NCGA 2007 Annual Report

8/14/2019 NCGA 2007 Annual Report

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INTRODUCTION

National Corn Growers Association Annual Report 2007 2

The National Corn Growers Association fought

the good fight in 2007, standing up for corn

growers who themselves rose to meet the

challenges of a marketplace that saw record

demand for corn.

Everyone said corn growers would need to

expand acres in response to this record demand

fueled by the expanding ethanol sector and a

strong global appetite for U.S. corn. NCGA

predicted that corn producers would respond

and did they everplanting some 93.6 million

acres of corn, the most since 1944. With harvest

complete, growers brought in a bin-busting

crop, the largest in history. This more than met

demand: Grain stocks actually increased, easing

concerns raised by the many industries thatdepend on corn.

In this annual report, we review our successes

in fighting for the corn and ethanol industries,

and our achievements in other areas, from the

farm bill to passage of the Water Resources

Development Act to advancing the corn genome

to defending global markets.

2007 was a success on many fronts, yet NCGA

knows that it must stay in the ring on behalf of

its 32,400 members. NCGA and its grower-led

action teams, committees and working groups

are well prepared for the next round and have

their eye on the prize: Helping ensure success

for corn growers and defending them against

dubious headline seekers whose soundbites are

more noise than fact.


4/16

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

3

Corn growers had much to

celebrate in 2007, a year of high

yields on the farm and high-fives

on Capitol Hill for getting our

voices heard. We responded to

market demands with a record

crop, setting the stage for record

net-farm income. Maybe our good

fortune is the reason we were

attacked by pests far worse than corn rootworm.

When you think about it, this is understandable.

Punches get thrown at leaders, not followers.

Ethanol provides a good example here. Supporters

of our work have been plentiful and we have been

very successful. Ethanol production jumped, corn

producers responded and once again our customersdemands for supply were met.

Even with support in the trenches to this very

day, instead of cheers for expanding ethanol

production, improving the environment, bringing

investment to rural communities, reducing this

countrys dependence on petroleum and meeting

global demands, we continue to face the same

criticismalthough it is a smaller group than

previously experienced.

Fortunately, corn producersthrough state

associations, checkoff boards, partner organizations

and NCGAfought back.

You worked with the media, wrote letters and

opinion pieces and supported good research.

You kept up the pressure on Capitol Hill and

challenged those who repeated mistruths. You

pointed out the absurdities leveled at corn

producers, striving to remind folks why theethanol industry was developed in the first place.

NCGAs growers led the way in promoting an

increased renewable fuel standard to promote

energy security and a cleaner environment.

Our vision of 15 billion bushels of corn and

15 billion gallons of ethanol by 2015 is getting

closer each year.

Also in Washington, NCGA was deeply involved in

discussions on the new farm bill, setting the stage for

the future. A major success was getting our revenue

counter cyclical program, an innovative program

designed to help both growers and taxpayers by

saving money and targeting assistance, adopted in

key legislative text. Our success was the result of a

major change in thinking on the Hill, and we

should be proud of our work and thankful to

members of Congress who supported change.

All of you who journeyed to Washington or wrote

letters should also be commended. Change is not

easy, but the future is brighter for it.

Lastly, I must thank you all for your great work on

WRDA, the Water Resources Development Act. Your

persistence helped get it passed by Congress twice

in 2007no small accomplishment. The need for

new locks and dams and other waterway infrastructure

is too critical to ever throw in the towel.

In the end, it was a great and challenging year, and

Im proud to have helped lead the organization

on these important issues.

We should remember, though, that our work is

never done. We must continue to tell our story, to

remain positive and keep our mission, To create

and increase opportunities for corn growers,

clearly and sharply in focus. You are part of a

strong, grassroots organization. You should be

proud of your success and always looking forward

to the future.

Sincerely,

Ken McCauley

President (2007)

Our corner met challenges head o


5/16


making 2007 a championship year.


6/16

NCGAs vision on the future of corn

ethanol is unwavering. There were some

challenges in 2007, but nothing that

will detract us from our 15x15x15 goal:

Producing 15 billion bushels of corn

and 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol by 2015.

We know we can achieve this without affecting

other markets. This vision is achievable, sustainable

and defendable.

NCGA and our members support policy that backs

this vision. The federal energy legislation that was

signed into law in 2007 contains a renewable fuels

standard (RFS) that perfectly matches our vision

and requires that 15 billion gallons of ethanol come

from corn by 2015 and 36 billion gallons total

(21 billion from cellulose sources) by 2022. NCGA

helped ensure this legislations passage, poundinga lot of pavement on the Hill in the process.

When it comes to using a food crop such as corn

to make fuel, NCGA has worked tirelessly to

debunk misinformation spread intentionally by

some and unknowingly by others. Staying positive

and making available facts that demonstrate the

many benefits of corn ethanoland the truth

about the so-called food versus fuel issuewere

key to defending the industry.

In addition to countless interviews with the mediaaround the world and testimony before Congress,

NCGA produced white papers, brochures and

other communications for the general public and

to arm our members and allies with the truth.

When NCGA sees an editorial with the same, tired

arguments, we view it as an opportunity to speak

with the author and tell the full story. Our hard

work seemed to pay off. As the year progressed the

focus turned towards other itemslike high energy

prices and supply and demandthat have a greater

impact on food prices than the price of corn.

For the ethanol coproduct distillers dried grains

(DDGS), NCGA collaborated with groups to

develop and release standard recommended

methods to analyze its nutrient value. This is

important for distillers grains buyers and sellers

who, by following the testing standards, are more

likely to come up with the same values for crude

protein, fat, fiber and moisture. We also reached

out to the livestock industry, including becoming

a leader on a consortium organized by the National

Pork Board. The aim is to pool research dollars to

help swine better utilize ethanol coproducts.

NCGA believes it is important to keep farmers

involved on the ownership side of the renewable

fuels industry. With

more outside money

moving into the Corn

Belt, NCGA evaluated

what it can do to help

farmers keep their foot

in the door. One of the

answers may be NCGAs

renewable energy

investment fund, whichis still under development.

The fund will invest in a

whole host of renewable

energy technologies

when it is launched.

ROUND

1

As interest in DDGS grew, NCGA and others released the final recommendations for standard test methods for

analysis of DDGS. The guidelines were officially released at the RFA conference Feb. 21, and NCGA heavily

promoted the guidelines to the agriculture media at Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla. The report marked the

culmination of a yearlong laboratory effort to determine the test methods that have the greatest efficacy and

applicability for analysis of moisture, crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber. NCGA believes widespread

voluntary adoption of recommended test methods will reduce market confusion and add more structure

to the DDGS marketplace.

uce Noel

slie, MI Chairman,

hanol Committee

ell look back at 2007 as a

mendous year of growth

r the ethanol industry

d remember the fact that

rn producers rose to the

allenge to meet all demands.

hile we produced a record

op to meet food, feed and

el needs and provided a

e cushion heading into

08, well also remember

w corn growers and NCGA

ponded to attacks on the

hanol and corn industries.

m proud of the work we

ve done and our success in

owing the ethanol industry.

ETHANOL & COPRODUCTS

A strong counterpunc

5


7/16

For the third year in a row, the percentage

of U.S. corn acres planted to biotech

hybrids exceeded the amount planted to

non-biotech hybrids. More and more

growers recognize the value of this

technology, and NCGA fully supports them

especially because biotech hybrids can increase

yields, reduce pesticide and herbicide needs

and improve the bottom line. Its a tremendous

combination.

When it was time to plant the 2007 crop, NCGA

felt it was important to oppose the release of

Agrisure RW (MIR 604) technology because it did

not yet have approvals in most export markets,

specifically Japan. When Syngenta (the producer

of this particular event) decided to go ahead and

release the technology, NCGA worked with thecompany and the grain trade to develop a plan to

make sure it would not be disruptive to the export

market come harvest time.

NCGA discussed the issue with Japanese buyers

and worked continuously to educate growers,

alerting them to their need to develop marketing

plans to ensure this grain stayed out of unapproved

markets. Fortunately, Japanese approval came just

before harvest, yet many in the market are still

asking that the grain be properly channeled.

Now that it has Japanese approvals, Agrisure RW(MIR 604) technology will be part of the Market

Choices program in 2008. Market Choices alerts

farmers that grain from these traits are approved

in many export markets, but still lack European

Union approval, and must be channeled away

from facilities that serve the EU.

NCGA knows that a vast majority of growers are

complying with the Insect Resistant Management

(IRM) requirements as mandated by the

Environmental Protection Agency. However, since

IRM is important for growers in order to maintain

the use of new technologies, NCGA worked with

technology companies to develop new ways to

make sure farmers are maintaining compliance

levels. As part of these efforts, NCGA will launch

a new communications plan to remind growers

they are obligated to plant a refuge when planting

Bt hybrids. You can look for Respect the Refuge

materials in 2008.

Corn growers understand that with technology

comes responsibility. When it comes to

communications, when it comes to market plans,when it comes to trade partners, NCGA works

hard to help growers achieve maximum production

and maximum success.

ROUND

2

Martin BarbreCarmi, IL Chairman,

Biotech Working Grou

Insect Resistant Mana

(IRM) requirements a

important for all corn

to follow. Although h

prices can tempt grow

sway from IRM requi

we know if they aren

followed we run the

of losing the technol

altogether. Thats wh

worked with technol

providers and the Ag

Biotechnology Stewa

Technical Committee

develop a plan that w

further raise awarene

refuge requirements

growers. The Biotech

Group also works wit

NCGA Trade Team to

challenging the Europ

Unions lagging appro

process for biotech h

We continue to mon

World Trade Organiza

BIOTECHNOLOGY


In 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that corn growers planted 73 percent, or nearly

68 million acres, of their acres with biotech seed varieties, up 12 percent from 2006.

NCGA continues to work with other commodity groups and researchers to develop tools for weed resistance

management. Growers need to properly handle all herbicide technology to ensure weeds do not develop

glyphosate resistance. Growers can learn more about weed resistance management at NCGA.com

The Know Before You Grow program is an important resource for growers, helping to keep up with the

regulatory approval status on all available biotech traits. This helps growers select and plant hybrids with the

full knowledge of whether the number is conventional, approved for export to Japan, the European Union

or not yet approved for EU export. It is available at NCGA.com.

s a winning strategy.


8/16

NCGA was involved in several Congressional and Surface Transportation Board (STB) hearings to discuss rail

and other transportation issues. To help keep corn grower concerns on the front burner, NCGA was successful

in getting one of its board members, Daryl Haack, on the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee,

which operates within STB.

Meetings with the majority of the Class I railroads allowed NCGA to discuss everything from corn to ethanol.

Shipping ethanol is creating some interesting challenges that corn growers need to monitor. Class I railroad

BNSF is starting an advisory group on agriculture commodities, and NCGA will have an active role.

NCGA state organizations have developed outstanding relationships with livestock producers and groups in

individual states. These important efforts are expanding nationally, as well, as NCGA participates in discussions

with national groups involved in the livestock and poultry, renewable energy and feed industries.

Chaseey, SD Chairman,

uction & Stewardship

on Team

was an exciting year,

the long-journeyed but

essful passage of the

er Resources Development

We also continue to be

lved in the livestock arena,

ting with environmental

es and concentrated

mal feeding operations

FO) regulations. A meeting

livestock producers in

l focused on corn supplies,

nol and distillers grains.

important to counter

e of the mistruths and

onceptions in these areas

hile continuing to increase

ortunities for farmers

ugh livestock production.

PRODUCTION & STEWARDSHIP

7

At a time of high production and high

visibility, NCGAs Production and

Stewardship Action Team was braced for

action when it came to sustainability,

transportation and other key challenges

and they were scoring knockouts.

Example: For nearly two decades, NCGAs

grassroots have tenaciously battled for lock and

dam modernization on the Upper Mississippi and

Illinois rivers. Disappointment when Congress

ran out of time in late 2006 turned to satisfaction

when Congress passed the Water Resources

Development Act (WRDA) in 2007and easily

overrode a veto.

Over the years, NCGA worked with many groups

and coalitions to keep this bill on the frontburner. Many members of Congress had personal

contact with corn growers, and that made a

difference. Now the focus becomes securing

funding to make sure WRDA is implemented in

the bipartisan spirit in which it was passed.

Railroad issues were also front and center, with

NCGA involved in Congressional and Surface

Transportation Board (STB) hearings, and holding

meetings with the majority of Class I railroads.

NCGA focused on the need for rail capacity

improvements, the high cost of shipping grainsand needed transparency in fuel surcharges.

NCGA helped shape the conservation title in the

farm bill, making sure the outcome would be

workable and, hopefully, more simplified for

growers. The commitment by corn growers to

conservation and environmental issues is

unwavering. In fact, participating in projects with

the Agriculture Drainage Management Coalition

will lead to better ways to control runoff and

retain more water on fields. NCGA is also

involved with the Conservation Technology

Information Center, where providing reliable,

profitable solutions to improve the relationship

between agriculture and the environment are

researched and analyzed.

Making the Clean Water Act understandable

was the focus of a total maximum daily load

(TMDL) desktop guide. The guide, developed in

conjunction with the Environmental Protection

Agency, simplifies the Act and encourages

farmers to become involved.

Proposed changes to the Clean Water Actto

remove the term navigable waterstookNCGA to the Hill for office visits. Removing those

two words would put agricultural production

practices at risk and create additional economic

burdens on corn producers. In essence, removing

those two words would expand the scope of areas

and activities covered by the Act to virtually all

wet areas in the United States.

ROUND

3

Corn producers a


9/16

In 2007, there was no greater evidence of

NCGAs forward-looking approach as our

organizations position on farm policy,

developing ideas that meet the needs of

21st-century growers and promoting ways

to better protect farmers as well as the interests of

taxpayers. We fought hard for our proposals as the

2007 farm bill debate heated upand will go the

distance no matter how many rounds it takes.

NCGAs National Farm Security Act was designed

to provide for a revenue-based program focused

on a more effective safety net for producers while

not costing the government additional dollars. It

would assist producers in areas of low yields and

those with low individual crop yield, compensate

producers when markets experience steep declines

and avoid inequities when low prices wereaccompanied by high crop yields. In its proposed

reform to the commodity title, NCGA looked to

integrate this Revenue Counter Cyclical Payment

(RCCP) program with federal crop insurance,

which would reduce crop insurance premiums

and offer farmers higher levels of coverage at

a lower cost.

The RCCP was developed after more than three years

of gathering ideas, options and analysis. It is a

fundamental change in thinking and would replace

more costly programs that have numerous holes in

coverage. In short, its better for farmers and taxpayers.

More than a dozen trips to Capitol Hill to testify

and support NCGAs proposals resulted in the House

farm bill including an RCCPfor the first time.

This significant change in thinking was due largely

to NCGAs efforts. Although still in flux at the end

of the fiscal year, the Senate bill included an optional

RCCP, also for the first time. These are significant

accomplishments, especially when there were

considerable odds against such proposed reforms.

In addition to success in incorporating ideas of

reform developed by corn growers into farmbill proposals, NCGA was able to use the same

grassroots support to defeat measures that would

have been harmful to or not in the best interest

of producers.

Simply put, NCGA has fought and will continue

to fight for a farm bill that will strengthen the

agricultural safety net, reduce federal budget

deficits and create job and growth opportunities

for rural America.

ROUND

4

Steve PiggBushnell, IL Chairman

Public Policy Action Tea

Our major focus, by fa

year was the farm bill

of the complex comp

and nuances that go a

it. We have been succ

in moving the bar and

incorporating reform

several versions and w

continue fighting for

as the bill progresses.

has been an incredible

agriculture, and the in

is more dynamic than

decade ago. This mak

reforming crop safety

and risk management

important to current a

future corn growers.

FARM & RURAL DEVELOPMENT


NCGA supports a state-based revenue protection program so producers would have access to higher levels of

farm level crop insurance coverage at a lower cost. In an era of increased demand for corn and other feed

grains, revenue-based programs target support more efficiently than current programs.

Numerous visits to Capitol Hill by NCGA members and staff helped turn the tide and build support for NCGAs

proposals, many of which were adopted in drafts throughout several components of the farm bill.

repared to go the distance.


10/16

The future of corn growing is one of

reduced fertilizer use, increased drought

tolerance, increased ethanol production,

improved nutritional quality and built-in

insect and disease tolerance. The future

of corn, therefore, is written in the plants genetic

code. Understanding that code, and how to use

that knowledge, requires research if we are ever

to take advantage of all the inherent possibilities

of corn.

NCGA supports this important research, with the

ultimate goal to identify all the genes and biological

mechanisms in the corn plant that can have a

major impact on how corn is grown and used.

This is why NCGA supported genome research a

decade ago, helping create the National Plant

Genome Initiative in 1998. The corn genome

sequence is now more than two-thirds complete,

and has led to the kind of data corn researchers

need to develop new technologies, including

drought-tolerant and nitrogen-efficient corn.

It is important to create a pipeline between basic

research, like sequencing the corn genome, and

product development. NCGA supports efforts to

promote a phenotypic library, a guide to how

each genes characteristics are expressed in the

corn plant, which can help achieve this goal.

A key, of course, is funding, which is why NCGA

fought to strengthen the research title in the 2007

farm bill and raise research dollars through the

National Plant Genome Initiative. Its also vital to

keep funding focused on key agriculture crops.

Other potential lies within corn processing

technologies. NCGA supports more research on

advanced corn processing, which could allow corn

to be processed into new, industrial products.

NCGA is developing technologies to make chemicals

from corn, including petroleum-replacing esters,

amines, glycoethers and epoxides.

NCGA hailed the first shipments of a corn-based

polymer, Bio-PDO, from a joint venture between

DuPont and Tate & Lyle in Tennessee. Meanwhile,

Metabolix and ADM are building a commercial

facility in Iowa to manufacture corn-based Natural

Plastic beginning in 2008 and NatureWorks LLC

in Nebraska has seen great success marketing

corn-based PLA. All of these products expand the

use of corn and serve as raw materials for a varietyof products, many of which replace comparable

petroleum-based products.

ROUND

5

NCGA partners with researchers looking for ways to reduce aflatoxin in corn. The Southeast Regional Aflatoxin

Test program is a multi-organization, multi-state evaluation of the most promising germplasm from several

research groups. Some genetic strains show lower levels of contaminationbut the most promising research

areas include inoculating corn with a strain of aflatoxin that does not produce harmful toxins.

NCGA is working with the Department of Energy and Land Grant institutions to develop the next generation

of biobased products. These products serve the public by offering petrochemical replacements, reduced

greenhouse gasses and diverse revenue streams for the growing ethanol industry.

In 2008, sequencing of the corn genome will be complete. This marks a major milestone in understanding corn

genetics and accelerating new products for producers and consumers. NCGAs goal is to keep this momentum

going by encouraging robust research programs aimed at understanding the function of all genes in corn,

unlocking new potential for what has become the primary domestic food, feed and fuel crop.

m Johnsond, IA Chairwoman,

arch & Business

elopment Action Team

are committed and diligent

ur work, cooperating with

ic and private researchers

nd ways to further

ance corn production

corn products. Whether

a search for aflatoxin

tant hybrids, petroleum

acements or uncovering

secrets of the corn

ome, research remains

ntegral component in

future of our industry.

RESEARCH & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

9

In this fight, there


11/16

Trade issues directly affect many corn

growers priorities. Knowing this, NCGA

makes certain corn growers are in the

ring when policymakers discuss not only

global trade, but our trade interests and

their implications for biotechnology, farm policy,

transportation and technical barriers to trade.

NCGAs Joint Trade Policy A-Team, which includes

representatives from the U.S. Grains Council, works

to increase congressional support for our trade

agenda and educate growers about export markets.

In 2007, Canada and Brazil began challenges at the

World Trade Organization, alleging that the United

States had exceeded limits for trade-distorting

subsidies. Initially, Canada included a serious

prejudice claim specifically against corn. NCGAdisagreed with this claim and we were pleased

that our northern neighbor re-evaluated that part

of the claim. Our position is clear: The United

States is in compliance with our WTO obligations.

Although Brazil filed its request separately from

Canada, the two cases will likely be combined.

While the cases seem to have been brought to

influence the U.S.s final agricultural offer in the

ongoing Doha Round of WTO negotiations or

the 2007 farm bill, it is doubtful that they will

seriously impact either.

NCGA continues monitoring the WTO Doha

Round of trade talks. We remain supportive of

continued efforts within the Round to achieve an

important net gain for American farmers and

ranchers. The current U.S. negotiating position

reflects a $13 billion to $17 billion range on

spending for domestic support. Work remains on

issues such as the treatment of Sensitive Products,

Special Products and the design of a Special

Safeguard Mechanism.

Further, NCGA has always supported free trade

agreements with individual nations and entire

geographic regions. Corn growers and NCGA

supported the Peru Free Trade Agreement. Removing

trade barriers between the United States and Peru

will create new export opportunities for corn

growers by allowing the United States to compete

on a level playing field with Perus other trading

partners. During the 2005-06 marketing year, the

United States exported 250,000 metric tons of

corn to Peru. The trade agreement reduces tariffs

on United States corn and phases them out

completely over 12 years. It also opens the market

for distillers dried grains, as this value-added productfaces no tariffs.

ROUND

6

TRADE


no neutral corner.

Bob BowmanDeWitt, IA Chairman,

Joint Trade Policy Actio

In fiscal 2007, the Tra

Public Policy Action Te

worked together to e

issues surrounding tra

U.S. farm bill policy. Q

simply, we do not tak

trade obligations light

are committed to sup

farm policy that is firs

foremost good for co

growers, but also con

to decrease the likelih

a costly legal challeng

the WTO.

Final approval of a Free Trade Agreement with Peru benefits U.S. corn growers directly through bulk corn

exports and indirectly through increased meat exports. In fact, increased meat exports should increase the

value of corn by one half-cent per bushel, while direct corn exports should increase the value 1 cent per bushel.

Many trade policy goals are still on the table, including agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea. NCGA

will continue its support for these bilateral agreements, which provide opportunities through increased exports

of bulk corn, meat, distillers dried grains and other value-added corn products.

NCGA continues to monitor the WTO case being brought by Canada and Brazil against U.S. commodities, and

stress that we believe the United States to be in full compliance with its trade commitments.


12/16

In 2007, NCGA celebrated five decades

of creating markets and expanding

opportunities for its growers, and focused

on expanding membership for the dynamic

grassroots organization. That growth,

from a few hundred growers in nine Midwestern

states to a vibrant association of more than

32,000 corn producers in 48 states and Canada,

continues today. In 2007, NCGA welcomed the

Alabama Wheat and Feed Grains Commission as

an affiliated checkoff organization.

NCGA has recognized several individuals who were

champs when it came to bringing new growers

on board. The tireless efforts of Richard Harer of

Ohio, Gayle Bergstrom of Minnesota and Barbara

Fulcher-Reynolds of Kentucky were recognized at

Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla. All were namedto the Recruiter Hall of Fame for their efforts in

growing NCGA and spreading its message to

hundreds of growers.

To keep growing, NCGA launched its most

aggressive membership drive ever during its 50th

anniversary year. Growers, recruiters and state

affiliate recruiters each had the opportunity to win

one years use of an E-85 flexible fuel vehicle

along with other incentives. Winners will be

announced in early 2008. Grants were offered

to state organizations to help with recruiting

functions. NCGAs membership program is

sponsored by the seed brands of Syngenta Seeds

and Agrisure traits.

The Grower Resource & Association Information

Network System (GRAINS), a major undertaking

that advances the online capabilities and services

of NCGA for its members, is nearing completion.

GRAINS is an all encompassing module that will

allow members to take care of their memberships,

register for meetings and other activities all

online, while state associations can use it as a

central depository to share membership materials

and coordinate meetings.

ROUND

7

MEMBERSHIP

11

NCGAs 50th anniversary quilt was displayed at meetings throughout the year and quickly became a popular

attraction. Representing all things corn and bordered by each state organization, the quilt is displayed at

NCGAs national headquarters in St. Louis. A few surprise showings may occur throughout 2008, including at

the 2008 Commodity Classic, where it will return due to popular demand.

The grassroots heritage that NCGA was founded upon is as evident today as it was 50 years ago. Membership

is growing, the association continuously evolves and it holds true to founder Walter Goeppingers notion that

NCGA should further the use of corn through research, market development and promotion.

NCGA told the powerful story of its members to the media in the form of letters, opinion pieces, radio broadcasts,

news items, publications and white papers. We also continued to proudly promote Americas Heartland, a

magazine-style television program airing on public television stations and RFD-TV. Sponsored by Monsanto and

the American Farm Bureau, this worthwhile programming tells the stories of Americas agriculture producers.

A tough combination to bea

tt Gibsonocco, IN Chairman,

wer Services Action Team

a number of years, NCGA

posted annual membership

s above the association

munitys average. This

tical since membership

e lifeblood upon which

farmer-led organization

founded, and a strong

sroots is what makes corn

wers successful in each

e and on Capitol Hill.

rong membership base

ps NCGA ahead of the

k. We wont rest on

aurels. Instead, we will

inue to adapt as

culture changes and

p moving forward.


13/16

ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES


Through state checkoff programs, corn

growers are investing in themselves to

maximize market opportunities and

protect their future. NCGA recognizes

the importance of its role as a steward

of your checkoff dollars and is

unwavering in its efforts to ensure that growers

get the best return possible on their investment.

We understand our responsibility in delivering

value for corn growers and carefully leverage your

contributions. NCGAs checkoff-funded initiatives

have stimulated significant advancements in

ethanol, biotechnology, farm and rural development,

research and business development, production

and stewardship and trade.

The future of the corn industry depends on yourcontinued support of the checkoff program. As

NCGA continues to grow, we will never lose sight

of the fact that our strength comes from investing

your checkoff contributions wisely.

ROUND

8

TOTAL REVENUE FY 2007

Program Services

18%

82%

Administration

ALLOCATION OF PROGRAMEXPENSES, FY 2007

State Regulations/Meetings 1%

Trade 3%

Resolutions/Policy/Corn Congress 5%

NCGA Commodity Classic 6%

Biotech Working Group 7%

Ethanol 7%

Corn Board & Funding 10%

Public Policy 10%

Research & BusinessDevelopment 16%

Grower Services 14%

Production & Stewardship 12%

Communications 10%


14/16

SOURCES OF REVENUE

Continuing to fight the good fight

13

State checkoff programs provide a majority of the funding that allows NCGA to stay in the ring, delivering

results for corn growers. It is important, though, to acknowledge the agribusiness and industry partners in

our corner. These groups provide generous support for programs and events that are valuable to all growers.

Their backing helps NCGA stay focused on the mission at handcreating and increasing opportunities

for corn growers.

NCGA and its members would like to express our appreciation to all our agribusiness and industry

partners. These organizations and individuals allowed the National Corn Yield Contest, membership

programs, leadership training activities, Commodity Classic and other programs to triumph once again.

Their investments, which go well beyond financial support, helped make 2007 a rousing success.

SOURCES OF REVENUE FY 2007 BUDGET

Industry 11%

Corn Yield Contest 7%

Membership 7%

Commodity Classic 3%

Interest 1%

Government Grants 2%

Checkoff Revenue 69%

In 2007, corn growers drew all the attention of a championship bout.

Amid the criticisms and concerns lobbed from several corners, growers

stayed on message, defending ethanol and corn production, and delivered

a crop that not only met demand but built stocks, too.

At the same time, corn growers saw success in Washington, where they

changed attitudes about the farm bill and helped pass the Water Resources

Development Act. Favorable energy legislation followed. Corn grower

visits to our nations capital and an active communications campaign

are a powerful one-two grassroots punch.

Future success, however, is not assured, which is why NCGAs grower leaders continue their

commitment and hard work. With their direction and your continued investment, we will

be prepared for whatever lies ahead, helping ensure golden opportunities for every grower.

Rick Tolman

NCGA CEO


15/16


16/16

Respondingto the challenge.

National Headquarters 632 Cepi Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005 636.733.9004Washington, D.C. Office 122 C St. NW, #510 Washington, DC 20001 202.628.7001

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is the largestnational nonprofit organization representing the interests of U.S.corn growers. Through the checkoff investments of corn producersnationwide and the commitment of dedicated grower leaders, NCGAis redefining the role of corn in the worlds future through research,market development, public policy, production and education.

You can join more than 32,000 corn growers involved in NCGA byconnecting with one of the 48 state corn organizations across the nation.With your help, we can continue the remarkable achievements of Americascorn industryand reenergize the future for U.S. corn growers.

Visit www.ncga.com for more details and updates on the corn industry.

2008 National Corn Growers Association

NCGA 2007 Annual Report

Documents

Transcript of NCGA 2007 Annual Report