Colorado Corn

The National Corn Growers Association reached a new membership record in 2010 with rolls listing 36,216 growers at the end of August. The previous record of 36,088 was set in August 2009.

“It is inspiring that so many growers want to personally support our programs and activities,” said NCGA President Bart Schott, a grower from Kulm, N.D. “Increased grower involvement demonstrates the value members believe NCGA staff and grower leaders provide our industry.”

The NCGA membership program, sponsored by Syngenta, offers many benefits, including leadership opportunities, academic scholarships and discounts. Members play an active role in organizational leadership by shaping the direction of activities and influencing public policy that affects all farmers.

Also this year, a record number of growers entered the National Corn Yield Contest, which requires NCGA membership. An initial count indicates submission of approximately 7,119 entries, roughly 160 above last year’s number.

In addition to representing individual members, NCGA works as a federation of the many state-level grower associations and checkoff boards. More than 300,000 growers contribute to state and national organizations through corn checkoff funds in their states.

During this election season, the amount of influence asserted by large interest groups in government becomes obvious through the barrage of advertisements and media messaging. To ensure that our legislators continue to value the important role corn farmers play in our society, growers must work together through NCGA and state associations that leverage the industry’s collective strength. Together, growers voices are magnified in Washington to ensure agricultural interests are not casually pushed to the wayside.

Click here for more information on membership.