Holzfaster Concludes 6-Year Term on National Corn Growers Association

Nebraska Corn Board member, F. Jon Holzfaster, farmer from Paxton, attended his final board of directors meeting for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), bringing a six-year term to a close.

“My time as a board director has broadened my perspective of the agricultural industry. I now take a more worldly view on the effect global events have on agriculture, the vulnerability of our industry and the importance of pushing forward on demand issues; such as new uses, old uses, livestock and ethanol,” said Holzfaster. “These factors play an important role in keeping supply and demand in check and ensuring the value of the products we grow.”

During Holzfaster’s tenure on NCGA’s board, he served as chairman of the NCGA Ethanol Committee and was also an instrumental leader in NCGA’s partnership with Growth Energy to establish E15 as the official racing fuel for NASCAR.

Holzfaster said that his six years spent as a NCGA board director were also six years that he was able to commit to working with the American Ethanol and NASCAR partnership. “It has been phenomenal for me to get to know some of the folks within that sport and understand how not only the entertainment component of NASCAR works, but the marketing component. NASCAR is a marketing monster; and, when you can use that for your industry's benefit, that can be very, very beneficial.”

Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board, said that Holzfaster was an influential leader with NCGA’s E15 effort and NASCAR partnership. “Jon’s passion for the industry and commitment to NCGA’s ethanol efforts have played a major role in guiding American Ethanol to become a centerpiece for NASCAR. It has been gratifying to see a Nebraska corn farmer give so much of his time to serve and expand opportunities for our industry.”

The Nebraska Corn Board has supported NCGA with corn checkoff dollars for many years. The board strongly believes that collaboration and strategic partnerships with other like-minded organizations like NCGA make for an even greater impact. Through the continued support of NCGA, Nebraska corn checkoff dollars are leveraged with those of other corn-producing states to create programs and initiatives that are national in scope and impact. From biotech and stewardship education, to high profile consumer and influencer outreach programs; from the American Ethanol NASCAR sponsorship to white papers on critical issues such as trade and biofuels, NCGA provides leadership and partner-building influence to make a difference on a national scale.

“There is great power in our ability to leverage Nebraska corn checkoff dollars with those of other corn states—and it has been extremely rewarding to see this process first-hand on a national level,” said Holzfaster. “Despite the many challenges facing the corn industry today, the phenomenal board and staff at NCGA are able to accomplish amazing things on behalf of the industry.”

“All of us involved in Nebraska agriculture owe Jon Holzfaster a big thank you for his outstanding service and selfless leadership as a National Corn Board director over these past six years,” added Brunkhorst.

Holzfaster operates a third-generation family farm based in Perkins County. He produces corn, popcorn, alfalfa, wheat, soybeans, edible beans and operates a background feed yard. He has been involved with the Nebraska Corn Board since 2003. He is currently the district 8 director and past chairman for the Nebraska Corn Board and has been representing the board as a director on the National Corn Board since 2010. Prior to that, Holzfaster served for six years on the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.

AUDIO CUTS:

Holzfaster 1 (31 seconds)


Holzfaster 2 (25 seconds)

Corn Congress Leadership Mission

In July, the Nebraska Corn Board, through our corn farmer’s checkoff investments, supported eight Nebraska agricultural leaders to join corn growers, staff and leaders during the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Annual Corn Congress meeting.

The meeting took place in our Nation’s capital from July 18 - July 21. Throughout the three days, the eight Nebraska Corn Leaders were able to interact with nearly 200 farmers and leaders from all across the U.S., Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation and agribusiness leaders from some of the leading agribusiness companies. They were also provided with the opportunity to advance their personal and professional leadership skills, develop an understanding of the role and importance that NCGA plays in agricultural policy and engage in a hands-on tour of agricultural production in the Delmarva Region.

Below is an outline of the agenda:

• Monday, July 18: flight to Washington DC and Nighttime Tour of City and Monuments 
• Tuesday, July 19: tour of the Delmarva Region, including tours of: Oyster Recovery Center, Grasonville, MD; Nagel Cucumber Farm, Denton, MD; Kenny Brothers Grading Station, Bridgeville, DE; and an evening activity with leaders from Missouri, Ohio and Iowa 
• Wednesday, July 20: NCGA’s Corn Congress, Capitol Hill Visits and agribusiness Meetings 
• Thursday, July 21: NCGA’s Corn Congress, Agribusiness meetings and flights home 

Attendees of the Nebraska's Corn Congress Leadership Mission included: Sam Krueger of Blue Hill, Curtis Stallbaumer of Oconto, Toni Rasmussen of Newman Grove, David Schuler of Bridgeport, Clint Shipman of Red Cloud, Andrea Wach of Wauneta, Emily Puls of Emerson and Amanda Kowalewski of Gothenburg.

Below is a video that Nebraska Corn Leader, Andrea Wach, made about the experience. (or click here to view)



Additionally, below is what Nebraska Corn Leader, Clint Shipman, shared about his experience…

“I had the privilege of attending the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. The Nebraska Corn Board sponsored me, as a Nebraska Corn Leader. This experience has helped to further develop my leadership skills along with broadening my knowledge of the United States agricultural industry.

The observations I made during this event were very diverse. We had the opportunity to tour Harris Seafood Co., which has an oyster farm in Queensland County, Maryland. The biggest takeaway from this experience was hearing the owner, Jason, talk about his operation. The phrases, “nitrogen and phosphorus management” and “planting this year went smoothly”, are two very familiar statements. He explained one of his biggest concerns was labor along with over-regulation when it pertains to the minimum wage; two issues that also pertain to farm operations here in Nebraska.

While in Queensland County we made a stop at Nagal Farms. Hannah Cowley gave us a tour of the cucumber harvest process in one of her fields. She outlined the growing season of cucumbers. Forty-five days is all that is needed for cucumbers to reach maturity, making it possible for double cropping. Soybeans or cucumbers can be the second crop. 

The cucumbers raised will later become pickles and the farmers use Kenny Brothers Cumber as a distributor to companies such as Clausen, Vlasic, or Allan Pickle, to name a few. Viewing the many steps this unique crop goes through before I get to see it inside of my fridge was intriguing to watch.

At the NCGA Corn Congress Meeting we attended on Wednesday, July 20th, we saw delegates vote on new policy along with new National Corn Board candidates be elected to the Board. The opportunity to witness the process that the association uses to adopt a policy at the national level is something I can share with farmers in my community. When associations talk about grassroots, I now can say I have seen the policy ideas go from the farmer’s field all the way to the state and national level. 

The individuals I was introduced to and able to network with while in Washington, DC made me realize the tight-knit community the agriculture industry is. Large in scope, but also still reflects the relationships that mirror small farm characteristics. Agriculture is one of the most progressive industries in the world, but it has not lost sight that the most powerful tools are to work together as a team. The experience I had during Corn Congress showed me the importance of coming together to find common goals when working to develop sound policy in a government that continues to be over-regulated.”

Interested in applying for the 2017 Corn Congress Leadership Mission? 

Email Emily Thornburg for details: emily.thornburg@nebraska.gov. 

Shelby Field Day Features Soil Health

On September 7, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in conjunction with the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA), hosted a field day in Shelby, Nebraska, highlighting the Soil Health Partnership. Farmers, land owners and community members had an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and group discussions around the topic of soil health.

The field day took place at two locations. During the morning, attendees gathered at Central Valley Ag in Shelby for group discussions. Here, staff with the Soil Health Partnership showcased how changing nutrient management and tillage strategies, along with cover crop adoption, can create lasting environmental and economic benefits. The afternoon was spent on Greg Whitmore’s farm where attendees had the opportunity to take part in hands-on field demonstrations, including a soil pit for participants to observe cover crop root growth and soil properties. Whitmore, a farmer from Shelby Nebraska and vice chair of Nebraska Corn’s research and stewardship committee, has been involved in the partnership for three years.

“The Soil Health Partnership has been a great program to help bring awareness to the importance and benefits of soil health,” said Whitmore. “As a farmer, I have a strong interest in not only achieving good yields, but also in sustaining the productivity of my land for future generations. This program has taught me that improving the health of my soil can help with both of these objectives.”

The soil health field day covered a variety of topics, including a discussion on practical methods to improving soil health and what a soil health test really tells you. Cover crops were also discussed—digging into why they are important, the variety of cover crops that can be used and how cover crops improve the health of the soil. As more farmers seek innovative practices to change the way they care for their land, the Soil Health Partnership aims to bring farmers and experts together to share information and resources on these topics on a local level.

 “Implementing practices to improve soil health can have numerous benefits including preventing nutrient loss and erosion, and improving soil structure,” said Boone McAfee, director of research at NCB. “Farmers are our best ambassadors for sharing these soil health practices and encouraging adoption among their peers.”

Nebraska Corn is encouraging farmers to consider becoming involved in the Soil Health Partnership. If you are interested in learning how to use innovative soil management strategies and would like to become one of the Soil Health Partnership’s demonstration farms, contact the Nebraska Corn Board office.

About the Soil Health Partnership 
The Soil Health Partnership brings together diverse partner organizations including commodity groups, federal agencies, universities and environmental groups to work toward the common goal of improving soil health. Over a period of at least 10 years, the SHP will identify, test and measure farm management practices that improve soil health and benefit farmers. We believe the results of this farmer-led project will provide a platform for sharing peer-to-peer information, and lend resources to benefit agricultural sustainability and profitability. An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, we provide the spark for greater understanding and implementation of agricultural best practices to protect resources for future generations. For more, visit soilhealthpartnership.org.

And that's a wrap!

By Maddy Breeling, USGC Intern, Washington D.C.

Me and Colton, the NCGA intern, 

at a restaurant over looking the White House 

Reflecting on my time here, at the U.S. Grain Council office, I can see how much I have been able to learn, how many amazing people I’ve met, and how many new opportunities have been presented. As my last week begins, I am both sad and excited. I am sad to leave the Council, and everyone I have met here, but I am also excited to go home to Nebraska, and be surrounded with all the things I have been missing. During this last week, I think this conflict will only grow as I slowly check things off my final to-do lists.

Two weeks ago I was able to attend a few of the Corn Congress events and meet some fellow Nebraskans. It was great to be able to connect with people back home about the issues I have been working with and observing here in D.C. It was also nice to be able to see some of the Corn Board’s staff and get a little piece of home in the city. This was just another example of an amazing event that I was able to participate in and learn from that I would have never been able to do without the Corn Board and Council.

Throughout my last few days, I am concluding my projects and preparing to present them to the office. It has been nice to have an assignment that I can work on and develop myself, with the backing and assistance of the staff here in D.C. Through my research and discussions with professionals in the bio-tech field, I feel that I have been able to create an in-depth perspective on bio-tech, something I was not incredibly familiar with before starting this. I can understand the Ag industry’s perspective, and see the obstacles and push back they face in a new light. I have also had a chance to discuss the issues with the anti- bio-tech side and gain an insight into their views. This has been the most valuable part of my internship: gaining a greater perspective on the major issues facing farmers and how the general public views them, especially those from a non-ag background. This seemed to be the theme of my time in D.C. and I believe it will help me immensely when returning to Nebraska as I can better communicate with both sides of the issues.

I am incredibly grateful for my time here in D.C with the U.S. Grains Council and the support the Nebraska Corn Board has given me throughout my time. Both of the organizations have given me immense opportunities to grow and an experience that not only will help me in my future, both academically and professionally, but personally as well. I am sad to leave D.C., but am just as excited to return back to my home, Nebraska.

Thanks A Bushel

By Lauren Stohlmann, NCGA Intern, St. Louis.

The day I left in May for Chesterfield, Missouri I called it my “temporary home.” Today, as I find myself back in Nebraska after what feels like a very quick summer, I know now how silly that was because Chesterfield will always be a second home for this intern.

These last few weeks, as all others I’ve had this summer, held much more than 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. workdays. It held lessons, articles, research, pictures, meetings, more traveling and accomplishments. Oh and corn of course. There’s always corn.

Projects needed to be wrapped up, words needed to be typed, people needed to be interviewed and more preparation for traveling needed to be done. During this internship, I realized a new passion. Interviewing. And by golly if NCGA didn’t allow me to explore this newfound passion.

I was able to interview scientists, CEOs, farmers and racecar drivers. All different occupations, all tied to agriculture, more specifically corn! I’ve been lucky enough to explore written, audio and video interviews.

One of my favorite written interviews was with a young professor at the University of Illinois who has create a corn kernel sorting machine to separate kernels with aflatoxins from the non-aflatoxin kernels. He is a very brilliant, humble man with a lot of offer to growers and believe me, he’s excited for the future of corn. Feel free to find my blog here. Sorry. I had to share. I’m proud of it.

Through the brain of my coworker, I was able to create a podcast personality/blog website to share interviews that I conducted and I will be able to continue to utilize it for the rest of my ag-loving life!

It is called LoKationFarmland if anyone cares to take a look it up! Side note: my first name is Lauren and middle name is Kate. My friends call me by my first and middle name, Lauren Kate, quite often. LoKate became a nickname, I live on a farm, I study agriculture communications, hence LoKationFarmland.

Almost all of my completed podcasts were women in CommonGround, an amazing group of women who want to share their lives on the farm with the public who may or may not understand agriculture. All of these women are empowering, intelligent and deserve to be put in the spotlight for all they do. Therefore, I was more than happy to interview them.

I was able to attend Corn Congress in Washington DC at the end of July with hundreds of other corn growers and staff members. We gathered together in several different rooms according to the committees, had discussions and learned about what the next year had in store for corn growers across the nation. The meeting at the end of the week in a much larger ballroom, informed the entire group on what the committees discussed in their designated rooms, hosted a speaker, allowed for the members to elect members for other positions and to welcome the new president who will officially start in October.

My final hoorah was a weekend spent in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. We attended the NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway where I had the opportunity to be an official member of press! I had a nametag at a desk and everything. I felt quite important. I interviewed the CEO, Brandon Igdalsky, about Pocono Raceway’s green movement and I interviewed our driver, Austin Green, about his opinions and knowledge of ethanol.

This 22 year-old college girl was so excited about another portion of this trip. I was able to go to my supervisor and tell her I thought it’d be a good idea to have a Snapchat Geofilter at the NASCAR. She agreed so the picture you see here is me celebrating my Snapchat design being used by NASCAR fans who want to share their love of ethanol with their friends. Yay!

As the realization sets in that I’m not returning back to my second home, there’s quite a bit of bittersweet feelings going on. Here, I met people who supported me, taught me and helped me to develop into a different person this summer. I can’t thank the Nebraska Corn Growers enough for this opportunity and to the National Corn Growers Association for all that they have done for me over the past 11 weeks. Thanks a bushel NCGA. Sorry for being corny just then. Alright, now I’m done I promise.

My experience as a NCGA intern

By Colton Flower, NCGA intern, Washington, DC.

This summer has been one of unmatched personal growth, exploration, and learning. I cannot thank the you, the Nebraska Corn Board Members, and the Nebraska Corn Staff enough for not only creating this opportunity, but also providing me with the resources to be succeed and make the most of my time in Washington D.C. I would highly recommend this opportunity to any of my peers and will be promoting it this fall on campus. 

This summer experience really opened my eyes to all the opportunities in agriculture on the Hill and reaffirmed my interests in agriculture policy. The staff at NCGA gave me a lot of freedom and responsibilities. I was able to attend dozens of legislative hearings on various issues of interest. Several of my projects threw me into something I had little knowledge of and through these “baptisms by fire,” I got into the nitty-gritty of a lot of issues and gained a lot of valuable insight. Now, I can look back and appreciate how much I have learned and really accomplished. Sam Willet gave me projects that had me down in the weeds on crop insurance and I can’t wait to see how my research might help Sam in his efforts to improve the various crop insurance programs. 

I also got to immerse myself in the Capital’s unique culture and make several new friendships and new network connections. The U.S. Grains Intern, Maddy, and I have become very good friends after this summer and I was also fortunate to have two great random roommates from the Midwest that I look forward to staying in contact with. Being a part of the D.C. Ag intern network connected me with dozens of like-minded interns from all over working in different aspects of the industry and I also made great contacts with different Associations and congressional offices, which I am sure, will prove to be invaluable as I seek employment here in the not so distant future! I think the experiences that took place out side an office are just as valuable as the ones that took place inside one. Being exposed to so man different people from all walks of life really broadened my horizon and challenged my perspective. 

I would challenge all of my peers to pursue an opportunity like this. I haven’t lived at home since leaving for college and considered myself pretty independent before, but after this summer I think I have become much more self-reliant and am much more prepared in all aspects of life to begin a career. 

Again, thank you for the opportunity I had this summer. I really can’t explain all that it has done for me in a single page paper. I hope this program continues on for a log time.

Warning: Clichés and Corn Ahead!

By Lauren Stohlmann, NCGA Intern, St. Louis.

Is it cliché to say time flies when you’re having fun? Because it definitely has, so I think it’s an appropriate cliché.  

I could summarize this past month in several key words: scientists, EPA, business cards, opportunities and Corn 1. Please, let me take you on a ride that is a month in the life of an NCGA intern.  

Scientists are wonderful, brilliant individuals who I wished I could understand at a far higher level than I am capable of. June 6, 7 and 8 I had the opportunity to meet with, listen to and learn from several individuals from different organizations, companies, universities and associations who are all studying what corn can offer. I was lucky enough to sit down and have a video interview with a chemical engineering professor at Michigan State University, Dr. Dennis Miller. He is working on “advanced separations directed at conversion of bio-based substrates to value-added fuels and chemicals,” in layman’s terms he is experimenting with corn’s biological makeup to make fuel and different chemicals. Dr. Miller is only one of the numerous scientists I smiled and nodded at attempting to understand all of the incredible work they are doing for corn growers. Not only did I get the chance to meet scientists but throughout this three-day span, I collected quite a few business cards because I’ve had it drilled into my brain that networking is a top priority and I’m a pretty good listener so I do what I’m told. Therefore, I currently have my collection of business cards pinned onto a corkboard at my desk. These cards come from men and women working for companies such as DuPont Pioneer, Cibus, KRVN Rural Radio Network in Nebraska and a professor at the University of Illinois. I made tons of connections, got plenty of advice and heard even more out-of-this-world stories walking away from this conference. Since then, I’m happy to report that there are continually more business cards being added to the collection.  

Next up, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The EPA means well, I’m sure. They just make our lives here at NCGA, not so easy. On June 9, several hundred people could be found at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Nearly all of the individuals present (and I am being literal) were there to tell the EPA that the RFS (Renewable Fuel Standard) works. In fact, (forgive me, I’m not trying to show off) if you have some free time, go to your social media and check out #RFSWorks because there’s a good chance you’ll read a tweet or possibly a Facebook post that I wrote that glorious Thursday morning. I heard so many fantastic quotes from corn growers, livestock owners, fuel retailers and other associations answering the question why the RFS works for them. One of my favorites was from a man who works for a diversified agribusiness. He said, “If you blend it, they will come.” Another top 10 quote was a woman from the Kentucky Corn Growers who said, “I don’t have a hidden agenda. I have four children, I owe it to them,” meaning she needs the RFS to be at a higher level because her children deserve a clean environment to live in and a strong rural community to grow up in. At this hearing, I was able to interact with corn farmers, meet lots of new people and play a role in an event that made a difference for NCGA. And let me tell you, it felt so gratifying to be a part of.  

If you haven’t already noticed, I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities at NCGA so far. I’ve been able to take part in one of NCGA’s marketing and communication goals to get the good word out about ethanol. I’ve done research on potential audience members, drafted up professional letters and emails, sent out said letters and emails and began the waiting game. The waiting game wasn’t the hardest part. I received my very first “no thank you, we’re not interested at this time however what you’re doing sounds great!” While their response was sincere and kind, I felt like I got hit in the gut. Mostly because I felt like I had failed as an intern. I’ve since then, realized that you’re not always going to succeed at what you do, but you have to keep on trying. In the words of Miss Kelly Clarkson and a German philosopher, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”  

I was lucky enough to travel with a coworker to Nevada (pronounced: Nah-Vay-Dah), Iowa to shoot some footage of a member of CommonGround (look it up, you’ll love it) who talked about why GMOs work on her farm. There was a drone involved and it was absolutely fascinating. I’ve wrote a few News of The Days for the NCGA website, I’ve interviewed several very remarkable people, I’ve helped to record information from nearly 2,000 letters received from NCGA members regarding ethanol, trade and atrazine. Yes, it’s as monotonous as it sounds but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. I’ve locked in a project that I’m getting excited about and I’m still learning about all of the other opportunities that the rest of my time here holds for me. Feel free to stay tuned.  

Don’t worry, there’s definitely been a healthy amount of play per work here in St. Louis because, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. I’ve attended concerts, went to a couple Cardinal games, visited the famous Soulard Farmer’s Market and I’ve experienced toasted ravioli, one of the things I’ve been told since day one that I had to have. My coworkers have all been so welcoming and unbelievably sweet to me; asking me over to their home to swim, inviting me to their son’s graduation party, having me over for dinner, and taking me to ball games. Needless to say, I'm a lucky, lucky intern. I have a few other visits in the making to different places, so July is shaping up to be one heck of a time, both work and play related.  

The final keyword, Corn 1, is the name of the Chevy pickup that NCGA is lucky enough to own as a travelling vehicle. If you saw it on the road, you wouldn’t be able to miss it. It is a vehicle I’ve had the pleasure of spending 17 hours in now. Without this beloved truck, I would not have reached Kansas City or Nevada, Iowa. You either love or hate Corn 1 here at NCGA; I for one really love it. Like any good Chevy pickup, it can get you pretty much anywhere on any kind of road. Well, for someone like me, choosing an internship with NCGA, has proven to be the “road less traveled.” Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be where I am today, but I’m beyond thankful for how I got here all thanks to my supportive family and friends, Nebraska corn, NCGA, my phenomenal coworkers and Corn 1.  

An Update from the Beltway

By Colton Flower, NCGA intern, Washington, DC.

Steny Hoyer

It is hard to believe that I only a few weeks left in the Capital. As my time here is winding down, my to-do list is only getting long. Each week I cross more and more off of my personal to-do list and my NCGA to-do list, but with Corn Congress coming up and with only a couple weekends left they both lists seems to be growing.

Over the past few weeks I have been attending coalition meetings or sitting in on calls on almost a daily basis. I have also got to dig even deeper into the farm bill and compile more information and research various things for the lobbyists. I’ve attended several more PAC events. I have also been preparing for Corn Congress by scheduling hill visits, compiling delegate information packets, and helping plan for CornFest. It has also been very busy couple weeks for agriculture in general on the hill as the GMO labeling bills has been voted on. Getting the inside look on what it takes to pass a bill especially with such a urgent deadline was fascinating and watching the various groups come together to show support of a piece of legislation was also very unique to see.

Gary Johnson

Getting to work a long side the lobbyists and other staff here in the D.C. office has really opened my eyes to the opportunities here in Capital. After 8 weeks here I can really see myself pursuing a career here one day. I have been fortunate to meet so many people from other organizations and on the hill. Getting to meet other interns has also been great and exploring the city with them on the weekends has become one of my favorite things to do.

Whether it is kayaking up the Potomac River, attending festivals, visiting museums, or camping out to meet the Presidential candidates there is never a dull moment. So far I would have to say meeting Gary Johnson and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer have to be among my favorite experiences thus far.  

I can’t wait to see what these last weeks will consist of and I am even more excited to see some of my fellow Nebraskans at Corn Congress.

Hitting the ground running!

By Colton Flower, NCGA intern, Washington, DC.

Greetings!

Fields of corn have been replaced by the
Capital Building on my daily commute this summer.

I’m Colton Flower and this summer I am fortunate enough to be interning with the National Corn Growers Association in their Washington D.C office. As the policy and membership intern, I assist the Directors of Public Policy in a variety of ways from farm bill research to farm visits and everything in between. Over the past few weeks I have been able to see the legislative process first hand and experience life in D.C.

Everyday on my commute to and from the office I walk right past the steps of the Capital Building. This is a view I remember first taking in seven years ago on an 8^th grade class trip. Back then I never would have imagined I’d be working on public policy just a few blocks away from that building. Growing up in the panhandle of Nebraska and raising club cattle the issues being debated on the Hill, were probably the last thing on my mind, but I have always loved advocating for agriculture and was really involved in FFA. The idea of working in public policy didn’t cross my mind until I had the opportunity to attend Corn Congress last year as a part of the Nebraska CornBoard’s leadership program. This really opened my eyes to all that takes place here in the Capital and how much of an impact the work here can have on so many people all across the country. I am very grateful for this internship opportunity and to have been selected for it by the Nebraska Corn Board, who is creating so many amazing opportunities for students like me.

As I mentioned earlier, I grew up in the southern part of the panhandle, Scottsbluff. This spring, I finished my third year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I am majoring in agricultural education- leadership with minors in animal science and agribusiness entrepreneurship. It has been great to work on projects and learn about legislation that I hear so much about in various classes. I really hit the ground running, in my first week alone, I was compiling crop yield information and reading through the farm bill and the next day visiting Chip Bowling’s farm to discuss the various regulations farmers are facing with Georgetown Law students.  It has been a great start and I look forward to what the remaining weeks bring.

Home Is Where the Heart -or NCGA- Is

By Lauren Stohlmann, NCGA Intern, St. Louis.

NCGA office in St. Louis

You know the phrase “hit the ground running?” According to Google, this is defined as, “start something and proceed at a fast pace with enthusiasm.” That’s how I’d define my first days as an intern at the National Corn Growers Association, or NCGA for us who regularly have to say it and don’t want to lose our breath saying “National Corn Growers Association” 65 times every day, unless it’s necessary of course.

            My first day at NCGA I came to the office, had a brief “here’s where everything is” tour, “here’s how your laptop works” orientation, and met the people I’d be seeing and spending time with this summer. After only two hours at the office, I jumped in a car with a woman I’d only just shook hands with that morning, and drove to the St. Louis airport. From there we flew to Chicago, Illinois for a Communications Summit. Here, I met numerous communicatiors working for corn boards, grain councils, corn councils, etc. from more than 10 different states. We learned how to best measure one’s communication efforts in our various, corresponding associations. We discussed different approaches by referring to current issues in the corn grower world, regarding ethanol in general, the RVO proposal by EPA, how to get legislation killed or passed in our favor. I learned so much sitting in a room with 20 + agriculture communicators that I couldn’t even imagine. I was able to listen to several states’ perspectives on various topics and aid in problem solving on these issues.

Photo taken during boat tour of Chicago skyline 

That evening we were able to indulge in a bit of Chicago. We went on the Chicago Architectural Boat Tour to learn the history behind each of those big tall buildings in the Windy City that you see so many pictures of. Later, we got to see what all the fuss was about the pizza in Chicago while being able to converse with the communicators in a more social setting.

            The following morning, we were lucky enough to visit the Chicago Board of Trade. To say that I felt like I was going to get trampled on, is putting it lightly. We learned what it’s like to work in such an environment, what the different rolls people play and ask questions about the agricultural trade pit where people place on commodities such as corn, soybeans and meat using sign language and shouting techniques. We had one final group discussion that afternoon regarding water quality and what the different state organizations are doing to engage with the growers and the public with this issue.

Photo of my home as I left for my internship

            And that was only my first three days as an NCGA intern! The past two weeks have been a whirlwind that’s for sure. From packing up and moving to a city 430 miles away from my family farm, not knowing a single soul moving here and starting my very first internship experience; it’s been incredible. I’ve already learned so much about what my future field holds for me, that reading from a book just can’t do justice. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity to learn more about the agriculture industry from a national association perspective while developing myself professionally. I hope to make Nebraska look good.

            Another one of my favorite expressions is, “home is where the heart is.” While my heart will always be in “The Good Life,” this summer, my heart; therefore my home, is where NCGA is. 

Farm Women Ascend to Leadership Positions in Corn Organizations

Farm women are taking their place with their male counterparts to lead the corn industry in times of challenge and opportunity. A few examples include:

Debbie Borg, an Allen, Nebraska farmer, was appointed as District 4 director on the Nebraska Corn Board in 2013. She serves as chair of the Nebraska Corn Board's research committee and is a member of the Grower Services Action Team of the National Corn Growers Association. She also served as a director on the Nebraska Soybean Association for 9 years. "Farmers--both men and women--need to use their skill set to show the nation and the world how we care about our land, our livestock and our crops, and the people we are producing food, fiber, and fuel for," Debbie said. "According to credible statistics, women account for almost 85 percent of consumer spending in our country. Just by virtue of our gender, that means women in agriculture have a natural connection to the consumer, which gives us an urgent mission to share the positive story of agriculture in the consumer marketplace."

Deb Gangwish, a Shelton, Nebraska farmer, is the first woman in the Nebraska Corn Growers Association to be appointed to the board of directors since the organization was formed in 1972. Deb is a member of the current LEAD class and has recently challenged herself to becoming an even more active and involved advocate for agriculture in Nebraska. "I'm very excited to be engaged in agriculture at this level and I look forward to working with my fellow board members and other ag advocates to create opportunities for Nebraska's corn farmers," she said.

Pam Johnson, a Floyd, Iowa farmer, served as the first female president of the National Corn Growers Association during 2012-13. In that capacity she became the chief national spokesperson for America's corn farmers, testifying at Congressional hearings and representing the corn industry on national councils, organizations and initiatives. Prior to becoming NCGA president, Pam held a number of leadership and committee positions at the state and national levels.

Nebraska Corn 2016 Internships Announced

Seven Nebraska Students Selected to Represent Nebraska Corn in Internships

(L-R): Morgan Schilling, Laura Lundeen, Lauren Stohlmann,
Kelsey Scheer, Andrea Gurney & Colton Flower (Not Pictured, Maddy Breeling)

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska CornGrowers Association (NeCGA) are proud to support seven college students as interns starting this summer. 

Five of the seven interns will be hosted by national cooperators of NCB, including: the National Corn Growers Association in St. Louis, Missouri and Washington, D.C., the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Denver, Colorado and the U.S. Grains Council in Washington, D.C. and internationally in the Panama City, Panama office. The other two internship programs will be yearlong internships in the Nebraska Corn offices in Lincoln.

“We are thrilled to once again be able to offer these various internship opportunities to an excellent group of students,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director for the Nebraska Corn Board. “Nebraskans should be very proud of these bright and energetic collegiate candidates. They represent an insightful next generation of young people who will help bring a new dimension to producing food, feed, fuel and fiber for a growing world population.”

Below is a listing of students who were selected for this year's internships and a short description of what they'll be experiencing. You can keep up with these students and their experiences throughout the summer here on the blog under the "Interns 2016" label.

The National Corn Growers Association headquarters’ office in St. Louis, Missouri, will host Lauren Stohlmann of Murdock, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and NCGA. Lauren will be a senior in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be primarily working with market development on the American Ethanol NASCAR sponsorship as well as participating in a variety of other communications and grassroots activities.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) office in Washington, D.C. will host Colton Flower of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and NCGA. Colton will be a senior in Agricultural Education/Leadership with minors in Agribusiness-Entrepreneurship and Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During his internship, he will be involvedx with a variety of agricultural issues related to environmental regulations, transportation, free trade agreements, biotechnology, ethanol, and energy.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), located in Denver, Colorado will host Kelsey Scheer of St. Paul, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and USMEF. Kelsey will be a senior in Animal Science with a Production and Management option from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be assisting with beef, pork and lamb specific projects, as well as promotions and international relationship opportunities.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in Washington, DC will host Maddy Breeling of Omaha, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and USGC. Maddy will be a senior studying Global Studies, with minors in Business and National Security at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She will be working with the global programs team and assisting with preparation for international trade teams and other market development programs that help to develop demand for U.S. coarse grains and co-products.

In cooperation with NCB, the U.S. Grains Council will also host Andrea Gurney from Torrington, Wyoming, as their international intern in the Panama City, Panama office. Andrea will be a senior majoring in Agricultural Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be working with the western hemisphere team on issues related to global trade in food and agricultural products, assisting with communication to importers. 

The NeCGA office in Lincoln is happy to welcome Laura Lundeen of Axtell, Nebraska, for a yearlong internship. Laura will be a junior in Agricultural Education with minors in Animal Science and Agronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will oversee NeCGA’s online communications as well as contribute to a variety of communication and outreach projects.

The NCB office in Lincoln is excited to welcome Morgan Schilling of McCook, Nebraska, for a yearlong internship. Morgan will be a senior studying Agricultural Education with a minor in Agronomy at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. As part of his internship, he will oversee Nebraska Corn’s crop progress report placement, contribute to communication programs and projects and will help coordinate educational and promotional activities.

“Nebraska Corn’s internship program has been engaging students for over 20 years and has been a great investment into Nebraska’s agricultural future.  As our board has observed, the educational and career advantages these internships have provided to students over the years, have been instrumental in motivating students go on to excel in agricultural focused careers,” added Brunkhorst.