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8-26-05--Kansas Corn Growers Participate in NCGA Ethanol Forum, Washington Meetings and Ethanol Forum

The Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) and the Kansas Corn Commission were in Washington, D.C., this week holding two days of organization meetings and attending the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)-sponsored renewable fuels forum.

NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett, briefed Kansas growers on NCGA’s the upcoming legislative priorities. Doggett spoke to the group about the recent NCGA legislative victories, emphasizing the important work done by growers.

“The legislative victories we saw this year were because of the heavy participation by our growers from all across the nation,” he said. “NCGA’s lobbyists and growers worked side-by-side throughout the year. We succeeded in getting an energy bill that highlighted renewable fuels as part of the solution to the energy future of this country and secured a free and fair trade deal with the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).”

He also discussed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), in addition to talking about the importance of improving the availability all U.S. transportation infrastructures in order to efficiently move corn and other commodities.

The briefing also featured a lengthy discussion on the upcoming budget reconciliation. Doggett and Senior Director of Public Policy Sam Willet emphasized NCGA is working to minimize the cuts to the necessary farm programs. The agenda also included meetings with U.S. Grains Council, briefings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Agriculture Counselors Office, along with planning discussions of KCGA funding, legislative priorities, accomplishments and future events.

Ken McCauley, Kansas Corn Commissioner and NCGA Corn Board member said the meetings had two purposes: to familiarize members with the political aspects of Washington, D.C., and to participate in the point/counterpoint forum.

“Having our Kansas meeting in Washington has been a great experience for all our members and our board,” he said. “They got to experience the local area and the Washington office of NCGA, and participated in an event that directly affects their livelihoods – growing the nation’s most abundant crop and utilizing that crop as a renewable fuel source for the country.”

8-23-05--Kansas Growers Participate in Washington DC Ethanol Forums
August 23, 2005--Several members of the Kansas Corn Growers board of directors and the Kansas Corn Commission attended two ethanol forums at the National Press Club in Washington DC today.

NCGA hosted an Ethanol Energy Open Forum Aug. 23 at the National Press Club to address points made in a report issued recently by researchers who claimed ethanol uses more energy than it produces. The study, recently released by Drs. David Pimentel and Tad Patzek has received a large amount of media attention in recent weeks. Dr. Bruce Dale, a Michigan State University professor, and John Sheehan, a senior engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, debated Pimentel, a Cornell University entomology professor, and Patzek, a professor from University of California–Berkeley, on the merits of their latest study.

According to Dale and Sheehan, Pimentel and Patzek routinely inflate the energy inputs of both farming and fuel production. Their estimates of fossil inputs for farm production are twice as high as those estimated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and their grain processing input estimate is 40 percent higher, Sheehan said.

“Their analyses are simply wrong in many important details,” said Dale. “They really need to update their information.”

Kansas Corn Commission Chairman Bob Timmons, Fredonia said the Pimentel and Patzek did a poor job defending their study.

“The more they spoke, the less credible they were. It sounded like they used whatever numbers helped to prove their point, instead of using current, accurate numbers and then seeing what the truth was,” Timmons said. “At one point, Pimentel implied that he used outdated data because it had been compiled by a colleague he wanted to include in the study.”

Kansas Corn Growers Association President Brian Baalman of Menlo said he was not impressed with the researchers who claimed that ethanol has a negative net energy balance.

“Over and over, the Pimentel and Patzek study was questioned, and they really had no believable explanation for using the data they had in their study,” Baalman said. “You could tell they each had an agenda to promote. Pimentel claimed corn production was bad for the environment and that using corn to make ethanol was increasing beef prices. Looking at our 2.5 billion bushel corn surplus from last year’s harvest, you know that isn’t true.”

The debate portion of the program was followed by a session on the promise of renewable fuels. The second session, called “Renewable Energy: Dynamic Possibilities,” which featured presentations by representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Argonne National Laboratory and several other ethanol experts.

Kansas corn producers attending the event were: Brian Baalman, Menlo; Ron Blaesi, Sharon Springs; Mike Brzon, Courtland; Carolyn Dunn, St. John; Charles Foltz, Garnett; Dan Guetterman, Bucyrus; Ken McCauley, White Cloud; Kent Moore, Iuka; Armin Nelson, McPherson; Bill Pauly, Denton; Roger Pine, Lawrence; David Studer, Atwood; John Tibbits, Minneapolis; Bob Timmons, Fredonia; Terry Vinduska, Marion; Donnie Young, Ulysses; Ted Zielke, St. Francis; Jere White, Garnett, and Sue Hardman, Garnett. Also attending from Kansas were Greg Krissek from United Bio Energy, Wichita and Carole Jordan from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

8-1-05--Kansas Growers Cheer Energy Bill Success

After several years of effort, Kansas corn growers are now celebrating the passage of a comprehensive energy bill with a 7.5 billion gallon renewable fuels standard. The Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) worked with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to pass this important legislation.

“We have been working for a renewable fuels standard for five years. This year, we were finally successful. The grassroots efforts of growers brought renewable fuels to the forefront. Growers worked hard for this victory and they got it,” according to Ken McCauley, White Cloud. McCauley will become NCGA First Vice President in October.

Ethanol production in Kansas has grown to seven plants producing 170 million gallons of ethanol per year and is benefiting the economies of the rural communities where the plants are located.

“Not too long ago Kansas produced 50 million gallons of ethanol; now we’re at 170 million gallons and with other plants on the drawing board,” McCauley said. “The RFS should help some of those plants move forward as well.”

In addition to the RFS, the bill’s tax title:

• Expands the definition of a “small ethanol producer” to 60 million gallons annually
• Extends the tax credit to agri-biodiesel producers until 2008
• Extends the biodiesel excise tax credit through 2008
• Establishes a credit for installing alternative fuel refueling property, including E85 and B20
• Provides for a two-year extension of the wind energy production tax credit
• Establishes three investment tax credits for clean coal facilities, including a 20 percent credit for industrial gasification projects.

The state’s Congressional delegation supported the energy bill. Representatives Jerry Moran, Jim Ryun, Todd Tiahrt and Dennis Moore; and Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback all voted in favor of the bill.

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8-1-05--Kansas Delegation Key to CAFTA-DR Passage

The US House of Representatives’ narrow passage of the Central America –Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) was an important win for Kansas corn and grain sorghum growers. The measure passed the House on Thursday 217-215. Key votes from Kansas representatives tipped the scales in favor of the free trade agreement, according to the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. The trade agreement, also approved by the Senate, now awaits the signature of President Bush.

According to figures released by the US Grains Council, the agreement will eliminate corn tariffs immediately for Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic (which together import approximately 59 million bushels), and provide initial duty free access for approximately another 43.3 million bushels of corn with that volume increasing yearly as tariffs are phased out in the remaining countries. Also, the valued ethanol co-product, distillers dried grains with solubles will immediately receive duty-free treatment in all CAFTA-DR countries. Additionally, the Dominican Republic and Guatemala will not apply tariffs on sorghum.

The entire Kansas Congressional delegation Rep. Jere Moran, Rep. Jim Ryun, Rep. Dennis Moore, and Rep. Todd Tiahrt supported CAFTA-DR in the key House vote.

“All four of our U.S. Representatives voted in favor of CAFTA-DR. They supported CAFTA-DR because they know how important free trade is to the economy of our state,” according to KCGA/KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “And while the Senate vote on CAFTA-DR was not nearly as close, we recognize the leadership on this bill by our Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback.”

CAFTA-DR provides immediate duty-free access to more than half of all U.S. agricultural exports to the region and will enhance U.S. agricultural exports by $1.5 billion when fully implemented.

Benefits of CAFTA-DR include:
Increasing agriculture exports by $900 million annually
Immediate elimination of duties on more than 80 percent of U.S. exports
Increasing exports of U.S. manufactured exports by approximately $3 billion annually
Lowering trade barriers to give growers access to important markets

KCGA and KGSPA are membership-based organizations representing corn and grain sorghum growers in legislative and regulatory issues. KCGA is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association. KGSPA is affiliated with the National Sorghum Producers.

7-20-05--Great Bend Station Now Offers E85 Fuel
Drivers can now fill up with E85 fuel, 85% ethanol fuel for flexible fuel vehicles, in Great Bend. Moeder Oil recently added an E85 pump at their station at 2302 Railroad Ave. in Great Bend. The station also offers E10 Unleaded, unleaded fuel with 10 percent ethanol for all vehicles.

The Kansas Corn Commission provided assistance to add E85 to the station. With the addition of Moeder Oil, E85 is now available in five Kansas cities: Great Bend, Maize, Hays, Topeka and Garnett.

“Interest in E85 fuel and flexible fuel vehicles is very high,” according to KCC Communications Director Sue Schulte. “Ethanol’s pricing is very attractive and is playing an important role in lowering fuel prices. Drivers with flexible fuel vehicles are seeking out E85 stations to take advantage of this fuel that is high octane, high performance and also priced significantly lower than regular unleaded.”

E85 is used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that are designed to operate on the clean burning, renewable fuel. Millions of flexible fuel vehicles are on the road today. FFVs can operate on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85 percent ethanol. E10 Unleaded is approved for use in all vehicles. Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Daimler Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan and Mercedes all produce FFVs.

E85 is a domestically-produced alternative transportation fuel. In addition to superior performance characteristics (over 100 octane), ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline and is a completely renewable, domestic fuel, made primarily from corn and grain sorghum.

E85 is also available in Hays at Power Plus, 3505 Vine St (I-70 access); Topeka at Capital City Oil, 4141 NW Lower Silver Lake Road; in Maize at the Maize Kwik Shop, 5340 N. Maize Road and in Garnett at Petro Plus, 120 South Maple.

For more information on E85, including a complete listing of E85 stations across the United States, visit the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition website at www.e85fuel.com. For more information on ethanol in Kansas, visit www.ksgrains.com.

The Kansas Corn Commission is a nine-member grower board that invests the half-cent corn checkoff in the areas of market development, promotion, research and education to build the value of Kansas corn.

July 14, 2005--NCGA Corn Congress Ratifies McCauley as First Vice President
Kansas Grower Ken McCauley will serve as National Corn Growers Association President beginning in 2006. NCGA’s Corn Congress delegates ratified McCauley, a corn grower from White Cloud, as its first vice president during its Corn Congress in Washington, D.C., Wednesday.

Ken McCauley was ratified as first vice president and begins three one-year terms as an NCGA officer beginning Oct. 1. McCauley will become president of the organization October 2006 and then serve his remaining term as chairman the following fiscal year.

McCauley said during his three-year term, he would work toward “securing key legislation important to the corn grower industry, in addition to continuing to grow the success of the organization and the industry.” He added he will work to increase NCGA’s membership and use innovation to take agriculture to the next level.

“I would like to see the organization utilize the growing momentum we already have to build our membership and voice in the policy and legislative arena in addition to advancing the farmer-owned, value-added sector to the next level,” he said.

McCauley represents the northeast district on the Kansas Corn Commission (KCC) and is also a member of NCGA’s Corn Board.

The Kansas delegation to Corn Congress includes McCauley; KCC Chairman and KCGA board member Bob Timmons of Fredonia; Kansas Corn Commissioner Dan Guetterman of Bucyrus; KCGA board member John Tibbits of Minneapolis; KCGA board member Charles Foltz of Garnett. The group is accompanied by Jere White Executive Director of the KCGA and KCC.

In addition to participating in the delegate sessions at Corn Congress, the group also made visits to the offices of the state’s U.S. Representatives and Senators to discuss issues important to corn producers, including passage of the Energy Bill, the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the bill that would make necessary improvements to the nation’s river transportation system.

6-10-05--East Kansas Agri-Energy Takes in First Load of Grain on June 10

June 10, 2005--The East Kansas Agri-Energy’s Garnett ethanol plant took its first load of grain today, marking the startup of the state’s seventh ethanol plant. Local grower Glenn Caldwell delivered a load of corn at 8 a.m. today. The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association congratulated EKAE on taking its first step toward the production of ethanol.

“The first load of grain is an important milestone for an ethanol plant,” according to KCGA/KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Not only does it mark the beginning of the ethanol production process, it is symbolic of the positive impact the plant will have on grain producers.”

The plant held its groundbreaking ceremony just over seven months ago on October 29, 2004. The East Kansas Agri-Energy plant had a pricetag of $46.5 million. Organizers concluded a public offering for investors in January of 2004, resulting in a membership of over 575 businesses and individuals.

The EKAE plant will use about 13 million bushels of corn and grain sorghum per year to produce 35 million gallons of ethanol and more than 115,000 tons of dried distillers grains, a high-nutrient livestock feed.

With the addition of EKAE, Kansas now has seven dry grind ethanol plants in operation with a capacity of 170 million gallons. Kansas ethanol production now creates a market for about 65 million bushels of sorghum and corn. Other potential plants, including projects at Pratt and Phillipsburg, are in various stages of planning.

5-25-05--Agritalk Ethanol Pump Tour to Stop in Pratt on June 3
The Agritalk Ethanol Pump Tour is making a stop at the Pratt Kwik Shop, 102 Washington St., on Friday, June 3. Motorists buying E10 Unleaded fuel from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with 10 percent ethanol will receive a 10 cent per gallon discount from the Kansas Corn Commission. Plus, customers using their Dillon’s grocery store card will receive an additional 10 cent per gallon discount during the promotion.

Mike Adams, host of the nationally syndicated Agritalk radio show will broadcast live from the event, as will Pratt radio station KWLS 1290AM. KWLS is an AgriTalk affiliate and airs the show weekdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

Growers and AgriTalk staff will be on hand to pump E10 Unleaded and answer questions about the fuel. Information and prizes will be given out throughout the event. Sponsorship of the AgriTalk Pump Tour and other E10 Unleaded promotions are part of the Kansas Corn Commission (KCC) and Kansas Corn Growers Association's (KCGA) efforts to increase the use and availability of E10 Unleaded fuel in Kansas.

"We have a great story to tell. E10 Unleaded fuel is approved by every automaker-both foreign and domestic," KCC/KCGA Director of Value Added Programs Robert White said. "When you see all the benefits of using E10 Unleaded, it makes perfect sense to use it in your car. The ethanol in the fuel keeps your fuel system clean, it increases the fuel's octane, it burns cleaner; plus it's renewable and domestically produced so it reduces our dependence on foreign oil."

The Kansas Corn Commission is made up of growers representing the state's nine crop reporting districts who determine how the half-cent per bushel corn checkoff is invested in the areas of market development, promotion, research and education.

5-24-05--Kansas Corn Commission Staffer to Speak at DDGS Conferences in Mexico
The Kansas Corn Commission is working with the US Grains Council to build export markets for distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production. The Kansas Corn Commission’s Director of Value Added Programs Robert White will give presentations in a series of distillers grains conferences in Mexico May 30 through June 3.

The conferences, sponsored by the US Grains Council, will give grain buyers information on the use of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in different animal species. Mexico is considered a prime market for DDGS, a high nutrient livestock feed that is a byproduct of ethanol production.

“As the ethanol industry continues to increase production, development of overseas markets for DDGS will be critical. The market potential in Mexico is huge, and that is what this trip is all about,” White said.

White will give an overview of the US ethanol industry, speaking about the ethanol-making process, ethanol plant location and production, and what the future holds. The conferences will be held in the Mexican cities of Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Merida. Other speakers will talk to participants about grain supply and demand, DDGS trade and supply, and the use of DDGS in layers, broilers, swine and dairy cattle.

White is a member of the US Grains Council’s Value Added Advisory Team. The Kansas Corn Commission funds efforts of the US Grains Council to build foreign markets for corn.

The US Grains Council is a private, non-profit corporation with 10 international offices and programs in more than 80 countries. Its unique membership includes producer organizations and agribusinesses with a common interest in developing export markets.

The Kansas Corn Commission is made up of growers representing the state's nine crop reporting districts who determine how the half-cent per bushel corn checkoff is invested in the areas of market development, promotion, research and education. For more information, contact the KCC at 800-489-2676 or visit www.ksgrains.com.

5-5-05--NCGA Unveils Updated Ag Biotech Reference Guide

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has unveiled the revised Ag Biotech Reference Guide, sponsored in part by the U.S. Grains Council, and created as an easy-to-use, one-step resource for people of all levels of biotechnology understanding.

“Our motivation for publishing this reference guide is simple: we believe that biotechnology is a tremendous tool for farmers and consumers around the world, and we want to ensure that it provides value for years to come,” said NCGA Biotech Working Group Chair Darrin Ihnen.

Kansas Corn Commissioner Ken McCauley, White Cloud, and Jere White, executive director of KCC and the Kansas Corn Growers Association both serve on the Biotechnology Working Group.

The Ag Biotech Reference Guide provides a historical and contemporary look at the facts behind biotechnology – facts based upon a quarter century of scientific inquiry.

“Advancements in biotechnology are critically important to farmers around the world working to meet the demands of growing populations,” said Ihnen. “But we also understand our role as responsible stewards of biotechnology. We depend on the land and hope to pass it to our children and grandchildren.”

He continued: “So as we work to demonstrate the benefits, value and safety of biotechnology, we pledge to be respectful of the technology to ensure that it is available for generations to come. We hope that this reference guide provides a greater understanding of biotechnology and answers potential questions or concerns one may have about biotechnology.”

The Ag Biotech Reference Guide is available by clicking here.

Printed copies are available at a nominal cost by calling 636-733-9004, ext. 144.

4-15-05--Drivers Reap Fuel Savings with Flexible Fuel Vehicles
A lot of drivers are saving from 30 to 60 cents per gallon at the pump today by driving flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can operate on E85, an 85 percent ethanol fuel currently available at four locations in Kansas. Flexible fuel vehicles can operate on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85 percent ethanol. E85 is currently selling up to 60 cents below regular unleaded gas, according to the Kansas Corn Commission.

“There are already about six million flexible fuel vehicles on the road, and many on showroom floors. For people who live in areas that have a station that sells E85, owning an FFV can be a real money-saver,” according to KCC Director of Value Added Programs Robert White.

E85 fuel can be found at four stations in Kansas located in Topeka, Maize, Garnett and Hays. Plans are underway to add E85 to other locations in Kansas as well. Additionally, E85 can be found at some stations on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area. E85 fuel’s lower price tag is getting the attention of motorists.

“We are getting more and more calls from drivers wanting to know how they can use this fuel. They need a flexible fuel vehicle, which has a fuel system that can operate on the higher ethanol content,” White said. “However, drivers who don’t have FFVs can still find savings by using E10 Unleaded fuel with 10 percent ethanol, which is priced at or below regular unleaded in most locations in Kansas.”

Part of the challenge is educating car buyers and car dealers about flexible fuel vehicles. The Kansas Corn Commission offers information to dealers and car buyers to help them determine which vehicles have the FFV option.

“If you have a vehicle on your lot that can run on a fuel that is cheaper than gas, that’s a great selling tool,” White said. “Dealers can benefit from knowing which of their vehicles are FFVs and letting their customers know about the potential fuel savings for those vehicles. Many popular vehicles, like the Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe and Taurus have the FFV option”

In addition to the ability to use cheaper fuel, people who buy FFVs and use E85 can claim a state tax credit. An individual who purchases a new FFV has from the date of purchase through that calendar year and the next calendar year to purchase 500 gallons of E85. They can then submit those receipts with their taxes and receive a $750 tax credit.

The differences between a car with the FFV option and one without it are small. An FFV has an improved fuel system and a fuel sensor that detects the ethanol/gasoline ratio. The six million flexible fuel vehicles on the road today have been produced by Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes, Mercury, Nissan, Mazda and Isuzu. All of those companies, except Mazda and Isuzu, offer 2005 model year FFVs.

“In fact, Ford began making FFVs in 1995,” he said. “There are a lot of motorists who are driving a flexible fuel vehicle now and don’t know it. Those people could be saving a lot of money at the pump today if E85 is available in their community.”

Kansas E85 stations are located at: Power Plus, 3505 Vine St, Hays, KS; Capital City Oil, 4141 NW Lower Silver Lake Road, Topeka; Maize Kwik Shop, 5340 N. Maize Road, Maize, and Petro Plus, 120 S. Maple (Highway 59), Garnett.

White said fuel retailers are also asking how they can add E85 to their product line.

“The combination of grant funds a station could receive, plus a state tax credit can make the addition of an E85 pump a relatively inexpensive addition,” White said. “Because of the small number of E85 stations in the state, adding E85 could really build a station’s customer base if the fuel is aggressively marketed.”

Ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced and clean-burning fuel made in Kansas from corn and grain sorghum at six facilities located in Atchison, Colwich, Russell, Campus, Garden City and Leoti. A seventh plant will open at Garnett this summer.

Information on E85 fueling sites, E85 vehicles and help determining if your vehicle is a flexible fuel can be found on Kansas Ethanol Information web site at www.ksgrains.com or at the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition web site at www.e85fuel.com. For more information, contact the Kansas Corn Commission at 800-489-2676.

South Africa Biotech Assessment Mission Files Daily Reports
April 3-8, 2005

The U.S. Grains Council staff aims to improve South African views on biotechnology while on the South Africa Biotech Assessment Mission. The team, traveling April 3-8, is touring three demonstration plots of genetically modified and conventional corn grown by South African farmers.

The project, done in conjunction with AfricaBio, aims to foster science-based discussions on biotechnology in the South Africa region; to advance regional acceptance of biotechnology; to increase the potential for future food aid and commercial shipment to the region; and to raise public awareness on these issues.

The team consists of both USGC representatives and international journalists. USGC representatives include: Terry Francl, Biotechnology Advisory Team leader and American Farm Bureau Federation; Lori Feltis of the Minnesota Corn Research and promotion Council; Brian Peterson and Jim Meyer, both of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board; Mike Brzon of the Kansas Corn Commission and Jere White, executive director of the Kansas Corn Commission. USGC staff on the mission includes: David McGuire, director of biotechnology; Cori Wittman, manager of biotechnology education; and Cheri Johnson, director of communications.

The journalist group includes the following: Frank Holdmeyer, executive editor of Farm Progress Midwest Publications, Iowa; Garth James of Radio Tambrin, Tobag; Silvia Richter of Mediamondi, Germany; Hussein Migdadi of the National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer, Jordan; and Sergio Prenafeta, Chile, Patricia Lin, Uruguay, Marco Poli, Brazil and Debora Slotnisky, Argentina, all of the Latin American Association of Scientific Journalists.

Below you’ll find reports posted daily by the participants.

Day 1 – Monday, April 4, 2005

The team of U.S. Grains Council representatives and international journalists arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Day 2 – Tuesday, April 05, 2005

The team spent the morning getting acquainted with AfricaBio. The group first heard from Professor Diran Makinde who explained that 43.6 percent of South Africa’s population lives in the rural areas with 60,000 farmers doing 87 percent of the farming.
Makinde also explained some of the political dynamics of South Africa following apartheid which ended in 1994. “Land distribution to black farmers by the government is going well now,” he explained. “The government has acquired land from white farmers making sure they are not displaced.”

Professor Jocelyn Webster, who works at AfricaBio, further explained that 70 percent of the country’s population depends on agriculture as their sole source of income. Additionally, Africa’s crop production is the lowest in the world with 1.7 metric tons per hectare, compared to the global average of 4 tons per hectare. Webster added the Africa’s grain demand is on the rise and that South Africa is the only country with a surplus of corn.

“South Africa has been doing biotechnology trials since 1990,” Webster said. “South African biotech acreage has been increasing. Now, 20 percent of its yellow maize (corn), or 190,000 hectares, is genetically modified.”

Dr. David Keetch, also with AfricaBio, explained the parameters of the biotech demonstration project. Stalk borer and maize streak virus are two main constraints South African farmers face – each devastating enough to take out an entire crop. “We hope to improve the food security status,” Keetch said. “Also, we want to stimulate a groundswell for the technology by working with the local farmers, community leaders, government officials and politicians while demonstrating the technology to the rest of Africa.”

In the afternoon, the group traveled to a small scale farm located in Brits, roughly 2 hours north of Johannesburg. There they met with Lawrence and Peggy Hlungwane. Mrs. Hlungwane is a member of the Ikageng Women’s League, a group that emphasizes the value of having good, quality food as a way to combat HIV and AIDS. “This disease has touched everyone here in South Africa,” Keetch said.

Although the crop at the Hlungwane farm was planted late and the couple had trouble with the planter, Mrs. Hlungwane was very pleased with the differences the have seen between the GM and conventional corn. “When I go out to the conventional corn, I find stalk borer in the plant,” she said. “But when I go to the GM corn, there are no insects.”

The couple has not harvested the crop yet but plans to give the crop to the poor in the area.

Day 3 – Wednesday, April 06, 2005

The group traveled to the Fairdeal Training Center, operated by Sabina Khoza. This is the second year that Khoza has grown biotech corn and she is more than pleased with the results.

“I don’t like to walk any further in the field,” she said, standing at the line separating the biotech corn from the conventional corn planted on her farm. “I stay here and I’m all smiles. I don’t want to plant conventional corn again.”

Khoza has 10 hectares on her farm and grows a variety of vegetables as well as corn. With the success of the operation, Khoza plans to purchase the farm adjacent to her current property and add another 5 hectares to production next year. “Anyone who says I’m a small scale farmer will see this fist hit their face,” she partially joked. “I am a commercial farmer now!”

This farm operates with the help of more than 15 helpers and supports a number of families. Khoza’s farm is also a training center and, on the day that USGC mission delegates visited, was host to a field day session sponsored by the National African Farmers Union. More than 75 area farmers – most of them women – attended the session where they walked into Khoza’s field and learned about biotechnology from the grower herself.

“I am a mother and a wife,” Khoza told the group. “I feed my husband with this genetically modified food and he’s very much alive! Go home and tell your families about this opportunity. Grow one row of biotech maize and one row of conventional and make your own judgment.”

In addition to meeting with the local farmers, the USGC delegation spoke with Michael Mosifane, deputy director for farmer settlement, who explained a number of programs being implemented by the South African government to assist farmers.

“Our main goal is to ensure that all people, at all times, have access to food. Through community gardens we can make that happen,” Mosifane said. Community gardens provide an area for people to grow their own food while working with others.

Mosifane added that the government is encouraging homestead gardens also. “We provide the people with starter packs – racks, hoes, etc., all of the things you need to start a garden in their backyard.”

Mosifane told the group about the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Program which helps educate South African farmers on a number of fronts. “Knowledge is power,” Mosifane added. “We’re providing education about marketing and how to build their infrastructure.

Day 4 – Thursday, April 07, 2005
The day was spent at the Buhle Farmers Academy in Mpumalanga, the site of a third demonstration plot. The academy is a non-governmental organization that was set up by Monsanto, AfricaBio and a number of other stakeholders, and is used as a training facility for new and emerging farmers.

“With land transfers taking place now, we have a whole new generation of farmers that before were not exposed to farming,” explained Neil de Smidt, the director at the academy. “Many of our farmers are educated but few have farmed in a commercial setting.”

The academy works to improve the skills of farmers looking to farm on their own and some day become commercial farmers. Courses are set up through the length of the growing season – depending on the crop. As an example, the vegetable course is less than four months long while the corn course requires students to be available for nine months.

Students are given 2 hectares (5 acres) each when growing corn and must do everything on the property – from prep-work to harvest – in order to pass the course. There are 76 hectares (190 acres) of arable land at the facility and roughly 300 students take courses there annually.
“Having biotech corn on our plots this year shows our students the simplified process,” de Smidt said. “They see conventional corn planted next to biotech corn and see the improvements – less pesticide, improved yield, etc. For a small-scale, South African farmer, those improvements are huge. We’re teaching these farmers the conventional way of farming but we’re also showing them biotechnology. And, we’re not training employees here – we’re training entrepreneurs.”

The group next heard from Walter Loubser, the general manager at South African National Seed Organisation, who told the group he feels much of the worry about biotechnology by certain groups is not true. “We’ve gone to the effort to create the GMO Act and put labeling laws into place but is it really necessary,” he said. “There is no scientific evidence that biotechnology has caused any harm.”

Hansie Bekker, general manager of the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association for South Africa, explained that his group supports biotech “because we see this as a way to increase production and thus, feed our people.” Bekker added that his organization utilizes the “Know Before You Grow” program which is sponsored by Council member, the National Corn Growers Association, when determining what biotech events have been approved in the United States.

Day 5- Friday, April 8

The U.S. Grains Council team split up today on the final day of the Biotech Assessment Mission to South Africa.

USGC representatives met Scott Reynolds, ag attache for South Africa, who gave the team a report on the agriculture sector in South Africa. The group also spoke with Peter Rammutla, president of North African Farmers Union. Rammutla represents 500,000 farmers.

The international journalists met with Winnie Serobe, a farmer that lives in Soweto. When asked if she was worried about biotechnology and what it might do to her and her family in 10 years she responded, "How do you tell a hungry person not to eat today? We need food today. If I'm starving, in 10 years I'll be long gone because I died of hunger."

The mission participants also toured the Forestry, Agriculture and Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at Pretoria University in Pretoria, South Africa. The group learned about the different projects taking place at the university - including some transgenic-based experiments

"Transgenic breeding will not replace traditional breeding but it is another tool," said Professor Karl Kunert who addressed the group.

Both teams departed South Africa for their home destinations following the completion of today's activities.

 

3-23-05--Corn and Grain Sorghum Growers Applaud Passage of Ethanol Labeling Bill

A bill that would repeal a requirement to label fuel containing ethanol is on its way to Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who is expected to sign it. Senate Bill 56, passed earlier by the Senate, received the approval of the Kansas House in a 110-13 vote today. The Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA), and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) were active supporters of the bill.

“We applaud the Kansas Legislature for passing this bill, which, when implemented, could dramatically expand our in-state markets for Kansas ethanol,” according to Jere White, Executive Director of KCGA and KGSPA.

Before bill goes into law, it must be signed by the Governor. In addition, the Kansas Department of Agriculture must revise its agency rules and regulations regarding pump labeling.

Kansas currently has an ethanol production capacity of 135 million gallons at six plants located in Atchison, Colwich, Russell, Campus, Garden City and Leoti. A 35 million gallon plant is under construction at Garnett and will begin production this year. Plans to build a 50 million gallon at Pratt and a 40 million gallon plant Phillipsburg are underway.

3-22-05--Kansas Is First to Receive Ethanol-Powered Vehicle from GM
The State of Kansas has the use of an ethanol-powered Chevrolet Avalanche for a year, thanks to a cost-free lease from General Motors. Governor Kathleen Sebelius took possession of the truck at Kansas Agriculture Day at the Statehouse on Monday.

The vehicle will be used by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to promote the use of ethanol. The Avalanche is a flexible fuel vehicle, which can run on any combination of ethanol and gasoline up to 85 percent ethanol. E85 fuel, which is 85 percent ethanol can be purchased at stations in Topeka, Hays, Garnett and Maize.

Not only will the state benefit from the use of the vehicle, E85 fuel is priced significantly lower than regular gasoline, according to the Kansas Corn Commission.

“Motorists who own flexible fuel vehicles have a real advantage at the pump with today’s fuel prices. E85 is selling for 30 cents or more per gallon below regular unleaded fuel. There are about 6 million flexible fuel vehicles on the road today,” according to Robert White, KCC Director of Value Added Programs. White is also vice chairman of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, an organization that promotes the use and availability of E85 fuel.

The automaker is offering the use of the flexible fuel trucks to the 26 states that belong to the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition. Governor Sebelius is vice chairman of the GEC and will be chair of the organization in 2006. Kansas is the first state to receive a Chevrolet Avalanche from the GM effort.

E85 fuel can be found at four locations in Kansas: Power Plus, 3505 Vine St., Hays; Capital City Oil, 4141 NW Lower Silver Lake Rd., Topeka; Maize Kwik Shop, 5340 N. Maize Rd., Maize; Petro Plus, 120 S. Maple, Garnett.

For more information on ethanol, E85 fuel and flexible fuel vehicles, visit the Kansas Ethanol site at www.ksgrains.com.

3-23-05--Kansas Growers Elect Corn Commissioners
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced the names of producers from the central third of the state who were elected to the state’s five commodity commissions – corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat – which decide how check-off funds are managed for use in research, promotion and educational programs.

This was the second election cycle for districts four, five and six under the new law that privatized the commissions in July 2000. District four includes Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Republic, Rooks, Smith and Washington counties. District five includes Barton, Dickinson, Ellis, Ellsworth, Lincoln, McPherson, Marion, Rice, Rush, Russell and Saline counties. District six includes Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Kiowa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Sedgwick, Stafford and Sumner counties.

Ballots cast between January 1 and March 1 were counted at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The newly elected commissioners will take office April 1 and will serve for three years.

Commissioners re-elected to the Kansas Corn Commission
District four – Mike Brzon, who operates a family farm corporation with his wife, Linda, in Republic County. They grow corn, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum. He was re-elected to the Kansas Corn Commission. He currently represents the commission on the U.S. Grains Council.

District five – Terry Vinduska, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and wheat with his wife, Cindy, on a family farm in Marion County. He graduated with honors from K-State with a
Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and he worked as a field test engineer for Hesston Corp. Vinduska has served as township trustee, served two terms on USD 397’s board of education. He was re-elected to serve on the Kansas Corn Commission. He is a member of several farm organizations, and he and Cindy are very active in their church.

District six – Carolyn Dunn, who is a partner with her husband, Brian, in a diversified grain, hay, wheat and livestockoperation near St. John in Stafford County. Dunn graduated from
K-State with a degree in agricultural economics before moving to Washington, D.C., where she worked for USDA as well as for then-Representative Pat Roberts and Senator Sam Brownback.  She was re-elected to the Kansas Corn Commission.

3-15-05--Kansas Renewable Energy Projects Could Benefit From USDA Grant Program
Renewable energy projects will receive special attention in this year’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. USDA Rural Development announced this week informational meetings for people interested in applying for the grants. The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association and Kansas Corn Growers Association encouraged growers to look into the grants as way to help develop value-added projects.

Priority consideration will be given to Value-Added Producer Grant Program applications that have at least 51% of eligible project costs dedicated to activities for a bio-energy project, according to USDA. The renewable energy projects can involve bio-diesel, ethanol or wind energy production or the use of bio-mass to generate energy.

“This is a good opportunity for groups in Kansas who are looking at the possibility of building an ethanol plant in their community,” according to Robert White, Director of Value Added Programs for KCGA and KGSPA. “Two ethanol projects received value added grants from USDA in 2002. Western Plains Energy, LLC began production in early 2004 and East Kansas Agri-Energy is currently building a plant in Garnett.”

The four USDA Rural Development value-added program informational meetings will be held:

Iola--March 21, 2005: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Allen County Community College, Administration Building, Lecture Hall, 1801 N. Cottonwood

Dodge City--March 23, 2005: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dodge City Community College Area Technical Center, Student Union Building, Ford County Room, 2501 North 14th Avenue

Colby--March 24, 2005: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Colby Community Building, Little Theater, 285 East 5th Street

Manhattan--March 28, 2005: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Riley County Fairgrounds, Pottorf Hall, Konza Room, Avery Avenue (South of Kimball)

According to Kansas USDA Rural Development, awards under this program will be made on a competitive basis, and applications must be received no later than May 6, 2005. Detailed information about program requirements and the application process can be found in the March 7, 2005 publication of the Federal Register, on the Kansas USDA Rural Development website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks , or by calling the Agency in Topeka at 785-271-2744.

3-2-05--Kansas Growers See a World of Corn at Commodity Classic
Kansas corn producers participated in seminars, policy sessions and a trade show last week at Commodity Classic, the convention of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and American Soybean Association. This year’s Classic was held February 23-26 in Austin, Texas.

“The Classic is as much work as it is fun,” according to Ken McCauley of White Cloud. McCauley serves on the Kansas Corn Commission and is also on the NCGA Corn Board. “We started off with a state caucus on Wednesday to discuss issues that would come before Corn Congress, which is NCGA’s delegate session. Delegates to Corn Congress spent Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon in session.”

Five growers represented Kansas as delegates to Corn Congress. In addition to McCauley, the Kansas delegates were: Ron Blaesi of Sharon Springs, Charles Foltz of Garnett, Dan Guetterman of Bucyrus, and Bob Timmons of Fredonia.

McCauley and other growers, including Bob Timmons of Fredonia had the opportunity to meet new Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns after the Secretary’s speech at the Classic General Session. Secretary Johanns covered a broad range of topics important to corn growers, including trade, ethanol, developing new uses for corn and strengthening rural economies through value-added agriculture.

While Secretary Johanns was touring the Commodity Classic Trade Show, KCGA Director of Value Added Programs Robert White explained the efforts of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) to expand the use of flexible fuel vehicles which can run on a blend of ethanol and gasoline up to 85 percent ethanol.

“As Nebraska’s governor, Secretary Johanns chaired the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition. He has been an active proponent of ethanol for many years,” according to White, who is NEVC vice chairman. “It was an honor to explain our ethanol efforts to him.”

A hot topic of discussion throughout the Commodity Classic was the issue of proposals in Washington that would initiate spending cuts in farm programs that were authorized by the Farm Bill through 2007. Many growers stopped at the NCGA booth at the trade show to send messages to their Representatives and Senators asking them to support the 2002 Farm Bill as it is written and authorized and to oppose cuts to farm programs. For more information on this issue, visit the Kansas Corn Growers Association web site at www.ksgrains.com.
 

Ag Statistics Values 2004 Corn Crop at $928 Million
According to the February crop report released from Kansas Ag Statistics, the 2004 corn crop is valued at $928 million, making it the state’s second most valuable crop. Our 2004 wheat crop was valued at slightly over $1 billion. The top five crops in terms of value in Kansas are wheat, corn, soybeans, hay and grain sorghum. The total value of all the crops produced in Kansas is $3.4 billion in 2004. That’s an impressive number and it illustrates how important the agriculture industry is to the Kansas economy.

 

2-22-05--Growers Head to Texas for Commodity Classic

Kansas corn producers are headed to Austin, Texas to take part in the Commodity Classic, the annual convention of the National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association. The convention is Feb. 23-26. Growers from across Kansas will attend the Commodity Classic where they can participate in learning sessions, policy discussions, and a trade show. This year’s trade show features more than 700 booths highlighting a wide variety of new equipment, products and services that are important to farmers.

Participants will hear from the new US Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, who is the keynote speaker at the Commodity Classic. Secretary Johanns has been an outspoken advocate of ethanol and other issues that are important to corn producers.

"Our growers are looking forward to hearing what he has to say about ethanol in the energy bill as well as farm bill programs," according to KCGA President Brian Baalman, Menlo.

Several Kansas corn producers will be involved in NCGA’s Corn Congress, which is made up of delegates from all of the member states. At Corn Congress, corn growers determine the direction of policy for the National Corn Growers Association. Kansas has five delegates who will vote in Corn Congress. They are Ron Blaesi of Sharon Springs, Charles Foltz of Garnett, Dan Guetterman of Bucyrus, Ken McCauley of White Cloud, and Bob Timmons of Fredonia.

State winners of NCGA’s Corn Yield Contest winners will be honored at a breakfast, and national winners will be recognized at the NCGA Awards Dinner. Education sessions will include discussion about guidance systems, natural gas prices, strip tillage, international markets as well as international competition, grain contracts, and preserving the family farm.

2-16-05--Wake Up to Kansas Agriculture Breakfast Brings Together Growers, Legislators
Kansas legislators and staff members were treated to pancakes and sausage at the 10th annual Wake Up to Kansas Agriculture legislative breakfast in Topeka on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The event is hosted by the Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA), Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (KAWG) and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA).

Growers participating from the Kansas Corn Growers Association were: Brian and Sheri Baalman, Menlo; Armin Nelson, McPherson; Bill and Liz Pauly, Denton; John Tibbits, Minneapolis; Charles Foltz, Garnett; Bob Timmons, Fredonia; Dan and Kitty Guetterman, Bucyrus. From the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association were: Greg Shelor, Minneola. Participating from the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association were: Greg Shelor, Minneola, Jeff Filinger, Cuba; Kelly Miller, Ellinwood; Ted Birtell, Scranton, and Art and Sidna Small, Neodesha. Participating from the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers was Paul Penner, Hillsboro.

KCGA and KGSPA also held board meetings in conjunction with the event.

1-20-05--Bill to Repeal Ethanol Labeling Introduced in Kansas
A bill that would repeal a law requiring fuel containing alcohol to be labeled was introduced in the Kansas Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday. The bill, SB56, is supported by the Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association and several other groups that support the use of ethanol.

“The law was enacted nationwide in the early 1980s because of problems caused by gasohol which was used to extend fuel supplies during the oil crisis,” according to KCGA/KGSPA Director of Value Added Programs Robert White. “The label served its purpose at a time when vehicles were less adaptable to the use of such fuels. Many ingredients, including methanol, were used in gasohol, and most were used at levels that would not be safe even today.”

Supporters of the bill argue that the labeling law served its original purpose and is no longer needed. Ethanol is found in over 30% of the gasoline sold nationwide. There are no health, environmental or automobile risks associated with ethanol.

“Today, the only alcohol being added to fuel in the Kansas market is ethanol, a highly refined fuel produced from corn and grain sorghum. There is no legitimate reason to have a label on fuels blended with 10 percent ethanol and below,” White said. “Of all the ingredients in fuel, ethanol is one of the safest.”

Gasoline is also much different than it was 25 years ago. All gasoline today has various detergents already added.

“Ethanol is one that adds octane and extends our fuel supply, while helping our economy and environment,” he said.

White said the associations plan to launch an effort to help fuel retailers understand how they can include ethanol in their fuel blends. Removing the labeling requirement would increase the amount of ethanol sold in Kansas, boosting local and regional markets for the fuel produced at ethanol facilities located in six rural communities.

“One of the benefits of ethanol is that it reduces our reliance on foreign oil and adds stability to our domestic fuel supply,” White said. “Ethanol is already found in a third of our nation’s gasoline. By removing the labeling requirement, fuel retailers will have more flexibility to offer ethanol-blended fuel when the economics allow it.”

E10 Unleaded fuel with 10 percent ethanol is approved for use by all domestic and foreign automakers. It is a renewable fuel and lowers polluting emissions.

Kansas currently has an ethanol production capacity of 130 million gallons at six plants located in Atchison, Colwich, Russell, Campus, Garden City and Leoti. A 35 million gallon plant is under construction at Garnett. Plans to build a 50 million gallon at Pratt and a 40 million gallon plant Phillipsburg also are well underway.
 

1-12-05--2004 Kansas Corn Crop Smashes Record
The 2004 Kansas corn crop of 432 million bushels set a new record for corn production in the state. The 2004 harvest broke the previous record of 420 million bushels set in 1999 by 12 million bushels, according to the Kansas Corn Commission. The Kansas Agriculture Statistics Service released the annual crop production report on Jan. 12.

Thanks to beneficial weather throughout the growing season in most parts of the state, the average corn yield in Kansas was 150 bushels per acre, the second highest average yield in state history. Kansas growers harvested corn on 2.88 million acres.

Even with the record crop, Kansas ranked ninth in US corn production, a tribute to excellent growing conditions nationwide. The US corn crop for 2004 was estimated at a record 11.8 billion bushels with a record average yield of 160.4 bushels per acre. This is the second consecutive year that national production and yield records were set.

2004 is the first year the National Agricultural Statistics Service kept statistics on ears per acre for Kansas. Kansas corn fields averaged 25,600 ears of corn per acre. Minnesota led the nation with 29,200 ears per acre.

The top ten producing states were
Iowa—2.2 billion bushels
Illinois—2.1 billion bushels
Nebraska—1.3 billion bushels
Minnesota—1.1 billion bushels
Indiana—929 million bushels
South Dakota—539.5 million bushels
Ohio—491.4 million bushels
Missouri—466.6 million bushels
Kansas—432 million bushels
Wisconsin—353.6 million bushels

The Kansas Corn Commission is a nine-member grower board that invests the half-cent per bushel corn checkoff in the areas of research, market development, promotion and education.

12-30-04--2005 Planting Season to Mark 10-Year Anniversary of Biotech Corn
The upcoming 2005 growing season will mark the tenth year that biotech hybrids have been commercially available to U.S. farmers. Biotechnology has revolutionized the way producers grow America’s top crop.

In 1996, growers planted biotech corn on just four percent of total U.S. corn acreage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2004, producers planted biotech seed on 45 percent of corn acres. If 2005 plantings support the five-year trend, biotech hybrids will account for approximately half of total U.S. corn acres in the coming year.

Kansas growers have already beaten that trend. According to the Kansas Agriculture Statistics Service, Kansas farmers planted 54 percent of their corn acreage with biotech seed. Twenty-five percent of the acreage was planted with insect resistant only varieties containing bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and 24 percent of the acreage with herbicide resistant varieties developed using biotechnology. Stacked varieties, containing both insect and herbicide resistance, were planted on 5 percent of the corn acreage.

According to a 2004 study by the National Center for Food and Agriculture Policy, biotech corn increased yields in 2003 by an estimated 87.5 million bushels and significantly reduced pesticide and herbicide use. The result was an additional $258.4 million in farm income.

Biotechnology helps producers grow more corn on less land, a fact that is evident when considering this year’s record yield projection of 160.2 bushels per acre.

Good stewardship practices and an effective regulatory system have helped biotech crops gain acceptance. In fact, biotech crops have been subject to closer regulatory scrutiny than any other agriculture product. That regulatory system is working well because there haven’t been any proven health incidents related to the use of this technology.

Biotechnology holds even greater promise for the future as new traits are developed to combat specific threats to corn, the technology will further increase production efficiencies. New hybrids may also offer new health and nutrition benefits.

12-15-04--Kansas Corn Yield Contest Winners Post Impressive Results

The National Corn Growers announced 27 national winners in the 2004 National Corn Yield Contest winners, and while no Kansas growers won national honors, state winners reported excellent yields.

Among the national winners, all but one beat 250 bushels per acre, and those national winners were from 16 states across the U.S. from New Jersey to California. Also six of the 27 national winners had yields of more than 300 bushels per acre. Several of the other national winning yields neared the 300 mark. Yields among national winners ranges from a low of 248.7 to a high of 339.5 bushels per acre, which was reported by Virginia grower David Hula.

Kansas winners had impressive yields, ranging from a low of 207.6 bushels per acre to a high yield of 297.4 bushels per acre reported by Todd Cyr of Clyde in the Irrigated category.

Winners are listed below:

Kansas Winners

Non-irrigated
Corey Franken of Bendena with a yield of 260.9, with Pioneer 33R79
Hugh Kinsey of Troy with a yield of 260.7 with Pioneer 33P62
LeRoy Elder of Linwood with a yield of 245.6 with Pioneer 33M54

No Till/Strip Till Non Irrigated
Jason Taylor of White Cloud with a yield of 261.7 with Taylor 8555Bt
Gene Hyllyer of Hiawatha with a yield of 249.3 with Pioneer 33K39
Warren Grable of Troy with a yield of 248.5 with NK Brand N70-T9

No Till/Strip Till Irrigated
Greg Stone of Garden City with a yield of 277.5 with Pioneer 31N28
Todd Wycoff of St. John with a yield of 270.7 with Pioneer 33P67
Ron Jacobson of Clifton with a yield of 236.4 with Pioneer 31A13

Ridge Till Non-Irrigated
Jimmy Elder of Linwood with a yield of 234.4 with Pioneer 31G66
Mark Taddiken of Clifton with a yield of 206.7 with Pioneer 35P15

Ridge Till Irrigated
Orville Williams of Montezuma with a yield of 267.4 with Pioneer 31N28
Bob Wietharn of Clay Center with a yield of 264.9 with Pioneer 33B51
Shawn Taddiken of Clifton with a yield of 260.6 with Pioneer 31N28

Irrigated
Todd Cyr of Clyde with a yield of 297.4 with Pioneer 31A13
Larry Stucky of McPherson with a yield of 263.5 with Garst 8377YG1/RR
Merl Rexford of Meade with a yield of 261.9 with Pioneer 32R43

The NCGA National Corn Yield Contest allows growers to see how they stack up against other growers across the nation and provides an opportunity to learn about practices that other growers have had success with.

State Corn Yield Contest winners will be honored at a breakfast at the Commodity Classic, the combined convention of the National Corn Growers and American Soybean Association, Feb. 24-26, 2005, in Austin, Texas.

12-2-04--Winter Storm Doesn’t Dampen Growers’ Enthusiasm for Kansas Commodity Classic

Dec. 2, 2004--Although a snow storm slowed arrivals to the Kansas Commodity Classic in Garden City on Tuesday, the event drew a near capacity crowd by mid morning. The Classic is the annual convention of the Kansas corn, grain sorghum, wheat and cotton producers. Growers heard from Congressman Jerry Moran and also from a panel of lobbyists from the corn, sorghum, wheat and cotton national associations. The morning’s discussions centered on the upcoming legislative session.

“We had a strong morning program with interesting speakers who did an great job of explaining the opportunities and obstacles agriculture will be facing in Congress in 2005,” according to Jere White, Executive Director of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. “Our morning program featured lively discussions between growers, the panelists and Congressman Moran, covering a wide range of topics from renewable fuels, to crop insurance to agricultural leadership.”

Following a lunch, growers participated in two of six breakout sessions with topics ranging from pesticides, marketing, irrigation and aquifer management, state legislative priorities and crop insurance.

“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the growers’ participation in these sessions,” White said. “Thanks to an excellent slate of speakers and topics, each of the sessions was well attended.”

Over 200 producers attended the event. This was the first year of the Kansas Cotton Association’s involvement in the Classic. The commissions and associations for the corn, wheat, sorghum and cotton producers held meetings and dinners in conjunction with the Classic.

“Garden City was an excellent location for this year’s Kansas Commodity Classic,” White said. “Southwest Kansas represents a substantial percentage of our state’s agricultural production, and we appreciate the efforts of the growers who braved a snowstorm and bitterly cold weather to participate in our annual convention.”

Plans are already underway for the 2005 Kansas Commodity Classic. The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association are based in Garnett.

11-23-04--Senator Roberts and Congressman Moran to Speak at Kansas Commodity Classic

Senator Pat Roberts and Congressman Jerry Moran have both been confirmed as speakers at the Kansas Commodity Classic, Tuesday, Nov.30 at the Garden City Plaza Inn. The Kansas Commodity Classic is the annual convention of the Kansas corn, grain sorghum, wheat and cotton producers.

Congressman Moran and Senator Roberts, both considered leaders in Congressional agricultural policy, will speak on the post-election outlook for agriculture issues. Senator Roberts serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee and is chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Congressman Moran has been at the forefront of crop insurance discussions, serving on both the House Agriculture Committee and chairing the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

The general session will begin at 9 a.m. with a panel discussion featuring agriculture lobbyists from the national wheat, corn, grain sorghum and cotton associations. Congressman Moran and Senator Roberts will speak at the 10:45 a.m. session.

After a buffet lunch, growers may participate in two breakout sessions from the following topics: Living Together in the Neighborhood--with Pesticides; Get More with Your Marketing in 2005; Irrigation Transition Program and the High Plains Aquifer; Applying Herbicides to Improve Efficacy and Minimize Drift; Kansas Legislative Outlook with Senator Steve Morris; and Group Risk Insurance Program Comparisons.

For a complete schedule, visit www.ksgrains.com. Growers may register at the door but are encouraged to preregister for the Kansas Commodity Classic to ensure they have a seat at the luncheon by calling 800-748-8034. Lunch will be available for the first 250 growers registered.

11-18-04--US Meat Export Federation Chairman to Speak at Corn Producers’ Dinner
Alan Smith, newly-elected chairman of the US Meat Export Federation will speak at the Kansas Corn Dinner sponsored by the Kansas Corn Commission. The dinner, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29 at the Garden City Plaza Inn, is open to corn producers and cattle feeders. Smith, of Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita, will talk to producers about the future of meat exports to Japan and elsewhere, and the importance of a strong export market to Kansas agriculture. Those planning on attending the dinner are asked to call 800-489-2676 to guarantee a seat.

For more information, contact the Kansas Corn Commission at 800-489-2676, or visit the web site at www.ksgrains.com
 

11-17-04--Corn, Grain Sorghum, Wheat and Cotton Producers to Meet at
Kansas Commodity Classic Nov. 30 at Garden City
Corn, wheat, sorghum and cotton producers will come together on Tuesday, Nov. 30 for the Kansas Commodity Classic at the Garden City Plaza Inn. This annual event will feature a wide range of topics from legislative and policy issues to production and marketing of Kansas crops. The 2004 Kansas Commodity Classic is hosted by the Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association and Kansas Cotton Association.

The day’s morning activities will feature a general session with Congressman Jerry Moran and Senator Pat Roberts (invited). In addition, a panel discussion will feature agriculture lobbyists from the national wheat, corn, grain sorghum and cotton associations.

After lunch, participants will choose two sessions from the following topics: Living Together in the Neighborhood--with Pesticides; Get More with Your Marketing in 2005; Irrigation Transition Program and the High Plains Aquifer; Applying Herbicides to Improve Efficacy and Minimize Drift; Kansas Legislative Outlook with Senator Steve Morris; and Group Risk Insurance Program Comparisons.

Commodity association and commission meetings will be held Monday, Nov. 29 through Wednesday, Dec. 1 in conjunction with the Kansas Commodity Classic. Visit www.ksgrains.com for a complete schedule.

Growers will be treated to a buffet lunch during the Kansas Commodity Classic. While registrations will be taken at the door, participants are encouraged to pre-register to guarantee a seat at lunch. To pre-register for the Kansas Commodity Classic, call 800-748-8034.

11-5-04--KCGA 2004 Annual Meeting November 29 at Garden City
The Kansas Corn Growers Association will hold its Annual Meeting at 8 pm. On Monday, Nov. 29 at the Plaza Inn 1911 E. Kansas Ave., Garden City. The meeting will be held following the Corn Producers Dinner, which begins at 6 p.m. However, members are not required to attend the dinner to participate in the annual meeting.
All members of the Kansas Corn Growers Association are invited to attend this annual meeting. Participants will hear updates on association activities and elect board members for the Northwest, North-Central and Northeast districts. Members will also discuss and vote on KCGA resolutions, which guide KCGA policy.

10-29-04--Garnett Ethanol Plant Organizers Celebrate Groundbreaking
With heavy equipment working in the background, organizers of East Kansas Agri-Energy broke ground on a 35 million gallon ethanol plant at Garnett. EKAE plans to complete the $46.5 million project and begin production by the end of May, 2005.

Monte Shaw of the Renewable Fuels Association told the large group of investors gathered at the plant site today that they were part of a national movement that is helping to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.

“We now have 81 plants in operation and 14 plants under construction. In fact, two plants are breaking ground today,” Shaw said.

A 50 million gallon plant in Goldfield, Iowa also broke ground today. Kansas-based ICM, Inc. is involved in the construction of the both the Garnett plant and the Iowa plant. In remarks at the groundbreaking event, ICM’s David VanderGriend said there was a strong demand for ethanol and that the plant would boost the local economy. “The money stays here when the ethanol leaves the county,” he said.

Ron Lamberty of the American Coalition for Ethanol reminded investors that there were many untapped markets for ethanol, some close to Garnett.

“Kansas City could use 150 million gallons, but right now they’re probably only using about 20 million gallons,” Lamberty said. “There is plenty of market out there.”

Kansas currently has six ethanol plants located in Russell, Colwich, Campus, Garden City, Leoti and Atchison. The six plants have a capacity to produce 130 million gallons per year. Jere White, Executive Director of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Commission and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association said the state could double its ethanol production in the next year.

“Right now our ethanol production uses 48 million bushels. When we double that and get to the point where we’re using 100 million bushels, that’s going to have a big impact,” White said.

The EKAE plant will create a market for 13 million bushels of grain per year to produce 35 million gallons of ethanol and more than 100,000 tons of dried distillers grains, a high nutrient livestock feed. A public offering for investors concluded in January of this year resulting in a membership of over 575 businesses and individuals.

10-12-04--Kansas Growers Applaud Congressional Approval of Disaster Assistance
A disaster assistance package has passed the House and Senate and is on its way to the President’s desk for signing. The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association supported the legislation. The disaster assistance package includes $2.9 billion in disaster assistance that growers can claim for 2003 or 2004. This legislation will have a direct impact on Kansas growers who realized terrible losses in 2003 and many who experienced losses this year as well.

“Kansas growers have suffered consecutive years of drought. Getting disaster assistance for 2003 was a priority for the Kansas Corn Growers Association,” according to KCGA President Brian Baalman. “Our Kansas Senators and Representatives recognized the need and supported disaster assistance for our growers.”

Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Sam Brownback cosponsored disaster assistance on in the Senate. Representative Jerry Moran and Representative Dennis Moore cosponsored disaster assistance in the House. The entire Kansas Congressional delegation voted in favor of disaster assistance.

Although many corn and grain sorghum producers are enjoying good harvests this fall, there are still growers in some areas who are still not enjoying a recovery from the drought.

“In 2003, every county was made eligible for disaster assistance,” KGSPA President Greg Shelor of Minneola said. “The good 2004 yields don’t make up for the catastrophic losses we saw nearly statewide in 2003.”

The bill requires that farm disasters be paid out of the Conservation Security Program, a stipulation KGSPA and KCGA opposed.

“A drought isn’t as dramatic as a hurricane, although those who saw the dust storms this spring may disagree. Regardless, both drought and hurricanes are natural disasters,” according to KCGA and KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “While the disaster assistance will definitely help our growers, we are disappointed that funding for our type of disaster must be paid for by other farm programs.”

In 2003, every county in Kansas county qualified for disaster assistance.

10-11-04--Corporate Tax Bill Victory Is Win for Kansas Growers

The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association applauded Senate approval of the Corporate Tax Bill today. The bill contained important ethanol provisions. The bill, passed by the House of Representatives last week, will now go to the President for his signature.

The tax bill contains the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), which extends the current blender’s tax credit for ethanol until 2010 and restructures those tax incentives to eliminate the impact on the Highway Trust Fund. The small ethanol producer credit provision included in the bill will make farmer-owned cooperatives eligible for this tax credit, which will provide millions of dollars per year in tax relief to the farmer owners.

“This bill is a big win for Kansas—for farmers, ethanol producers and the rural communities where they are located,” according to KGSPA President Greg Shelor.

Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Sam Brownback both voted in favor of the measure, which passed 69-17 today. Last week, Rep. Jerry Moran, Rep. Dennis Moore, Rep. Jim Ryun and Rep. Todd Tiahrt all voted in favor of the bill in the House.

“This was a complex bill, and we appreciate the unanimous support from our Kansas Congressional delegation,” KCGA President Brian Baalman of Menlo said.

While the ethanol provisions in the Corporate Tax Bill will help the ethanol industry, association members will continue to work for passage of the Renewable Fuels Standard in the Energy Bill. The RFS would create a demand for 5 billion gallons of ethanol per year.

“There is no doubt that VEETC and the small producer credit will help our growing ethanol industry,” according to KCGA Executive Director Jere White. “Passing an energy bill with the Renewable Fuels Standard remains a priority. Not only do our growers and the ethanol industry need the RFS, our country needs a sound, comprehensive energy policy.”

Kansas now has six ethanol plants that produce 130 million gallons of ethanol per year and create a market for 48 million bushels of grain sorghum and corn.

10-11-04--East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC Announces Groundbreaking – October 29, 2004
(EKAE NEWS RELEASE)

(Garnett, KS) – East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC (EKAE) a Kansas Limited Liability Company, has announced the official Groundbreaking ceremony for a 35 million gallon per year ethanol plant to be built in the Golden Prairie Industrial Park located in Garnett, KS. The event will be held on Friday, October 29, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the plant site.

“We are truly excited to be able to make this announcement, this is a significant event in our project development and we would like to thank all the investors and project supporters for their continued support of our project and the ethanol industry,” said Bill Pracht of Westphalia who serves as chairman of EKAE.

HDB Construction of Topeka, KS was awarded the contract for site excavation. Preliminary site work has begun which includes construction layout, plant access roads, soil stabilization, site grading and replacement fill. The construction phase of the project will have a significant economic impact on the region. It is anticipated during the peak construction phase there will be approximately 150-200 workers on site.

ICM, Inc. of Colwich, KS and Fagen, Inc. of Granite Falls, MN will respectively be the plant designer and general contractor. Each of these companies have extensive ethanol background and have recently constructed and engineered ethanol facilities in Russell, KS, Oakley, KS and Trenton, NE. An aggressive construction schedule is planned with June 1, 2005 as the target date for plant start-up.

The $46.5 million dollar project will create a demand for more than 13 million bushels of grain annually which will be used to produce 35 million gallons of ethanol, more than 100,000 tons of dried distillers grains and the plant will also produce and capture carbon dioxide.

The concept of building an ethanol plant in Garnett, KS was an initiative of the Anderson County Economic Development (ACED) committee. Upon completion of the feasibility study, ACED handed the project over to what is now known as EKAE. The company was formed as a Limited Liability Company in October, 2001 by 122 regional farmers, ranchers, businesses and individuals for the purpose of building the ethanol plant. A public offering concluded on January 24, 2004 resulting in a membership of over 575 business and individuals.

This announcement comes at a time of record growth in the ethanol industry. The U.S. currently has 81 facilities that have the capability to produce 3.4 billion gallons annually. EKAE will be the 7th ethanol plant in Kansas.

For more information contact EKAE toll free at (877) 352-3552.


9-23-04--Kansas Corn Growers Support Disaster Package

Disaster aid recently approved by the Senate would help Kansas corn producers recoup losses incurred in 2003. The Kansas Corn Growers Association reaffirmed its support for disaster assistance for the 2003 crop year. The disaster assistance package was co-sponsored by Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Sam Brownback.

“The Senate package would help our growers, and we support it. While it’s true that growers in many areas of the state are seeing some recovery from the multi-year drought this year, that doesn’t erase the losses that our growers have had, not only from 2003, but from previous consecutive drought years,” according to KCGA President Brian Baalman, Menlo. “This disaster package would give growers the opportunity to claim losses for the 2004 or 2003 crop year.”

KCGA continues to support efforts that would lessen the need for emergency drought assistance packages like the one passed last week by the Senate. Long-term disaster solutions are offered in a House bill introduced by Missouri Congressman Sam Graves last year. The bill, known as the Companion Disaster Assistance Program Act (CDAP), would provide an effective means of delivering disaster assistance to producers who suffer significant yield losses and multiple-year losses. However, that bill has not moved forward. KCGA is also active in discussions regarding new crop insurance proposals that would address crop losses due to multi-year droughts.

“Improvements to crop insurance are needed solutions to the problems we face here in Kansas. But these solutions cannot help our growers today, and that is why we support the disaster assistance cosponsored by our Kansas Senators,” Baalman said.

KCGA will continue to work with the National Corn Growers Association to press for policies that would improve disaster measures for growers—whether it is through improvement to crop insurance or disaster