks Roberts and White for Leadership
The Kentucky Corn Growers Association Board of Directors thanked KyCorn President Mark Roberts and Treasurer Dustin White for their leadership and service to the organization at the KyCorn Annual Meeting on Jan. 16. Both completed three consecutive terms in December.
Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees
Know a Kentucky farmer or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2020 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award
Triazine Network: EPA Takes Reasonable Approach in Atrazine Decision
The Atrazine Preliminary Interim Decision (PID) document published today in the federal register supports EPA’s commitment to use credible scientific research in setting a reasonable aquatic ecosystem Level of Concern (LOC) for atrazine.
EPA Takes Steps to Provide Needed Clarity and Certainty for U.S. Agriculture
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing two important actions that will help the agricultural sector protect crops from pests and weeds. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is approving the use of 10 pesticide products on hemp in time for the 2020 growing season.
National Corn Yield Contest Winners Announced
Kentucky NCYC winners are announced.
Farmers Learning from Farmers: CORE Farmer Program Kicks Off Class V
Seventeen farmers and agri-business leaders began their two-year educational journey in December with Session 1: “Coping with a Difficult Grain Economy.”
NCGA Leadership Symposium Helps Kentucky Address Grower Needs
Richard Preston, Joseph Sisk and Laura Knoth spent a couple of cold days in St. Louis this week attending the NCGA Leadership Symposium along with leaders from Corn Growers’ Associations across the country.
Early-Riser Session for Kentucky Commodity Conference Brings International Farming Perspective
Farming is a challenge. We are at a low point in the cycle of grain prices and making a profit is not easy right now. But, it could be worse. We are going to talk to a couple people who are living in that worst situation right now and learn how they are making farming work.
Research Report: Corn Starter Impacts Early Season Plant and Soil Properties
Early planted corn in no-tilled fields and limited drainage typically have the greatest chance of response from starter fertilizers.
Crop Production Report Shows Strong Corn and Soybean Yields
Corn production in Kentucky is forecast at 257 million bushels, down 1 percent from the October forecast and up 19 percent from the previous crop. Yield was estimated at 177 bushels per acre, down 1 bushel from last month and up 2 bushels from the 2018 level. Acres for harvest as grain were estimated at 1.45 million acres, up 220,000 acres from 2018.
KyCorn President Responds to EPA Rule on Refinery Waivers
I’m frustrated and perplexed by EPA’s proposal to resolve the destroyed ethanol demand caused by the agency’s refinery waivers. It is clearly not what President Trump described to our industry leaders that his administration would be doing, just 10 days prior.
KyCorn and NCGA: Farmers Thank Trump Administration for Listening and Upholding the RFS
The Kentucky Corn Growers and National Corn Growers Associations welcomed an announcement from President Trump today directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to follow the letter of the law and keep the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) whole.
Ribbon Cuttings and Trade Deals: Kentucky Grain Farmers Have Much to Celebrate
Happy Fall, my fellow farmers! Despite the lack of rain in much of the state, the last two weeks have brought us much to celebrate, particularly the opening of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence and the U.S. – Japan Trade Agreement.
U.S. – Japan Trade Agreement a Bright Spot for American Agriculture
Japan is the second largest buyer for U.S. corn, top exporter for U.S beef, and holds potential as a market for U.S. ethanol.
New Study Stresses Ethanol’s Benefits for Energy Security
A new study shows that the Renewable Fuel Standard not only saves drivers money at the gas pump every day, but also enhances energy security by greatly reducing or even eliminating the blow to our nation’s drivers when global oil production is disrupted.
UK Celebrates Opening of Grain and Forage Center of Excellence
University of Kentucky researchers, Kentucky farmers and stakeholders celebrated the official opening of UK’s Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, a facility committed to moving the state’s and surrounding region’s agricultural community forward.
Record Corn Crop for Kentucky?
Corn production in Kentucky is forecast at 266 million bushels, down 2 percent from the August forecast, but up 23 percent from the previous crop.
Heartland Mission Strengthens Red Meat Trade Relationship in Japan
American producers traveled with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to Japan this month to learn more about the world’s most competitive red meat import market and demonstrate their commitment to serving it.
State Fair Corn Maze Took Public on Field to Fork Journey
Nearly 50,000 people, young and old, made their way through the Field to Fork Corn Maze during the 11-day run of the Kentucky State Fair.
KyCorn Submits Comments to EPA on Renewable Fuel Volume Obligations
Each year the US EPA is required by the Clean Air Act to create a rule that sets the obligations of petroleum refiners for blending biofuels into motor fuel for the Renewable Fuels Standard.
USDA Using Flexibility to Assist Farmers, Ranchers in Flooded Areas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced it will defer accrual of interest for all agricultural producers’ spring 2019 crop year insurance premiums to help the wide swath of farmers and ranchers affected by extreme weather in 2019.
NOW IS THE TIME: Contact Congress about how trade affects your livelihood
It is critical that our members reach out to their legislators now to help get this bill across the finish line,” said Mark Roberts, president of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association and farmer from Henry County. “This is an all hands on deck moment for this issue.”
Ethanol Exports Setting Records
KyCorn farmer leaders are attending the US Grains Council summer board meeting this week and learning how ethanol exports across the globe are breaking records.
Latest Round of MFP Payments Announced
USDA has announced the specific details regarding the latest round of Market Facilitation Payments (MFP) totaling up to $14.5 billion of direct payments to eligible farmers. These payments are in response to the estimated adverse impact that U.S. farmers are experiencing related to retaliatory tariffs and other non-tariff barriers being assessed during the on-going trade dispute.
KyCorn Sees Research Investments in Action at UK Field Day
Several hundred growers were in attendance for the UK Corn, Soybean, and Tobacco Field Day held July 23, at the Research and Education Center in Princeton.
KyCorn Supports Frazier’s “The Spirit of Kentucky”
Frazier History Museum’s “The Spirit of Kentucky” provides an in-depth look at Bourbon whiskey and includes installations dedicated to Kentucky’s natural resources and the farmers and production methods necessary for producing Kentucky’s native spirit.
Kentucky Corn Acreage Up From Last Year
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the Acreage and Grain Stocks reports today, showing the Commonwealth’s 2019 corn planted at 1,650,000 acres, up 23 percent from last year.
Research Report: Impact of fungicide timing on standability and southern rust management in Kentucky corn
Research shows farmers can see the greatest benefit for foliar disease control AND have the greatest chance of improving standability in corn when fungicides are applied at VT.
Research Report: Effect of in-furrow fungicides on corn seedling diseases and yield
First year of research shows that farmers who do not have a history of seedling disease may not need in-furrow fungicides, even when planting into cool, wet conditions.
Commissioner Quarles Addresses Updated Grain Insurance Fund in Open Letter
In an open letter to Kentucky’s corn and small grain producers, Commissioner Ryan Quarles addressed the changes the General Assembly made to Kentucky’s grain laws concerning the grain insurance fund and how it affects them.
Kentucky Corn Praises Year-Round E15 as a Win for Farmers and Consumers
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today celebrated the Trump Administration completing actions to allow for year-round sales of 15 percent ethanol blends or E15.
NCGA Provides Trade Aid Recommendations to USDA
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today provided the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with recommendations outlining both short and long-term actions that would provide assistance to farmers facing losses due, in part, to the most recent tariff increases and prolonged trade dispute with China.
Leading Agriculture Commodities Oppose Additional Tariffs on Chinese Goods
Today, the U.S. Trade Representative moved forward with increasing the tariff rate from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Farmers across the country are extremely concerned by the actions taken today by President Trump and his Administration.