Corn farmers tackle issues in D.C.

Corn farmers from states across the Midwest including South Dakota are meeting in Washington, D.C. this week with two things on their minds: seeing the completion of a new 5-year farm bill and protecting the Renewable Fuel Standard.

South Dakota farmers participated in a number of National Corn Growers Action Team meetings Monday and Tuesday and will partake in Corn Congress discussions today and tomorrow, setting the national organization’s policy for the coming year.

While in D.C., the corn board directors and staff will roam the halls of Congress and visit with South Dakota’s delegation: Representative Kristi Noem and Senators John Thune and Tim Johnson.

“With so many pivotal issues in the forefront right now, the timing couldn’t be better for our farmers to be sharing our message in D.C.,” said SDCGA president Mark Gross. “Having face-to-face discussions with our representatives is not only good for our members, but also for the lawmakers themselves who enjoy hearing about the issues that are affecting growers back home.”

“Completing a new farm bill that includes a strong safety net and takes steps towards reducing the nation’s deficit is our number one priority,” added Gross. “It’s the right thing for agriculture, it’s the right thing for consumers and it’s the right thing for our country.”