IN THIS ISSUE:

• Childs Walks Away With NCGA CYC for Fourth Consecutive Year
• Farm Bill Debate to Continue
• Corn Growers Support Amendment to Protect Producers
• Corn Growers Anxiously Await Senate Action on Trade Promotion Authority
• Corn Growers Welcome China into WTO
• Corn Shipment Headed to Cuba
• Corn Growers Support Interim Resolution of Soybean Dispute with China
• NCGA's Place on Corps Advisory Panel Ensures Farmers' Voices Are Heard to Improve Locks and Dams
• NCGA Says to Consider Options Other Than a Spring Rise on the Missouri
• NCGA and Nebraska Corn Grower Leaders Improve Leadership Skills

Childs Walks Away With NCGA CYC for Fourth Consecutive Year
For the fourth consecutive year, Francis Childs of Manchester, Iowa, with a record-breaking yield of 408.2 bushels per acre, has once again walked away with the NCGA 2001 NCYC. (More On This Story)

Farm Bill Debate to Continue
Senate farm bill deliberations continued Thursday on S. 1731, the Agriculture, Conservation and Rural Enhancement Act of 2001. Debate resumes today, but no votes are scheduled, and many farm bill experts are bracing for another week of debate. "With no limit on debate and dozens of amendments, the farm bill process will continue well into next week," said NCGA President Tim Hume. "I do believe the Senate will vote next week on a farm bill. But is doubtful that the House and Senate can hammer out an agreement in conference anytime soon."

Senate leadership had hoped to work through several dozen amendments on Thursday, but such expedience never materialized.

Thursday afternoon, Senate Democrats attempted a vote on cloture, but fell short of the required 60 votes. The cloture vote came as Sen. Tom Daschle, D-SD, attempted to move his substitute amendment through the Senate There are now a number of amendments currently queued for consideration.

Sens. Thad Cochran, R-MS., and Pat Roberts, R-KS., are expected to introduce their version of the commodity title sometime next week, but no earlier than Tuesday. Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-MN., is expected to introduce an amendment that will restrict access to EQIP funds for large confined animal feeding operations (CAFO), as well as restricting access to funds for those seeking to increase their operation beyond the eligible size. An amendment to allow the sale of food and medicine to Cuba added more controversy to the action. A controversial environmental provision contains provisions similar to those opposed to in the House by NCGA, and were inserted without a formal vote in the substitute. NCGA will work to strike the provision on the floor. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the Corn Growers sent a letter to Sen. Harkin, urging him to oppose amendments that would further reduce limitations on farm program benefits below levels included in the Committee's bill, S. 1731. The payment limitations set in S. 1731 for combined direct and counter-cyclical payments is $100,000 per person; the marketing loan and LDP limits remain the same as current law ($75,000).

However, under a proposed amendment by Sens. Byron Dorgan, D-ND, and Tim Johnson, D-SD, payments would be limited to $75,000 for combined counter-cyclical and direct payments, and there would be a $150,000 annual limit per crop for marketing loan payments and LDPs. The proposed amendment provides a $50,000 spousal allowance, but eliminates the three-entity rule, as well as the use of commodity certificates. A vote on the Dorgan/Johnson payment limitation amendment is expected next week.

S. 1731 has been interrupted several times by non-farm bill legislation. Late last night, Sen. Harkin vowed that he would use procedural tactics to ensure there are no further interruptions. However, certain bills, such as appropriation legislation, have privileges that may allow them to reach the floor, in spite of the Senator's efforts, while others were already scheduled for debate. Harkin made several comments suggesting that there will be no economic stimulus package unless there is a farm bill. For more information on the farm bill, click here.

Corn Growers Say Farmers Are Best Judges of Biotech Corn Effectiveness
The NCGA rejects the conclusion of an analysis released today by Benbrook Consulting Services claiming that corn developed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has hurt rather than helped U.S. farm income.

Economics rule in corn production and U.S. growers wouldn't use a technology that doesn't give a positive return on investment, noted Leon Corzine, chairman of the NCGA Biotech Working Group.

"U.S. corn producers are very attuned to costs and revenues and the bottom line. About 18 percent of corn farmers in the U.S. chose to plant Bt corn this past year. It is ridiculous and downright insulting to assume that we would make that decision without having clearly weighed the costs and benefits," said Corzine.

NCGA has long stated that biotech hybrids are one tool that corn producers have at their disposal, Corzine continued. "Individual farmers decide whether it makes sense in their operations," he explained. "It is not appropriate nor effective in all corn production situations." NCGA's Know Before You Grow program available at NCGA's website, www.ncga.com , helps farmers decide whether to use biotech hybrids, he pointed out. And, NCGA supports the Insect Resistance Management (IRM) program to ensure that Bt hybrids will retain their effectiveness in protecting corn from insects.

Corzine said much more credible studies of Bt corn show that it is very effective in areas of high corn borer population. Studies have shown that Bt hybrids offer yield enhancement, a reduction in mycotoxin levels and a reduction in the use of pesticides.

One recent example of such research comes from a group of 22 scientists from USDA and Midwestern land grant universities who made the following statement in response to similar criticisms of Bt corn: "The scientific community has examined the risks and benefits of Bt plants more than any other novel agricultural technology developed over the past two decades, as demonstrated by the vast body of literature, scientific discussions, and numerous public meetings facilitated by the EPA, the USDA, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on this subject. We find the evidence to date supports the appropriate use of Bt corn as one component in the economically and ecologically sound management of lepidopteran corn pests." The report by Benbrook is part of a series published by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and the Genetically Engineered Food Alert on issues related to biotechnology.

Rick Tolman, NCGA executive vice president and CEO, noted, "The IATP report immediately lacks credibility because they use as their farmer organization spokesperson a representative of the American Corn Growers Association (ACGA). ACGA has much stronger ties to and support from the environmental extremists than they do from actual corn producers in the U.S. They are not credible representatives for U.S. corn growers."

Concluded Corzine, "The bottom line is that if Bt corn were not economic and effective for those farmers who choose to buy it, it would not and will not survive in the marketplace. Farmers know what works for them and what will return net income to their operations. So far, Bt corn has proven its value in appropriate situations. As long as that continues, farmers will continue to use this tool."

For more information about NCGA and biotechnology, click here.

Corn Growers Support Amendment to Protect Producers
On Wednesday, the NCGA, sent a letter to U. S. senators, urging their support for an amendment introduced by Sen. Christopher Bond, R-MO. Sen. Bond's amendment would provide the Secretary of Agriculture with the authority to review proposed federal agency actions that may have had a significant adverse economic impact on agriculture or that may have jeopardized the personal safety of farmers and ranchers. The amendment was tabled on Thursday.

"Government regulations and policies often have a significant impact on farmer's livelihood and the viability of their operations," said NCGA President Tim Hume. "Farm operations throughout the country suffer under a growing amount of burdensome regulations, hurting the domestic and international competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. The Bond amendment would provide a policy safety-net, one that would allow the Secretary to stop regulations that adversely affect farmers without any substantial public benefits."

"The Bond Amendment would ensure implementation of efficient and cost-effective government policy," Hume concluded. Other organizations signing the letter include: the American Farm Bureau Federation; National Association of Wheat Growers; National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association; and the National Cotton Council.

For more information on farm policy, and for the text of the letter, click here.

Corn Growers Await Senate Action on Trade Promotion Authority
The Senate Finance Committee approved Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation by a vote of 18 to 3. The bill is likely to be considered by the full Senate next year. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-MT, and Ranking Member Charles Grassley, R-IA, closely resembles the bill passed last week in the House of Representatives.

Some Republican members have pushed for floor action on the bill before adjournment. However, Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle, D-SD, has made it clear that the legislation will not come to the floor before next year. For more on Trade Promotion Authority, click here.

Corn Growers Welcome China into WTO
China entered the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Tuesday, following action by the Ministerial Conference that approved the terms of entry. China, now officially the 143rd member of the WTO, enters the organization after 15 years of negotiation and planning. "Our farmers are the best in the world, and trade with China will boost the rewards of production," said NCGA President Tim Hume. (More On This Story)

DID YOU KNOW??
http://www.ncga.com/ provides an easy-to-use search engine to search the web site.

Looking for specific information? It's easy to find it online at http://www.ncga.com/!

Corn Shipment Headed to Cuba
The M.V. Mazatlan is headed to Cuba, loaded with U.S. corn. After receiving an expedited license from the Bureau of Export Administration, and the necessary paper work from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the ship set sail, loaded with 24,000 metric tons of corn, from the Archer Daniels Midland Co., facility in Ama, La. Garry Niemeyer, a corn grower from Glenarm, Ill., and member of the NCGA Production and Stewardship Team, said, "NCGA supports increased trade opportunities with all our trading partners including resumption of normal trade relations with Cuba.

NCGA is pleased to see this shipment of corn, produced in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, making its way to Cuba. This shipment exemplifies the broad impact of trade across the Corn Belt," remarked Niemeyer. The shipment is expected to reach Cuba on Dec. 16.

To view NCGA's letter to the President on this issue, visit the leadership resource center here.

Corn Growers Support Interim Resolution of Soybean Dispute with China
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a statement on Thursday, announcing that the United States has reached an interim agreement with the People's Republic of China that will pave the way for increased soybean exports. Last June, China imposed trade measures that blocked U.S. exports of the oilseed.

"This quarantine had immediate impacts for genetically modified soybeans and potential impacts on future corn shipments," said Keira Franz, NCGA director of public policy.

NCGA and other ag groups sent a letter to President Bush regarding this issue in October, seeking resolution of the soybean quarantine. The President did address the issue during his trip to China for the APEC summit in Shanghai.

Log onto the Leadership Resource Center to learn more about the financial benefits of trade with China. Click here.

DID YOU KNOW??
http://www.ncga.com/ offers daily "News of the Day" stories online. Visit each day to learn what's happening in the corn industry.

Corn Growers' Grassroots Successfully Promotes TPA
Starting on Monday, Dec. 3, hundreds of corn growers across the United States received an e-mail from the NCGA. The message they received was simple: use the Legislative Action Center to write your member of Congress, and urge passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). (More On This Story)

NCGA's Place on Corps Advisory Panel Ensures Farmers' Voices Are Heard to Improve Locks and Dams
The NCGA has gained a position on an advisory for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that will ensure that the views of farmers are heard as the Corps determines future improvements of locks and dams on the river. Paul Bertels, director of production and marketing for the NCGA recently attended a joint meeting of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Economic Coordinating Committee (ECC) and the National Environmental Coordinating Committee (NECC), in Davenport, Iowa. These two groups function as steering committees for the Corps' Upper Mississippi River/Illinois Waterway Navigation Study. Also attending the meeting were representatives from the Midwest Area River Coalition 2000 (MARC 2000). (More On This Story)

NCGA Says to Consider Options Other Than a Spring Rise on the Missouri
In recent years, environmentalists have proposed changing the proven, systematic way water is released on the Missouri River for unproven benefits to certain fish and sandbars to increase the reproduction of bird indigenous to the area. No one wants to damage the environment, but what the activists fail to mention is the increased potential for spring floods. Likewise, the accompanying summer reduction in water discharges would eliminate navigation on the Missouri River, would threaten water supplies, and jeopardize navigation on the Mississippi River. The NCGA has lobbied against the Fish and Wildlife Service plan for flow control, pointing out a spring rise would adversely affect citizens and farmers from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. (More On This Story)

NCGA and Nebraska Corn Grower Leaders Improve Leadership Skills
Grower members of the Nebraska Corn Development, Utilization and Marketing Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association gathered tips on improving their leadership skills at a seminar sponsored by NCGA and Syngenta Crop Protection Dec. 10-11, in Omaha, Neb. (More On This Story)

NCGA THIS WEEK

• Dec. 17 NCGA Vice President of Marketing Brian Stockman, NCGA Director of Development Tom Slunecka and NCGA Director of Public Policy Keira Franz will meet with American Soybean Association representatives in St. Louis
  
  
• Dec. 17 NCGA Chairman Lee Klein and Executive Vice President and CEO Rick Tolman will meet with Phillip Morris representatives in Washington, D.C.
  
  
• Dec. 18-19 Stockman and NCGA Membership Services Manager Byron Keelin will attend the Indiana Regional Leadership Program in Indianapolis
  
  
• Dec. 21 NCGA offices in St. Louis will close at 3 p.m.