Podcast: Trade teams from Malaysia and Egypt coming to Nebraska

In this podcast, Boone McAfee, director of market development and research for the Nebraska Corn Board, shares about the upcoming international trade teams from Malaysia and Egypt in cooperation with the U.S. Grains Council. They are visiting Nebraska to evaluate our 2014 corn crop and witness the harvest of what promises to be the largest U.S. corn crop in history. This is a great opportunity for us to tell the story of the quality, abundance and reliability of Nebraska corn.

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Podcast: Don Hutchens reflects on 27 years

In this podcast, Don Hutchens reflects on the past 27 years of programs carried out by the Nebraska Corn Board under his charge as executive director. This week marks Don's last week as executive director and we are celebrating all of the achievements that Don has worked so hard for, on behalf of 23,000 corn farmers, in the past 27 years.

Many of Don's achievements, highlights and unfinished business were outlined in the summer CornsTalk, but please take a moment to listen to his podcast now and help us in thanking Don for his dedication to the corn industry!

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Podcast: U.S. grain exports

In this podcast, Alan Tiemann, past chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and secretary/treasurer of the U.S. Grains Council Board of Directors, shares about the International Marketing Conference held recently to update U.S. industry on markets and updates around the world. China was a big topic this year.

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This podcast is part of Nebraska Corn Board's series called Kernels of Truth, featuring Nebraska Corn Board members, Nebraska corn farmers and cooperators of the checkoff programs.

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Podcast: Speak up and comment on EPA's proposal

In this podcast, Joel Grams, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, shares about the proposed cut-back on the 2014 corn ethanol requirements in the Renewable Fuel Standard from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA proposes a 1.4 billion gallon reduction in corn ethanol—and that is already having an impact on corn prices. A reduction of this nature will have a negative effect on agricultural in general—and on the rural communities that depend on a strong ag economy.

There is a comment period open until January 28th to let EPA know how this will hurt Nebraska corn farmers and the state's economy.  When you submit your comment, make it personal. Tell EPA what the renewable fuels industry has meant to your farm and your community. If you have a child returning to the operation, tell that story. If you have a specific example of how a healthier ag economy has helped your hometown, share it.

This isn't just for farmers to comment. It affects everyone in the state, so get others in your community to submit comments as well—bankers, school board members, county commissioners, economic development staff. Every sector of Nebraska's rural economy has benefitted from a robust ag economy in the state. We need all of them to send a comment to the EPA. We have just a few weeks left to tell the EPA how we feel. Don't delay. Please visit NebraskaCorn.org today to comment on EPA's proposal.

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Podcast: NCGA DuPont New Leader Program

In this podcast, Dan Nerud of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, shares about the need to develop young agricultural leaders who can take part in a national conversation—and build credibility, trust and support for American agriculture. The goal is to create the next generation of leaders, advocates and spokespeople for U.S. agriculture..

The National Corn Growers Association and DuPont have announced a new program designed to do just that. The NCGA DuPont New Leader Program brings young farmers and young farm couples from across the nation to two sessions to develop and hone their communications and leadership skills.

The application deadline is September 13th. There is no cost for participants. For more information, call Lindsay at the Nebraska Corn Growers Association office in Lincoln toll free at 1-888-267-6479.

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Kernels of Truth Podcast: the Farm Bill is important to everyone

The Nebraska Corn Board is starting a new series of podcasts called Kernels of Truth, featuring Nebraska Corn Board members, Nebraska corn farmers and cooperators of the checkoff programs.

In this podcast, Tim Scheer, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, shares the importance of the Farm Bill to our ag economy and our consumers. Also, Tim stresses how Congress needs to hear from farmers about a new, five-year Farm Bill.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Congress needs to hear from farmers! Find the countdown on the Corn Board's homepage, then connect with key policymakers to urge them that it is time to set aside political partisanship and do the right thing—pass a Farm Bill now.

Kernels of Truth podcasts are also available on iTunes! Click here to subscribe.

Podcast: Corn & Soy Mentor Program for College Students

In this podcast, Joel Grams of Minden and president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, shares about the Corn and Soy Mentor program for college students that the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, along with their counterparts on the soybean side, have developed.

The mentor program is designed to help these students become more aware of the scope and breadth of agriculture in the state—and the career opportunities that exist. Additionally, they want these students to learn about the checkoff and ag member associations in Nebraska so they can become advocates and leaders once they graduate.

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Podcast: Urging Nebraska Leaders to Make Progress with the Farm Bill and RFS

In this podcast, Curtis Rohrich of Wood River and member of the the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, urges farmers to take action on the Farm Bill. There is a lot happening on the state and national level right now that will have a dramatic impact on your freedom to farm—and on your profitability. It's important that corn farmers be engaged in the policy process—especially in the next few weeks.

Congress is in its August recess, which means that Nebraska's Congressional delegation will be back here in the state—where you can talk with them face to face. Obviously, getting a new Farm Bill passed is paramount.

When Congress gets back in September, they will have nine days to get it done—or we'll automatically revert to previous farm policy, some of it dating back to the late 1940s. Crop insurance as well as funding for trade promotion and research are all uncertain at this point—and as you know, it's tough for any of us to make decisions about our operations when we don't know what's going to happen on the federal level.

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Podcast: Putting American Beef back on Japanese Plates

In this podcast, Mark Jagels, Nebraska Corn Board Director and Chair-Elect for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, shares about the mission to Japan recently. The Nebraska Corn Board sent two of its members—plus two representatives of the Nebraska Cattlemen and one from the Nebraska Corn Growers—to Japan to visit with key customers and see what USMEF is doing.

While the group was there, USMEF sponsored a luncheon featuring a popular TV cooking show host who prepared dishes with U.S. beef and pork. Also, they hosted a large seminar on U.S. beef and pork, which was attended by 640 Japanese meat buyers. After the seminar, they were all treated to a buffet featuring a wide variety of beef and pork dishes.

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Also, check out MidwestCornGrowers.blogspot.com for more updates from the mission!

Podcast: The Corn Grower Open

In this podcast, Andy Jobman, a farmer from Gothenburg and member of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, promotes the upcoming annual Nebraska Corn Growers Association golf tournament—the Corn Grower Open.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 25th at the Wild Horse Golf Club in Jobman's hometown of Gothenburg. Proceeds benefit the Nebraska Corn Growers Foundation. Major sponsors this year include Valmont Industries and Plains Equipment Group. The night before NeCGA be holding an event at the Monsanto Water Utilization Center near Gothenburg. If you've never seen what's happening at this world-class facility or would like to know more about it, you are invited you to attend. There is some groundbreaking technology and research happening here that will have a dramatic effect on our use of water to grow crops in the future.

If you want to play in the Corn Grower Open, you need to register and pay in advance. You can save $10 per player and $50 per team if you register and pay before July 15th. Your fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch and the chance at a number of prizes from our sponsors. To register or to find out more, contact the Nebraska Corn Growers office at 402-438-6459.

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Podcast: Farm Bill Discussion

In this podcast, Curt Friesen, District 3 Director and Vice Chair on the Nebraska Corn Board, and farmer from Henderson, NE, urges pertinent information about the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act—otherwise known as the 2013 Farm Bill.

Curt first thanked Senators Johanns and Fisher for their support of the bill out of the U.S. Senate. The Senate bill would reduce overall spending by $24 billion over ten years, compared to about $38 billion in the House version. Much of the savings would come from the consolidation of conservation programs, reductions in the food stamp program and cuts to farm subsidies.

The Senate and House versions of the legislation mirror each other in terms of the area of reductions, but it's the scope and depth of those reductions that are expected to be the subject of debate.

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Podcast: Upcoming NeCGA Events

In this podcast, NeCGA communications intern, Lindsay Long, from Springfield, Nebraska, shares about what's happening with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

Ethanol Night at the Races at the Dawson County Raceway took place on Sunday, June 2nd. This event was sponsored by the Dawson Country Corn Growers, South Central Corn Growers, Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

Additionally with the racing world, with the National Corn Growers Association's sponsorship of American Ethanol, the NASCAR season is heating up. Members of NeCGA are entitled to exclusive online NASCAR news and discounts. You can get great deals on NASCAR tickets and NASCAR gear—even branded items from other NASCAR partners.

Information on the National Corn Yield Contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association has been mailed out. This contest has been held for nearly a half century—giving corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues and to learn from their peers across the nation. Winners on the state and national levels will be recognized during the 2014 Commodity Classic held in San Antonio, Texas next February.

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Podcast: Ethanol's Role in Lowering Gas Prices

In this podcast, David Merrell, farmer director on the Nebraska Corn Board from St. Edward, shares about ethanol's role in lowering gas prices.

In many areas around the state, gas is now over four bucks a gallon—and nobody can really explain the rapid price increase over the past couple of weeks. But we do know that, without ethanol in the fuel supply, we'd be paying even more at the pump.

That's one reason why corn producers and other ethanol advocates have been promoting the use of higher ethanol blends such as E15. More ethanol in our fuel supply helps soften the price shocks of oil and gasoline.

E15 is approved for use in more than 75% of the consumer vehicles on the road today. If you drive a standard car, SUV or pickup that is model year 2001 or newer, you can use E15. And if you drive a Flex Fuel Vehicle—and one in ten Nebraskans do—you can use any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to E85.

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Podcast: World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

In this podcast, Scott Merritt, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, discusses USDA's newest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates—better known as the WASDE report.

After last year's record drought—and record corn prices—it's no surprise to see the WASDE report projecting a larger corn crop and lower prices. Corn production for 2013-14 is projected at 14.1 billion bushels. That's up 3.4 billion from last year.

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Podcast: Agricultural Biotechnology Trade

In this podcast, Carl Sousek, farmer from Prague and Chairman of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, shares about modern technology and Agricultural Biotechnology Trade.

Last week, the United States and several other nations announced their intention to work together to remove global barriers to the trade of agricultural biotechnology. These nations have also agreed to promote science-based, transparent and predictable regulatory approaches.

Ag production in these six nations is a major contributor to global food security. They produce the vast majority of the world's corn and soybean supply in international markets. Farmers in these countries are using modern technology—including biotech plants—to grow more with less.
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Podcast: Exhibits across the state promote agriculture

In this podcast, Don Hutchens, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board shares about two highly visible projects that will reach hundreds of thousands of people each year promoting agriculture in the state.

The new building at the Nebraska State Fair that was recently announced will feature Nebraska agriculture in a big way. The Nebraska Building will have a 25,000-square-foot exhibit space that will highlight the technology, innovation and producers that make Nebraska a global leader in agricultural production.

The other project is Centennial Mall in Lincoln, which connects our unique State Capitol building with our land grant university—so it is the perfect place for Nebraska agriculture to have a strong presence.

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Podcast: Key Bills Supported by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association

In this podcast, Mick Mines, registered lobbyist for the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, shares two specific pieces of state legislation that are of interest to Nebraska corn producers.

The first is LB354, which would change the structure of the Nebraska Corn Board. In the process, there would be some changes in the way Nebraska's corn checkoff is administered. One change is that board members would be elected by corn farmers, rather than appointed by the Governor. The Nebraska Corn Growers Association supports LB354 since we believe it will provide greater flexibility for checkoff investments and activities—and will continue to provide an effective avenue for corn farmers to invest in their industry.

The other of importance is LB517  -  Senator Tom Carlson's priority bill. The bill proposes to create a "Water Sustainability Project Task Force." This task force would work from June through December of this year to identify water projects in Nebraska that deserve funding—with a special emphasis on water conservation. While the bill is certainly of great importance to irrigators, it has an effect on all water users in the state from municipalities to industry to recreational users. The intended outcome is to implement a statewide strategy that will help all of us better manage this precious resource that is so critically important to your farm—and to the state's economy.

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Podcast: NCGA President's address at Commodity Classic

In this podcast, Dan Nerud of Dorchester and member of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, shared about the messages from the  presidents of the commodity membership associations for corn, soybeans, sorghum and wheat who were interviewed on stage during the 2013 Commodity Classic General Session. This year, Pam Johnson was featured. Pam is the president of the National Corn Growers Association and a family farmer from Iowa. Pam's primary message had to do with the need for America's farmers to be more vocal about sharing our story as farmers.

Pam did not mince words when it came to expressing her concern and frustration over the gridlock in Congress over not getting a farm bill passed. The National Corn Growers Association is 36,000 members strong. That's why president Pam Johnson challenged all of us to step up and leverage those numbers to make things happen on Capitol Hill.

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Podcast: Agricultural Issues Academy

In this podcast, Joel Grams, a farmer from Minden and member of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, shares how communications are so much different today when it comes to agricultural issues. Food and agriculture are hot topics that we find in the public eye on a daily basis.

That's why the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board is two of several Nebraska ag groups to sponsor the annual Agricultural Issues Academy—or AIA. Held in conjunction with the Nebraska State FFA convention last week, this one-day event focused on developing strong spokespeople for agriculture.

Academy participants attend round-robin sessions on how to speak with industry leaders and lawmakers. They even accompany agriculture lobbyists to visit the State Legislature and meet the state senator from their home district.

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Podcast: grain safety, farm safety clinics help communitities

In this podcast, Steve Ebke, a farmer from Daykin and member of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, discusses grain safety and facts about grain entrapment. Many community members and farmers this past month learned how to handle themselves around grain storage and flowing grain—and how to respond if an emergency arises—during a series of free farm safety clinics sponsored by NeCGA, Nebraska Corn Board and GSI.

Each clinic included training in confined space entry, flowing grain safety, rope and harness techniques and hands-only CRP. These are potentially life-saving procedures that every farmer—and every person who handles grain in your operation—should know. With just one misstep or just a moment of distraction, you could find yourself or someone you know in a grain entrapment emergency. We want you to avoid a life-threatening situation—and how to respond if one occurs.

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