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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.
UK ag economists offer info for farmers dealing with financial challenges
University of Kentucky agricultural economists are offering information for producers dealing with financial pressures after several years of downturn in the industry.
USMCA: Market Access for US Corn
To ensure American farmers continue to have access to these important export markets, the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) needs to be ratified.
NCGA Submits WOTUS Comments
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) this week submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers on the Agencies’ proposed rule revising the definition of waters of the United States, or WOTUS.
2017 Ag Census Gives Updated Snapshot of Kentucky and US Corn
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released the results of the 2017 Census of Agriculture. We’re reporting highlights for US and Kentucky corn production.
Maximizing Value: Spring Application of Broiler Litter for Grain Crop Production
Since the value of broiler litter is dynamic and always changing, a decision tool is available so grain producers can enter soil test data, nutrient content of measured litter, commercial fertilizer prices, and management practices to determine the value of boiler litter.
NCGA Provides Comments on Farm Bill’s Trade Programs
NCGA encouraged USDA to consult closely with both Congress and agriculture stakeholders to ensure the positive changes to the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program are implemented as Congress intended.
China Purchases US Corn
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service announced Friday, March 22 an export sale of 300,000 metric tons of U.S. corn to China.
Farmers and Monarchs: Perfect Together
To save the monarch, we need about 2.5 million acres of habitat across the Midwest, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Farmers manage much of this region, making them among the most important partners to help restore and enhance this vital habitat.
EPA Proposes Rule for Year-Round E15
On March 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regulatory changes to allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for the summer months that has historically been applied only to E10.
Leading Agriculture Organizations Endorse USMCA
The National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers today announced their support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
NCGA-USMEF Study Highlights the Value to Corn Producers Through Red Meat Exports
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) partnered with the U.S. Meat Export Federation to update a study on the value of red meat exports to domestic U.S. corn growers. In 2018, the study showed beef and pork exports used a combined total of 14.9 million tons of corn and DDGS, which equates to an additional 459.7 million bushels of corn produced – an increase of 29 percent over the 2015 projections.
New Study Reaffirms the Environmental Benefits of Ethanol
The growing body of research on the environmental benefits of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) just got bigger. A statement released last week highlights some of these benefits including improved air quality and public health.
Grower Leaders Hone Skills in Nation’s Capital
Kentucky’s Mark Roberts was among the several corn farmers from across the country that visited Washington this week to take part in the second phase of the annual leadership development programs co-sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association and Syngenta.
Crop Marketing and Management Update
This month’s update form Dr. Todd Davis includes projected profitability and break-even analysis, impact for storage, risk management opportunities, balance sheets, and more.
Photos from the 2018 Kentucky Corn Yield Contest
Kentucky Corn Yield Contest winners were honored at the Kentucky Commodity Conference on January 17, 2019.
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 2019 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®.
Corn Growers Pleased by USDA Issuing Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Labeling Rule
Key agricultural and farm groups today praised the USDA’s public release of the final rule implementing the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.
USDA to Gauge Financial Well-Being of Kentucky Farmers
Beginning in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be gathering information about farm economics and production practices from farmers across Kentucky, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2018 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS).
Kentucky Producer Earns Spot Among National Winners in Corn Yield Contest
Kentucky farmer Jason Greenwell of Waverly, earned third place in the Division A Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 319.6887 planting Channel brand 218-44VT2PRIB seed. This is the first time in several years a Kentucky producer has earned a top spot among the nation’s corn growers.
NCGA: Trade Aid Comes Up Short, Again
The National Corn Growers Association today expressed disappointment that corn farmers impacted by trade tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty would receive virtually no relief through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Market Facilitation Program (MFP).
Farm Bill Passes and Heads to President’s Desk
The House passed the Farm Bill today by a vote of 369-47 after the Senate passed the legislation yesterday, 87-13. KyCorn is happy that the Farm Bill is moving forward and now awaits the President’s signature.
Corn Growers Statement on WOTUS Rule
Today, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a clear, understandable, and implementable definition of “waters of the United States” that clarifies federal authority under the Clean Water Act.
Join Us for the 25th Annual Kentucky Commodity Conference
There is an amazing lineup of speakers and sessions planned for the 2019 Kentucky Commodity Conference, which marks the 25th year the Kentucky Corn Growers, Kentucky Small Grain Growers and Kentucky Soybean Associations have been collaborating to bring the latest marketing and production information to the commonwealth’s growers.
Dicamba Still Available for Use in Kentucky with Changes
Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced in an open letter that dicamba would still be available for growers with a new record-keeping system for dealers, fine structure for producers and without an application cut-off date in the 2019 season.
Kentucky Corn Growers Association: Fighting for You on Trade
KyCorn has been at the forefront of negotiations with the administration over how to mitigate the negative effects of these trade issues going forward. Though we face an uphill battle, we have managed to secure several market-driven policy changes on behalf of Kentucky’s corn farmers.
The Economic Value of Applying Broiler Litter in the Fall
Spring application of broiler litter is ideal for maximizing the economic value but faces challenges that include wet soil conditions, lack of time to spread litter near planting, and availability of litter in the spring.
Corn Growers Call for More Equitable Trade Relief
National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp today urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to consider changes to the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) ahead of the second round of payments.
Kentucky Corn Yield May Set a Record
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the October Crop Production report today, showing a potential record yield forecasts for corn.
Mexican Buying Team Visits Kentucky White Corn Farms
White corn buyers from Mexico were in Kentucky last week to see U.S. grain production and infrastructure to better understand quality standards for U.S. white corn exports and make connections to facilitate future sales.