Colorado Corn Cultivating Opportunities

Over the past few years, many groups have launched well-publicized attacks on agriculture. The arguments employed often touch multiple sectors of the industry. In light of this, many agricultural organizations formerly dedicated to serving only their specific group are now considering joint efforts to improve the image of farmers and agriculture as a whole.

“Off the Cob” sat down with National Corn Growers Association CEO Rick Tolman to talk about the importance of cooperation in agriculture. Tolman spoke of the conditions that underlie the trend toward cooperation and of the opportunities that can arise from adversity.

“I think we are in a perfect storm situation in agriculture,” said Tolman. “Agriculture groups are traditionally independent and used to doing things in their own specific ways. But we are now seeing this common attack across all sectors. In this crisis mode, there is the opportunity to come together, still agreeing to disagree on some specific issues, and yet cooperate to tell the great story of American agriculture.”

Tolman also discussed how NCGA is also making targeted, independent efforts. As an example, he referenced the Corn Farmers Coalition, a very targeted campaign in Washington among decision makers to turn around some of the myths and misinformation about corn in particular.

To hear the whole story, click here.