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Uncertainty surrounds corn demand

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says uncertainty is clouding prospects for increasing demand.

NCGA vice president of production and sustainability Paul Bertels tells Brownfield many voices reached out to the EPA requesting higher renewable volume obligations (RVO) in the Renewable Fuel Standard during the recently completed comment period.

“I think we’ve had a really good showing.  Unfortunately, I don’t know if that’s going to be enough to make EPA see the light or not.”

NCGA claims the 2017 RVO levels proposed by the EPA would cut corn usage by more than 71 million bushels compared to the original statute.

The Association is also calling on Congress to pass the Trans Pacific Partnership during the remaining months of the Obama presidency.

“Regardless of who wins the election in November, you’re going to have just so much time where everything is going to have to reset while (the next president) gets their new appointees in place; getting them confirmed through the Senate.”

And Bertels says export demand continues to be challenged by the dollar, which has found renewed strength following Brexit.