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FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota corn growers serving as delegates of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association (NDCGA) have returned from Washington, D.C. where they represented the state’s corn growers at the biannual Corn Congress.
During the event, corn growers from across the country suggested, discussed and voted to formalize priorities that will guide corn-related policy decisions and strategies at the national level over the next six months.
Low prices, rising input costs, fertilizer affordability, labor shortages and regulatory pressures continue squeezing profit potential out of production agriculture. Linton corn grower and NDCGA President Brian Leier said Corn Congress empowers North Dakota farmers with essential leverage and a distinctive voice when confronting such challenges.
“We are a farmer-led organization and members expect us—and we are determined—to represent them where and whenever important decisions are being made, and political authorities know NDCGA will,” Leier said. “Corn Congress is a platform for North Dakota corn growers to influence to help shape pathways and outcomes that are favorable to farm operations and margins.”
Delegates also participated in a face-to-face roundtable with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and met with U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer as well as agriculture staff for U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak to discuss federal priorities and issues affecting North Dakota’s corn industry.
Leier noted that the National Corn Growers Association recognized Fedorchak during Corn Congress for her leadership in securing U.S. House passage of legislation allowing year-round sales of E15, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol that expands domestic markets for corn.
“We appreciate Sen. Hoeven’s and Sen. Cramer’s active support, and especially Rep. Fedorchak’s leadership on E15,” he said. “She was key to getting the House to approve this milestone legislation.”
NDCGA members also updated Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife of the U.S. Department of the Interior nominee Kevin Lilly about the struggles that status quo implementation of wetland easements inflict upon North Dakota.
“For Mr. Lilly to trust our input on key issues like water says shows NDCGA’s strength as a voice for North Dakota farmers and the value we generate for them,” Leier said.
“Strong representation matters,” Leier emphasized. “When growers are actively engaged in the policymaking process, we are better positioned to strengthen farms and the corn industry—sectors that are vital to our state and overall economy.”
North Dakota Corn Growers Association
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