Colorado Corn

The National Corn Growers Association’s weeklong television campaign in Washington, expected to reach nearly three out of five Washington adults between Monday and Friday, shows how seriously the organization takes the opportunity to tell the story of ethanol at a crucial time for American consumers.

“With all the policy and regulation debate and things happening in Washington, D.C., it just makes sense to run the ads there.” NCGA President Darrin Ihnen told a reporter for Brownfield on Monday. “NCGA wants to make sure that we’re in the room and part of the discussion to show the benefits of ethanol—and to show the benefits of agriculture when it comes to energy needs.”

A 30-second TV spot is designed to capture the attention of Washington policymakers are they prepare to debate comprehensive energy legislation in the weeks ahead. This week, it is running 157 times on early-morning and late-night news programs in Washington and on major cable channels such as Fox, CNN and MSNBC, targeting adults 35 and older.

“It’s now clear that events both here at home and abroad demand a different solution to our energy needs,” the ad states. “One that protects our national security, safeguards our environment and promotes economic growth. One answer grows in our own backyard. Turning American corn into America’s energy. It’s renewable, efficient, abundant and safe. And it creates American jobs. We feed the world; we can fuel it, too. Ethanol. Now is the time.”

“Because nearly two thirds of our oil is imported, we need to focus on a broad range of domestic fuels,” NCGA Vice President Bart Schott told USDA Radio. “With this legislation before Congress, our campaign will help people realize that ethanol’s environmental and economic benefits are important to our country.”

The video is available for viewing at www.ncga.com.

Click here to read or listen to Darrin Ihnen’s interview with Brownfield.