Ears in Washington: December 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, my staff and I are assessing the accomplishments that NCGA has achieved on behalf of corn growers this year and planning for the issues that will require us to redouble our efforts in 2026.
News
Ears in Washington: November 2025
As we often do in November, I am reflecting a lot this month about all the things that make me thankful, and I’d have to say NCGA's grower leaders and our grassroots advocates are at the top of my gratitude list. If not for them, we would not be able to score big policy wins for our growers.
Ears in Washington: October 2025
Three South Dakota Agricultural Organizations To Host Farmer Appreciation Tailgate at SDSU Football Game
The SD Pork Producers Council, the SD Soybean Checkoff, and the SD Corn Utilization Council join forces to host a free Farmer Appreciation Tailgate at the South Dakota State University football game on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Ears in Washington: August 2025
Twenty years ago this month, the president signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005 establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard, a development that reshaped the rural economy and provided immeasurable benefits to people across the country.
High Fructose Corn Syrup: Setting the Record Straight on Health and Economic Impact
In recent years, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a dietary villain in the minds of some consumers, but science tells a different story. When examined objectively, HFCS is nutritionally equivalent to cane sugar, and eliminating it from the American food supply would have an economic impact on consumers and farmers alike without providing any meaningful health benefits.
SDSU Global agricultural leadership program approved to meet demand for trained professionals
A South Dakota State University program designed to train the next generation of agricultural innovators and leaders was approved during the recent South Dakota Board of Regents meetings in Brookings. The global agricultural leadership master’s degree program is a condensed, 14-month professional curriculum that will provide students with the background and skills they need to contribute to the vitality of agriculture and to the economic growth of rural communities in South Dakota while enhancing the lives of people worldwide.
JIM WOSTER, AGRICULTURE ADVOCATE EXTRAORDINAIRE
Little did Jim Woster know when he graduated from South Dakota State University 63 years ago with a degree in animal science that his career would evolve into decades of serving agricultural causes in numerous ways.
New Study Shows Corn Farming is a Major Engine for U.S. Economy
The United States is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn, and corn farmers are bolstering the U.S. economy and building strong communities, according to a new study released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Corn grower leaders say they could make an even bigger contribution to the U.S. economy through increased sales of ethanol and the cultivation of new foreign markets.
FARMERS COUNT ON PUC
Whether it’s regulating wind farms or helping expand broadband service, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission plays a growing role in projects that affect the state’s farmers.
Ears in Washington: Protecting Public Health Requires Science-Based Regulation, Not Just a MAHA Moment
Just like I have a choice about what food I buy at the grocery store, I want farmers to continue to have the ability to make an informed choice about the production tools and practices that they use on their farms.
STATE STATISTICIAN: GERLACH KNOWS THE NUMBERS
Erik Gerlach is a numbers guy. As the state statistician for the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), he oversees a wealth of ag data and is committed to disseminating statistics that are current and accurate.
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