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Corn, soybean associations affirm policy as Commodity Classic wraps up

Members of the American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association affirmed policy priorities for the upcoming year. 

ASA vice president Caleb Ragland of Kentucky says ensuring there is adequate risk management tools available for farmers remains a top priority for members.  “The economic situation is a little bit tough right now in farm country,” he says.  “We’re trying to do everything we can to protect the livelihood of our soybean farmers across some United States.” 

He tells Brownfield that also means securing a reference price that reflects today’s ag economy. “A lot of things have changed since that reference price was set,” he says. “Our costs are significantly higher, inflation has hit rampantly across equipment, and labor. Across the board, you name it, things are up. So we need a reference price that is relevant.” 

AUDIO: Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association, Vice-President

Harold Wolle, president of the National Corn Growers Association says securing a clear path forward for the use of corn-based ethanol in sustainable aviation fuel is one of his association’s top priorities. “We want the GREET model to be used by the Treasury Department as they decide which modeling they’re going to use to determine the carbon intensity score of corn for use in sustainable aviation fuel,” he says.   

He explains why the GREET model from Argonne National Laboratory is the organization’s preference. “It’s the US model,” he says.  “We think that’s important, and it recognizes how we farm. It’s got provisions in it for the different practices that we use to produce low-carbon corn.” 

AUDIO: Harold Wolle, National Corn Growers Association, president

Members will use these policy priorities as they lobby and work with members of Congress on behalf of America’s corn and soybean farmers.