Wherever Jon May Roam, with National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett

Growers are hoping the recent rollout of a new U.S. trade deal with the United Kingdom is a sign of things to come. The agreement is the first trade pact with a new trading partner since 2012. And amid tariff uncertainty and unsettled markets, the presidential administration is signaling its desire to make trade deals with new countries a top priority. In particular, discussions are ongoing to open up new markets for corn in India and Vietnam, representing a potentially huge boost for the American corn industry. So in this episode of the Cobcast, we're talking to two top experts on international trade: Andrew Brandt, the Director of Trade Policy at the U.S. Grains Council; and Nancy Martinez, the Director of Public Policy, Trade and Biotechnology at the National Corn Growers Association. Together, we'll answer many of the distinct trade questions on growers' minds at this moment, like what are some other possible destinations for corn exports? What could potential deals look like with these new countries? And what does it all mean for folks who are just getting a crop in the ground?

It's tax day, but some of the important policies that are helping your farm maintain profitability are in jeopardy if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is allowed to expire this year. Provisions like the Qualified Business Income Deduction, 100% Bonus Depreciation, and the increased Estate Tax Exemption are critically important to producers across the country. So in this episode, we're talking with two of NCGA's foremost experts about how these policies benefit farmers… and what we can do to preserve them. Andy Jobman is a farmer from Gothenburg, Nebraska, and chairs NCGA's Risk Management Action Team, which has been researching the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the farm gate and building up our case to preserve it. And Wayne Stoskopf is NCGA's Director of Public Policy, serving as the D.C. staff liaison for all matters involving tax policy. Together, they'll explain why farmers can't afford to lose these tax protections, what it means for rural communities, and why it's critical for growers to contact their legislators about this issue.

Corn growers may have their best opportunity yet to advance legislation that would allow the year-round sale of 15% ethanol fuel blends, also known as E15 or Unleaded 88. Such a move would stoke demand for corn and support growers who are battling stagnant corn prices and spiking input costs. Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer and her co-sponsors have reintroduced an E15 bill, which has broad bipartisan support. Nearly 9,000 corn growers and advocates from 47 states even sent a letter to House and Senate leadership this week calling for action on the measure. But the work is not done, and growers nationwide need to rally to the cause in order to make year-round E15 a reality. In this episode of the Cobcast, we're joined by Sen. Fischer herself to discuss the importance of E15 legislation for corn farmers and the agricultural economy. Along with NCGA CEO Neil Caskey, she spotlights the coalition of support for the bill, the benefits of E15 for consumers and the environment, and the need for better messaging about agriculture's impact. They also touch on the current economic challenges facing farmers, the impact of tariffs, and the legislative progress needed to make E15 a permanent option.

2024 has been a year of ups and downs for US corn growers. But through it all, the one thing you can count on is that members of the NCGA pull together to protect the industry for everyone. And in the past several days, those efforts have paid off to deliver some early Christmas presents for NCGA members. Foremost on that list, the dispute settlement panel convened under the USMCA has ruled that Mexico's proposed GMO corn import ban is not supported by science, and is in clear violation of the trade agreement. And also, the continuing resolution passed by the US Congress to avert a government shutdown contains an extension of the Farm Bill and some much-needed economic assistance for growers. In this special holiday message from NCGA President Ken Hartman, he provides a quick update for growers on these developments, and shares NCGA's holiday wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy new year for all.

After an unprecedented election cycle, we finally know what the American political landscape will look like in the Congressional term ahead. The election results include victories for more than 90 percent of the candidates backed by CornPAC, and have big implications for farmers across the country. So in this episode of the Cobcast, we're going to analyze the takeaways of the Republican sweep of D.C. leadership, the effectiveness of NCGA's political strategy, and the key races that will shape ag policy in the new Congress. We're joined by NCGA's Vice President of Public Policy Brooke Appleton, and Director of Grassroots and Political Strategy Sadie Knight. And we'll discuss the implications of the new Congressional leadership, President-elect Trump's forthcoming cabinet selections, and pressing agriculture issues, particularly trade policy, that will be at the forefront as we move into 2025. We'll also reflect back on lessons from this election cycle and the importance of rural votes in shaping the political landscape.

Caught between rising costs and stagnant corn prices, growers are feeling the pinch. So, as the National Corn Growers Association transitions from the leadership of one member-President to another, its leadership and staff are focused on growing demand for corn in both the short- and long-term horizons. In this episode, we meet newly-minted President Ken Hartman, Jr., a grower from southern Illinois who is taking the reins as NCGA's top leader. And we also meet his predecessor, former President Harold Wolle from south-central Minnesota, who's stepping into the role of NCGA chairman. Together, they'll discuss the top priorities for NCGA in the year ahead, how the organization is driving new sources of demand for corn, and why it's more important than ever to be in touch with your representatives in Washington.

Herbicides, insecticides and fungicides make up some of the most important tools in a farmer's tool box. And it's up to each one of us to take seriously the responsibilities of being a good steward for those tools, and the environment around us. But recently, the process by which the Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticides has been challenged in court, on the grounds that it didn't comply with parts of the Endangered Species Act. And so EPA has to build a plan to prove it's in compliance with the ESA, causing potential disruptions for growers. In this episode, we're examining how we got here, what changes growers should expect, how farmers should get prepared, and how groups like the National Corn Growers Association are working with the EPA and other environmental services to minimize the impact on farming operations. Our expert guests include: Megan Dwyer, the Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship for Illinois Corn Stanley Culpepper, an Extension Weed Scientist with the University of Georgia Bill Belzer, the Global Stewardship Director at Corteva This episode is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

Corn growers need to act now in order to support some important pieces of legislation that are moving through Congress in Washington, D.C. The Farm Bill. The Next Generation Fuels Act. Opening up global trade opportunities to lower the cost of inputs. Your lawmakers need to hear from constituents like you who support these issues. And now is the perfect time to let them know. With lawmakers returning to their home districts for the August recess, we have a golden opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter most to the agriculture community. So in this episode, we're talking to Lindsay Croke, the marketing director at Illinois Corn, and Luke Crumley, director of public policy and sustainability at Ohio Corn and Wheat, about how local advocacy makes a national impact. They'll offer practical advice for farmers to stay informed and effectively communicate with their elected representatives and staff, and discuss the opportunities that are available at this time of year for growers to show up and be heard. 

Ever since Mexico issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn, there's been confusion and concerns from growers and policymakers alike here in the United States. Mexico is the number one market for U.S. corn growers by a wide margin, and over 90% of the corn that's planted in the United States is biotech. Accordingly, Mexico's decree threatens market access and adds a great deal of legal uncertainty for our corn growers. And ever since the decree was announced, organizations like the National Corn Growers Association, the Corn Refiners Association and the U.S. Grains Council have been leveraging every opportunity to push back. Recently, those efforts resulted in a trade dispute settlement hearing under the USMCA, which represents the best opportunity to reverse this destructive trade policy. So in this episode, we're going to revisit the history of the ban, explore the arguments that were made in the dispute settlement hearing, and discuss what it all means for farmers. Our guests include: Andrew Brandt, the director of trade policy for the U.S. Grains Council Heidi Bringenberg, the U.S. Grains Council's country director for Mexico Kristy Goodfellow, the vice president of trade and industry affairs for the Corn Refiners Association Nancy Martinez, the National Corn Growers Association's director of public policy, trade and biotechnology We'll also hear about the U.S. Grains Council's work to maintain relations in Mexico, in a segment that is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

Now entering its 60th year, the NCGA Corn Yield Contest is an institution in the agriculture world. Growers from all across the country can compete against one another to see who can coax the most bushels per acre out of their ground, blending tried-and-true techniques with new and emerging practices to maximize their production. Last year, NCGA launched a new pilot class for the contest, the first in its history to limit an input in the hunt for high corn yields. So in this episode of the Cobcast, we're discussing the Nitrogen Management Pilot Class of the Corn Yield Contest with Nick Preissler, the first-ever winner of the class, and Jim Isermann, an agronomist working with the NCGA to design rules for the class. Together we'll discuss the impetus behind the development of the class, the challenges and opportunities it presents and the specific limitations set for nitrogen usage. Nick will share what he learned on his operation in Aurora, Nebraska, and what other growers can take away from his experience. To learn more about the new pilot class, and the Corn Yield Contest in general, visit ncga.com/yieldcontest.

Since its adoption in 2005, no other piece of policy has changed the corn industry more than the Renewable Fuel Standard. Ethanol has become one of the most important markets for corn in that time. But over the last couple of years, there are new developments that could be major boon for this crucial sector. So in this episode, we're going to talk with a few ethanol experts to get their perspectives on how that market has developed, where it's at today, and where they're hoping it will go in the future. Joining us are agricultural economist Scott Irwin from the University of Illinois; Julie Busse, a member of the National Corn Growers Association ethanol team; and Bradley Schad, the CEO of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and Missouri Corn Growers Association. They'll provide some important context about ethanol's history as a fuel, and also tell us how you can get involved with critical efforts to secure its future. Visit NCGA.com/Octane to get involved yourself. And you can learn more about Scott Irwin's new book, “Back to the Futures: Crashing Dirt Bikes, Chasing Cows, and Unraveling the Mystery of Commodity Futures Markets,” by visiting this link: https://www.amazon.com/Back-Futures-Crashing-Unraveling-Commodity/dp/B0CPKXFZ2Y

The suicide rate among among farmers is three and a half times higher than the general population. It's a shocking statistic. We're losing good people, but we don't have to. From weather, to markets, to prices, to the issues that come with a family business, farmers face a number of stressors that are unique to their occupation. And in rural America, suicide rates increased 46% from 2000-2020, compared to 27.3% in metro areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So one of the National Corn Growers Association action teams is working with partners across the industry to spread the message that saying something could mean everything. In this episode, two of those partners share their stories and their expertise. Jeff Ditzenberger is a former grower from southern Wisconsin who uses his past struggles with suicide to help other people today. He travels around the country delivering his outspoken message that, “It's okay to not be okay.” And Dr. Josie Rudolphi is an Associate Professor in the University of Illinois School of Agricultural and Biological Engineering with expertise in not only mental health, but its specific impacts in agricultural populations. If you or someone you know is struggling, please share one of these important resources we discuss in this episode: 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-447-1985, The Iowa Concern Hotline, a resource serving the agricultural community nationwide  FarmStress.org, a central clearinghouse for mental health and financial resources for American farmers TugsGroup.com, Jeff Ditzenberger's Wisconsin-based support group

The Silicon Valley Bank collapse, and the sudden perception that there's instability in the banking system, has a lot of us thinking back to 2008 and the financial crisis that spurred the Great Recession. And, whether it's the war in Ukraine, lingering supply-side issues from Covid-19 or high interest rates, we are all feeling the effects of the world economy a little more acutely this year. So are we staring down another financial crisis, or just feeling a little economic speed bump? For some perspectives on those questions, and what it means for corn growers, we're joined in this episode by Krista Swanson, the National Corn Growers Association's lead economist. She provides some much-needed context, and an informed take on what the farm economy might have in store for us over the next few years. 

A major disruption to the market for U.S. corn is set to take effect in one year, as a decree by Mexico's President would ban the import of GMO corn effective January 31, 2024. Historically, Mexico is the number one market for U.S. corn, and so the NCGA has been active in pushing back, with strong support from the Biden administration in Washington. The NCGA is urging the administration to hold the line and file a dispute settlement under the USMCA to hold Mexico accountable to their obligations under that trade agreement. In order to build awareness of the issue in Congress, on January 31 NCGA held a well-attended briefing for Congressional staffers with an all-star panel of experts: Congressman Adrian Smith from Nebraska, chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Jason Hafemeister NCGA President Tom Haag Nebraska grower Andy Jobman And the discussion was moderated by NCGA Vice President of Communications Neil Caskey. 

When she is sworn in on January 3, 2023, Congresswoman-Elect Nikki Budzinski will be tasked with representing the interests of farmers in a vast swath of the state, all the way from Champaign to Springfield to just north of St. Louis. It's the heart of corn country, and she knows that agriculture will factor heavily in many of the issues she will have to address in Washington. But Budzinski, a Democrat, also represents an evenly-divided constituency that previously elected a Republican to the seat. And she recognizes that it's more important than ever to build bridges, find common ground and strive toward bipartisanship in the Capitol. In this episode, we ask the newly-elected Congresswoman what she sees as the biggest issues that growers face today, how she's planning to go to bat for America's farmers, and what it's like going to a place like Washington as a Congressional freshman. 

Inflationary costs—and rising interest rates—are hitting growers where it hurts worldwide. Add to these worries the impact of the North American drought, transportation and logistics headaches, and other market uncertainties, and growers may feel like the high price of corn is the only good news they've heard in more than a year. But what do you need to know to maintain your operation in this changing economic situation? What tools do we have to keep operating costs from spiraling out-of-control? And how much worse is it going to get before it gets better? In this episode, we're talking to Todd Van Hoose, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, for the answers.  Plus, we send our best to Jon Doggett, NCGA CEO and podcast host, as he nears his retirement date.

2022 has been another one of those years that throws a lot of curve balls at you. But in the world of agriculture, you can't just hit home runs all the time. It might not get the headlines, but the real work gets done in the singles and doubles that you hit, and you've got to hit those reliably. And so in this episode, we look back at some of the important wins for the industry that you might not have heard about, with outgoing NCGA President Chris Edgington as he winds down his term in office. From tariffs on inputs to new regulations, the association has battled back against developments that would have cost farmers dearly. At the same time, new support for ethanol fuel is moving forward in Washington and could be a huge boon to growers. Make sure to REGISTER YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE EPA about its plans to revise registration for atrazine, which would effectively limit the effectiveness of this critical crop protection tool. Also, the Next Generation Fuels Act is one of NCGA's top legislative priorities. CLICK HERE to ask your congressional representatives to cosponsor it.

Over the last several years, tariffs and trade have been a major pain point for growers.  But this summer, the NCGA has helped bring home a huge win for America's farmers in a recent International Trade Commission case involving proposed tariffs on imported Urea Ammonium Nitrate fertilizers. So in this episode, we'll talk to Andy Jobman, a Nebraskan corn farmer, and Jared R. Wessel, an attorney with Hogan Lovells in Washington, D.C. These two played major roles in arguing NCGA's case at the ITC hearings. Andy and Jared will discuss how they argued their case, why this win was so important, and what the industry needs to do next to continue to fight unnecessary trade restrictions.

The Farm Bill is an important piece of legislation that affects everything that is governed by the USDA. With Congress working to pass a new version for 2023, NCGA believed it was a topic worth discussing at this summer's Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. Led by NCGA's VP of Public Policy, Brooke Appleton, this discussion panel, straight from the floor of Corn Congress, includes several experienced legislators and thought leaders in the field of agriculture: Daniel Glickman, former Secretary, USDA Heidi Heitkamp, former Senator and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Richard Fordyce, former Administrator of the Farm Service Agency Together, these four discuss important topics to consider, and the work and relationships necessary to achieve our goals in creating a farm bill that is beneficial to everyone affected by agriculture.

The rising cost of food and fuel are everywhere right now. From big headlines in the news to your own wallet, Americans are feeling the pinch of rising prices. And in the corn industry, we're still leveraging a powerful tool to help take the edge off the financial pain we all feel each week: corn ethanol. In this episode, we're talking to Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, about how ethanol can help Americans weather this economic storm. And we're busting some common ethanol myths that keep on turning up everywhere from policy discussions to social media.

Farmers work in a business where the finances keep getting tighter and the stakes keep getting higher. That kind of pressure takes a toll. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate in the agriculture industry is nearly 10 points above the national average, and about one in four farmers struggles with mental health issues. But mental health doesn't typically get talked about a lot in the ag community. So in this episode, we meet Lowell Neitzel, a grower from Kansas who's trying to change that by sharing his personal story about mental health. Lowell also leads the NCGA Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team, which has targeted grower mental health as a priority. Lowell is joined by Dr. Heather Sedges, an associate professor from the University of Tennessee who's working to prioritize mental health resources for growers. Dr. Sedges serves as Principal Investigator and Lead of the USDA/NIFA-funded Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the Southern Region.  Together, they discuss how to change the conversation about mental health in rural America, what to do when a friend or loved one is in a mental health crisis, and how to create a one-stop shop for mental health resources that growers can use to protect their own well-being. Click here to watch Lowell's story on YouTube. And here is the list of resources that Dr. Sedges references in this episode: Farmer Resource Network North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program National Farmers Union Farm Crisis Center Minnesota Department of Agriculture Training Kit Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network Managing Farm Stress (Michigan State Univ. Extension) AgrAbility Mental Health Resources Univ. of Maryland Extension Farmer Stress Webinar Dr. Val Farmer articles archive Office of Rural Mental Health Research (Federal Government website) Rural Behavioral Health Initiative National Rural Health Association Suicide Prevention Resource Center And here is a link to the Productivity Protocol that Dr. Sedges mentions.

The NCGA National Corn Yield Contest is an annual tradition that dates back to 1965. But in that time, no one has had quite the sustained success as Charles City, Virginia's David Hula, who has won the contest with record-setting yields on four separate occasions. In this episode, we talk to David about his formula for success, which includes a combination of precisely-targeted fertilizer applications and a blend of strip-till and no-till. Plus, we discuss the unique environmental challenges he faces as he works tirelessly to preserve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and how his farm traces its historic roots back to a time when growers planted a dead catfish with their corn seed. 

150 years of experience, at the very highest levels of the agriculture industry, was on display at the Commodity Classic Executives Round Table a few weeks ago. As leaders from the five Commodity Classic presenting organizations, these five executives have their fingers on the pulse of the agriculture world and the iissues that affect farmers. Panel members included: Jon Doggett, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association. Steve Censky, , CEO of the American Soybean Association Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of Ag at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Together, we discussed policy, supply chain, sustainability, infrastructure, biofuels, precision ag, the next Farm Bill, and just about every other issue facing the ag industry today. And in this episode, we bring you that discussion in its entirety.

The Mississippi River transports 60 percent of American corn and soybean exports to market. The massive barges that ply America's waterways are more cost-effective than any other form of transportation, and also play a role in getting vital inputs to growers. And yet, much of the infrastructure that makes this possible hasn't been updated since the 1930's… until now. In this episode, we talk about a key win for the NCGA and other groups who have spent decades pushing Congress to act on this critical infrastructure problem. Joining us are Jim Tarmann, the managing director with Illinois Corn Growers, and Tracy Zea, the president and CEO of the Waterways Council, which is an association dedicated to advocating for a modern national system of inland waterway infrastructure.  We discuss how we got to this point, what it means for growers in the Midwest, and what comes next.

Chip Flory is sometimes called the Voice of Rural America. Host of the AgriTalk radio program and podcast, he brings ag news, policy updates and expert insights to a network of more than 135 radio stations across the U.S. So in this episode, we flip the script on Chip, interviewing him at the National Corn Growers Association booth on the show floor at Commodity Classic. Plus, we finally settle, once and for all, who's the biggest music buff—Chip Flory or NCGA CEO Jon Doggett—with a classic rock trivia contest for the ages. 

Heightened tensions in Eastern Europe have dominated the news lately, as Russia seems poised to invade Ukraine. As a result of this and other global flashpoints, the unstable geopolitical climate is creating uncertainty in the world of agriculture, and growers are already feeling the effects. So in this episode, we're talking to Colonel Mark Purdy, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Aimpoint Research, about how food security is vital to national security. We'll sort out the context of the showdown in Eastern Europe, explore scenarios for what's likely to happen, and provide some insight about what this could mean for growers here in the U.S. Most importantly, we'll revisit how food power is vital to national security in the U.S. 

Last year was a mixed bag of news for the nation's corn growers. Corn prices climbed, but so did input costs. News about supply lines, infrastructure and politics came fast and heavy. And 2022 is giving every indication of continuing on that chaotic, breakneck pace. So in this episode, we check in with NCGA President Chris Edgington to hear how all these big national news stories have impacted his operation in Iowa, what lessons he learned in 2021 and what growers need to know to thrive in 2022. 

Bipartisanship is how things get done in Washington, and what holds us together as Americans. So how's that going in our nation's capital? “Things are not good, from a bipartisan perspective right now,” Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson from South Dakota tells us in this episode. And Democrat Abigail Spanberger from Virginia agrees. As members of the bipartisan “Problem Solvers' Caucus,” these two Congresspeople have developed a reputation for trying to work together instead of tear one another down. But they can't do it alone. And so in this episode, they join us once again to discuss how Americans can help bring compromise back, and why it's important for the corn industry AND the nation.

With harvest season winding down, NCGA members are observing another fall milestone—the induction of a new NCGA president, Chris Edgington. Administratively speaking, NCGA's “new year” began on October 1. And, hailing from St. Ansgar, Iowa, Chris has been sworn in to lead the organization in the year ahead. So in this episode, we're going to get to know him a little bit better… his operation, what drives him to lead, and what he sees as the biggest hurdles that growers face in the year ahead. 

After a long day in the field, there's no reward like a tender juicy corn-fed cut of steak. And it's made all the sweeter by the fact that the US beef industry is one of the largest consumers of American corn. So, in this episode, we're going to talk to two beef industry leaders, Collin Woodall from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Nicole Erceg from Certified Angus Beef, about how corn growers can be good partners to the beef industry, what it means to meet modern consumer expectations, and how you might be cooking your steaks wrong. As Nicole notes, sustainability is a team sport. And with consumer expectations evolving year in and year out, close partnerships between corn growers and beef producers are more important than ever before. Colin shared his favorite recipe for Grilled Cowboy Steaks. And Nicole invites you to: ·        Access more than 500 chef-tested recipes at CertifiedAngusBeef.com ·        Follow Certified Angus Beef Test Kitchen on YouTube for recipes, how-tos and technique videos

The Field of Dreams is an iconic movie for baseball fans and corn growers alike, and the image of an idyllic baseball diamond set amongst the Iowa corn stalks has endured now for decades. But this summer, the NCGA had the opportunity to be part of Major League Baseball's plan to bring baseball back to that field in Dyersville. And on this episode, we'll relive the event with Ron Kittle, former White Sox outfielder and 1983 AL Rookie of the Year, as well as NCGA President John Linder. Together with Jon and Dusty, they'll revisit the planning that made this special event possible, share stories from game day and explore Ron's career in Major League baseball. Plus, John Linder shares the tale of his run-in with actor Kevin Costner at the game itself.

The Next Generation Fuels Act is poised to reinforce the market for American ethanol, and it's been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. And in this episode of the podcast, we're joined by Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who was honored with the NCGA President's Award this year for her support as sponsor of the Next Generation Fuels Act. She'll outline the specifics of the bill, share the outlook from Washington and detail what you can do to make sure this important piece of legislation becomes law. 

Between a couple of recent high-profile court cases and all the hype surrounding electric vehicles, stakeholders in the corn and ethanol industry are looking for a little reassurance right now. But the reality of the transportation energy puzzle is a little more complex than what you've heard on the news. So in this episode, we're joined by John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute, for a reality check about the present and future of the transportation energy sector. Together with NCGA CEO Jon Doggett, he discusses the shifting makeup of the American transportation fleet, the hurdles to mass adoption that electric vehicles still face, the probable impact of recent court cases, and why ethanol remains the best option for decarbonizing American transportation today.

In today's world, farmers face growing consumer expectations, a need for economic resilience and the very real pressures of global climate change.  And they're meeting these challenges head-on with science-driven practices that prove that sustainability is more than a buzzword in the agriculture industry. In this episode, Nebraska farmer and NCGA board member Brandon Hunnicutt outlines NCGA's new sustainability goals, and the benefits he's seen from thinking about the sustainability of his own operation. He shares his personal insights about smart farming advances, cover crop use, advanced irrigation management and other techniques that make his farm more sustainable, and how he's saved money and improved yields as a result. Plus, Jon offers up the view from Washington, and why it's important for growers to be perceived as part of the solution in the ongoing discussion over sustainability.  To learn more about NCGA's 2030 sustainability goals, and to offer your feedback, visit ncga.com/sustainability.

With a grain content at least 51 percent corn, bourbon is a drink that’s near and dear to every grower’s heart. But in the heart of bourbon country, there’s a really neat 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. In this episode, we’re back at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville for part two of our discussion about bourbon, as 8th generation master distiller Jacob Call from Green River Distilling talks about the partnerships… and the relationships… that make Yellow Banks possible. Plus, Frazier Kentucky History Museum president and CEO Andy Treinen talks about how bourbon tourism is helping people reconnect with life on the farm. And Laura Knoth and Adam Andrews from the Kentucky Corn Growers Association discuss how strongly-rooted bourbon and corn are in Kentucky’s economy and culture.

Bourbon is a uniquely American beverage. 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 that’s distilled. So in this episode of the podcast, we’re going on the road with Jon as he pays a visit to the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville. There, in the midst of the exhibit on bourbon, we’ll learn about the unique way that corn farming contributed to the history of this singular beverage from museum president and CEO Andy Treinen. We'll also follow the crop from kernel to kettle to bottle with 8th generation master distiller Jacob Call from Green River Distilling. And we'll explore how the corn industry and bourbon celebrate their shared history together from Laura Knoth and Adam Andrews from the Kentucky Corn Grower's Association.

Two and a half million Americans are getting their COVID-19 vaccine every day. And as America takes this critical step to beating the virus and re-opening the economy, it’s more important than ever that rural America does NOT get left behind. So the NCGA has joined a nationwide effort to support that process, the COVID-19 Community Corps. Together with other founding members, NCGA will promote the science behind the safe and effective vaccines that are a critical component in the battle against Coronavirus. In this episode, we talk about the unique challenges we face in getting rural Americans vaccinated with Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, and Carrie Saia, the CEO of a small town hospital in Holton, Kansas. 

With planting season upon us, we continue our focus on agronomy for the month of March. In this episode, we catch up with Brett Begemann, the Chief Operating Officer at Bayer Crop Science. He shares details about the new inputs they’ve got in their technology pipeline, what that means for the future of farming and how their role in the ag industry is evolving. We also catch a bit of the March Madness and hear Jon Doggett’s secret for filling out his bracket every year. Before joining Bayer, Brett served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Monsanto Company, where he led global efforts to connect farmers with solutions for growing better harvests. Brett worked for 35 years at Monsanto, holding a number of leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

It’s that time of year when planting is on the front burner again. And so here at the NCGA, we’re digging in on the topic of agronomy this month, talking to the leaders of some of the world’s foremost providers of agriculture inputs. In this episode, Jon catches up with Tim Glenn, the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Corteva Agriscience, about how they’ve navigated the roller coaster of the last couple years, what new technologies they’re bringing to bear, and what kind of barbecue they cook up in Alabama.  Tim has been in the ag inputs business with Corteva and its heritage organizations for 30 years, and shares insights to help growers maximize their productivity after a roller coaster couple of years in the ag business.

The U.S. pork herd consumed 900 million bushels of corn in 2019. Not only does that make the pork industry a key customer segment for NCGA’s growers, but many of the same trade and sustainability issues that we grapple with in corn impact them as well. So in this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett chats with Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, to review some of the cooperative efforts the two groups have underway, the challenges they face and the opportunities that await if they work together. They also recount some of their favorite mouthwatering pork dishes. Spoiler alert: bacon is involved.

After a 2020 calendar year in which it seems like we were always asking, "What next?", we take a look at what the future holds for America's corn industry with the President of the NCGA, John Linder. Linder is a fifth-generation farmer from the little town of Edison, Ohio. Prior to his elevation to the role of President, John served as the Corn Board liaison to the Market Access Action Team, on the Resolutions Committee and chaired the Finance and Engaging Members Committees. He also represented NCGA at the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center. Together with association CEO Jon Doggett, they'll discuss new demand generation opportunities, why it's important to get new growers involved with the NCGA, and what Commodity Classic is going to look like in a pandemic year.

From his roots on a Nebraska corn farm, Jeff Zeleny has gone on to become one of the nation's foremost experts on presidential politics, covering the White House and campaigns for the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times. Now as CNN's Senior White House Correspondent, he's spent every day of 2020 with his finger on the pulse of the election for U.S. president. In this episode, Jeff joins Jon to talk about the issues that defined the campaign, what we can expect as President-Elect Joe Biden transitions to the presidency, the future for President Donald Trump, and what it all means for America's corn farmers. With the economy and the COVID-19 response hanging in the balance, he also offers insights about what a Biden presidency means for agriculture-focused issues like trade and the environment. And, Jeff shares tales about how growing up in the heart of corn country shaped his world view and his work ethic as a world-renowned journalist.

The NCGA’s outgoing President Kevin Ross had a term in office unlike any other. From a Twitter battle with the world’s largest beer brewer, to a public speech with President Donald Trump, to the NCGA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, his year at the helm was anything but boring. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett asks the Iowa grower to unpack all the highlights from his term and look to the future of the industry. And, in spite of all the uncertainty, Kevin shares his reasons for optimism and a love of farming that's stronger than ever.

Even before the onset of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, this had been a tough decade for corn growers. It turns out our members have gotten REALLY GOOD at growing corn, and demand just hasn’t kept up with supply. NCGA’s efforts to spur corn demand have made great strides toward big-picture, far-horizon initiatives that will grow corn consumption in the future. But with the extra hit to corn demand posed by the pandemic, farmers could use a little extra help this harvest season. And so the NCGA is partnering with Aimpoint Research, a strategic consulting firm that specializes in applying a military tactical mindset to solving business problems. In this episode, Jon discusses the issues with Aimpoint Senior Vice President Mark Purdy, a former Army Colonel who graduated from West Point Academy. He served as Director of War Games at the U.S. Army War College, and his experience ranges from leading combat units to managing multi-billion dollar security assistance portfolios. He traces his roots back to a family farm in Ohio where he grew up raising sheep, corn soybeans and hay. They’re also joined by Jim Bauman, NCGA’s Vice President of Market Development.

The poor quality of internet access in rural America has been an issue for a long time. The lack of reliable broadband has impacted farms, communities and the rural economy, and that was BEFORE the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that kids in farm country are headed back to school, some virtually and some in-person, broadband access is a bigger issue than ever before. In this episode, Jon talks with Elsie Wetzel--a school administrator, teacher, mother, farmer and Common Ground volunteer from North Texas--about how they’re making it work in these unprecedented times. Together, they explore the need to connect our rural communities, discuss the pandemic's impact on kids, families and rural schools, and share some important advice for staying grounded in the midst of all this uncertainty.

While the USMCA trade agreement was a big win for corn growers in the U.S., the industry is still reeling amid the larger trade war that has embroiled the U.S. and its strategic partners. Since America’s retreat into protectionist economic policies, the U.S. corn industry has lost significant influence in global trade talks. Strong leadership and consistent trade policy are needed to right the industry’s economic course and secure an export market for America’s corn crop. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett talks to a pair of the world’s foremost experts in global agricultural trade about what comes next for U.S. ag trade policy. Ambassador Darci Vetter is the Former USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator and USDA Deputy Under Secretary, and currently works as a consultant at Edelman. And Ryan LeGrand is the CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. 

The so-called “Urban-Rural Divide” has played a growing role in American life, politics and social issues recently. But it doesn’t need to be that way. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett has a candid discussion with three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee about her experience growing up in East St. Louis, the issues facing residents of the inner city, and her accomplishments as a world-class athlete. She also talks about the JJK Foundation’s efforts to educate city kids on the art of urban farming, including corn and soybeans, and the valuable life lessons they take away from the experience. And together, Jackie and Jon agree that there’s more to unite us than divide us. Learn more about the JJK Foundation

When new materials can increase demand for corn, offer low-cost alternatives to traditional plastics AND benefit the environment, everybody wins. And, backed by organizations like Iowa State’s Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) and the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), researchers in the heartland are pioneering new uses for corn that could reinvent the future of manufacturing. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett explores the possibilities with CRA CEO John Bode, CBiRC Director Dr. Brent Shanks, BioCognito Principal Nathan Danielson, and NCGA Director for Market Development Sarah McKay.

This may be a tumultuous time for corn farmers and ethanol producers. But then again, the ethanol industry's entire history has been a roller coaster ride. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett revisits the battles that got us to this point with "the Godfather of Ethanol" himself, Bob Dinneen from the Renewable Fuels Association. Plus, they're joined by NCGA's Director of Renewable Fuels, Mark Palmer, to discuss what the future might hold as the ethanol industry navigates a new set of uncertain times.

Creating a place to have a conversation instead of yelling at each other is one reason why NCGA CEO Jon Doggett started this podcast.  And in this episode, he takes that philosophy to one of the most contentious places in America—Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. From the Congressional office of Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Jon interviews the Democratic Congresswoman and her Republican colleague, South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, about what it takes to bridge the partisan divide in Washington. As members of the bipartisan “Problem Solvers Caucus,” Spanberger and Johnson discuss their efforts to pass the USMCA trade agreement and find common ground on other topics that are important, not just to farmers, but to Americans nationwide. They’re also joined by NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Brooke Appleton.

In response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, the institution of social distancing protocols has left growers and ag stakeholders with more questions than answers as they head into planting season. So we're interrupting your normal programming to provide a timely update with the CEO of inputs supplier Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mike Frank. In this episode, Mike tells NCGA CEO Jon Doggett that Nutrien is on-track to deliver all the inputs growers need to get a jump on the season, and enacting special protocols to keep staff and farmers safe. Ultimately, the fate of the nation hangs on its uninterrupted food supply, and Jon has details on NCGA's efforts to ensure the supply lines remain open and farmers have the support they need.