BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois farmer and current National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. came home to catch some old friends up with what’s happening in the world of corn at the national level. Speaking to board members, leadership and staff of the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Illinois Corn Marketing Board during their annual business and reorganizational meeting on Nov. 26, Hartman, of Waterloo, Ill., laid out NCGA’s vision and goals for moving ahead during a transitional, lame-duck congressional session.

“Farmers and the entire ag industry are facing a tough financial situation, and the majority of ag economists think that the ag industry is on the brink of a recession. NCGA’s own analysis projects that farmers may face their most significant losses since 2005 due to low prices and high costs,” said Hartman, who had served as president of the ICGA and in other leadership roles before joining NCGA’s leadership team.

“And while it’s hard to see high yields as a bad sign, we have lots more corn than we have demand. We’re really concerned that things could get much worse, with the way things are trending right now with our yields. We’ve got to figure out where to take that corn to build demand,” he added.

NCGA will be searching for ways to expand traditional corn markets such as animal feed and ethanol, while encouraging trade agreements that enhance international market options, according to their president. However, “Developing markets takes time, and that’s why in the short term, NCGA is supporting disaster and economic aid for growers, because we know there are some growers who are in trouble throughout the United States,” Hartman said. “We’re working on this though we know farmers aren’t looking for a handout. But it is true that some farmers will not survive without assistance.”

NCGA will continue to encourage year-round access to E15 to boost domestic demand for corn during Congress’ lame-duck session, while looking to enhance foreign demand into 2025. Hartman identified Congressional passage of the Next Generation Fuels Act (HR-2434, S.944) as the top legislative priority for NCGA during his year of presidency. Also at the top of his list is helping to ensure the successful future of corn-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“These priorities also take into consideration the outcome of the latest general election. NCGA is a nonpartisan organization that has a long history of working with legislators across both sides of the aisle, and we look forward to continuing that tradition,” said Hartman, adding that NCGA is “very supportive” of the election of John Thune, a longtime member of the Senate Ag Committee, as the next majority leader of the U.S. Senate.

Calling free and fair access to global markets a key priority for corn growers, Hartman and NCGA will continue to advocate for proactive trade negotiations that open new markets for U.S. farmers.

“This includes reductions of tariffs, not tariff barriers that could impede access to our foreign markets. NCGA, ASA (American Soybean Association) and the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Service evaluated the impact trade wars would have on soybeans and corn today,” Hartman said. “Tariffs can be an effective tool, but at the same time they have consequences like we saw in 2018 with the trade wars. The study found several outcomes that showed Brazil and Argentina quickly taking our place in these markets, so long-term tariffs would hurt the U.S. economy – especially in the rural areas. We look forward to working with the new administration on trade agreements and other initiatives that affect the market and the economy.”

NCGA leaders are remaining vigilant on the issue of the Mexican GM corn ban, which is expected to be ruled on by a special panel in December. The organization is also active in trying to sort out the legalities associated with the 45z tax credits farmers may be able to receive for incorporating certain conservation production practices into their operations, and how SAF can benefit. The impact of federal tax policy at the farm level is also something NCGA remains concerned about, Hartman stated. 

“We have been engaged with members of Congress on tax priorities and continue to monitor the proposals that would impact federal taxes for agricultural producers,” he said.