Growers renew corn marketing program another five years

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan corn producers have voted to continue the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) – the state's corn checkoff – for another five years.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted the referendum early this year. For the program to continue, the referendum had to pass by both the majority of corn farmers and the majority of corn production voted. The referendum passed with 81 percent of farmers voting in favor, representing 83 percent of the production voted.

“We’re pleased that Michigan’s corn growers have voted so overwhelmingly to continue the program,” said Tom Durand, president of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. “The work of the checkoff program is more important than ever, as we’re facing low corn prices and other tough challenges in the farm economy.”

The CMPM was created under the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, Public Act 232 of 1965. This law allows for the establishment of checkoff programs for commodities grown in Michigan and sold. The CMPM must be renewed by a vote of all Michigan corn farmers every five years.

Michigan Corn presents awards at 2018 annual meeting

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Corn Growers Assoc. (MCGA) honored state Rep. Dan Lauwers and farmer Ken Wadsworth with special awards at this year’s annual meeting.

Twelve years ago, the MCGA created the Friend of Corn award as a way to honor individuals who have shown great support, leadership and dedication to the industry. In 2017 the board voted to present the Friend of Corn award to a legislator each year.

This year the board chose Lauwers to receive the award. His career has always centered around agriculture, and he has been a strong and consistent voice of support for the industry.

From his support of the MAEAP program to making sure the programs and funding were available to improve the agriculture industry, Lauwers has been a vocal advocate for corn growers and farm families. He has consistently stood up for science-based decision making and made sure agriculture was represented accurately in policy discussions in Lansing.

In 2017, the board also created a new Distinguished Service award. This annual award will be presented to people in the corn industry who have exhibited exemplary leadership and service. The board chose to present the 2017 award to Wadsworth.

Many others look up to this farmer. He has dedicated his life to expanding the opportunities on his farm as well as the operations of neighbors. He served as former chair of the MCGA and as a board member of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, and was instrumental in getting the first ethanol plant in Michigan.

Wadsworth dedicated his life to making sure opportunities were available not just to his family, but to his entire community and industry.

The MCGA thanks Ken and Dan for their commitment and dedication to Michigan’s corn industry. Their contributions are greatly appreciated.

Farmer leaders encouraged to apply for national program

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The application deadline for the National Corn Growers Assoc. (NCGA) DuPont New Leaders program is quickly approaching. The program targets farming couples and individuals who are interested in growing their industry participation or who are considering agricultural board leadership.

The all expenses-paid program begins June 18-21 in Des Moines. During this four-day session, participants will receive communications training, learn about prominent policy topics and network with other farmers. Throughout the course of the program, farmers will also participate in online activities to communicate with other participants and program leaders to hone their communication and leadership skills.

The program concludes in February 2019 at Commodity Classic where participants will attend an issues briefing, Corn Congress, and a banquet where they will be recognized. To apply, participants must be at least 21 years of age and a member of the NCGA. Participants cannot be serving on a NCGA affiliated board or Corn Congress. Applications are due March 30, and they are available at https://ncga.formstack.com/forms/new_leader_application

For more information, visit www.ncga.org/nlp or contact Hannah Vorsilak, Indiana Corn Marketing Council education and training director, at hvorsilak@indianacorn.org or 317-644-2791.

USDA appoints two from Midwest to Popcorn Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of two members to serve three-year terms on the Popcorn Board. Newly appointed are Dan J. Sleaford of Manito, Ill., and Rachel C. Foley of Delphi, Ind.

The Popcorn Board is composed of five popcorn processors. The Popcorn Promotion, Research and Consumer Information program, operating as the Popcorn Board, helps maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets for popcorn and popcorn products.

A roster of members is available on the Popcorn Board page at www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/popcorn online. More information is also available on the Popcorn Board’s webpage at www.popcorn.org

New IBCA-IBC board of directors set to begin work for 2018

(photo in 6401)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc. (IBCA) held elections during recent Area Beef Meetings to choose three area directors who sit on the IBCA-IBC (Indiana Beef Council) board of directors.

Beef producers in Area 3 elected Mick Douglas of Owensville, producers in Area 9 reelected David Duncan of Wingate and those in Area 10 elected Bob Dragani of Plymouth.

During the annual business meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Jan. 27, the IBCA membership elected officers for 2018-19. The new officers are President Joe Horstman of West Lafayette; President-elect Dr. Bruce Lamb of Milford; Vice President Neal Smith from Pendleton; and Treasurer Andrew Stewart of Greensburg.

Also serving on the Executive Committee with the officers are Promotions Committee Chair Dr. Jennie Hodgen, Membership Chair Neil Hollingsworth and Immediate Past President Tim Schwab. The board is made up of 10 area directors as well as representatives from dairy, veal and allied industries.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT are Dr. Bruce Lamb, Tim Schwab, Joe Horstman, Neil Hollingsworth, Neal Smith and Andrew Stewart. Dr. Jennie Hodgen is not pictured.

(Photo provided)

USDA makes Christmas Tree Promotion Board appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of five producers and one importer to serve on the Christmas Tree Promotion Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms ending on Dec. 31, 2020.

Newly appointed producer members are Jim Corliss of Newburgh, Maine, and Roger W. Beyer of Molalla, Ore. Reappointed producer members are Paul F. Battaglia of San Martin, Calif., Della Jean Deal of Laurel Springs, N.C., and Beth Walterscheidt of Elgin, Texas. The importer member reappointed is Christopher Maciborski of Manton, Mich.

The 12-member board has 11 producers representing production in the eastern, central and western regions of the United States, and an importer member.

USDA announces appointments to two sheep boards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently announced the appointment of five members to serve on the American Lamb Board.

Those tapped to serve three-year terms are Sally J. Scholle, producer, Littlestown, Pa.; David Quam, producer, San Angelo, Texas; Peter J. Camino, feeder, Buffalo, Wyo.; Elizabeth A.W. Dressler, first handler, Parker, Colo.; and Greg Deakin, seedstock producer, Cuba, Ill.

The board is composed of 13 members, including six U.S. producers, three feeders, three first handlers and one seedstock producer.

Perdue also appointed three members to serve on the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center board of directors. The appointed producers and marketing expert who will serve three-year terms are Jeremy Geske, producer, New Prague, Minn.; Brenda J. Reau, producer, Petersburg, Mich.; and Steve W. Lewis, expert in marketing, Artesia, N.M.

The board is composed of seven voting and two non-voting members. Voting members include four who are active producers of sheep in the United States, two who have expertise in finance and management and one who has expertise in lamb, wool or lamb product marketing.

USDA appoints Tennessee producer to Cotton Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 13 members, 13 alternate members and one advisor, including one from the Farm World area, to serve on the Cotton Board. They will serve three-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2020.

Newly appointed alternate member from Memphis, Tenn., is Rafe A. Banks.

The Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966 (Act) authorized a national cotton research and promotion program that is both industry-operated and -funded. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

USDA’s National Pork Producers Delegate Body appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 157 producers and six importers to the 2018 National Pork Producers Delegate Body. The members in the Farm World area who are appointed to serve one-year terms include:

•Illinois: Dave Conrady, Elkhart; Michael Haag, Emington; Pamela S. Janssen, Minonk; Dale L. Weitekamp, Raymond; Jason Propst, Toledo; and Curt Zehr, Washington

•Indiana: Nick Maple, Amboy; Beth Tharp, Coatesville; Valerie Duttlinger, Gentryville; Dallas Foster, Greenfield; Brian Martin, Kokomo; and Jeb Stevens, Osgood

•Iowa: Ryan Pudenz, Ames; Dwight D. Mogler, Alvord; Marv Van Den Top, Boyden; Howard Hill, Cambridge; Aaron Juergens, Carroll; Curtis Meier, Clarinda; Steven Kerns, Clearfield; Dave Struthers, Collins; Trent Thiele, Elma; Dennis C. Liljedahl, Essex; Gregg K. Hora, Fort Dodge; Jamie Schmidt, Garner; Timothy Schmidt, Hawarden; Edward E. Juhl, Hudson; Mike Ver Steeg, Inwood; Leon Sheets, Ionia; Tim Bierman, Larrabee; Stephen Burgmeier, Lockridge; James Hogan, Monticello; Dave Moody, Nevada; Dale Reicks, New Hampton; Art Halstead, Pella; Mark Meirick, Protivin; Al Wulfekuhle, Quasqueton; Kenneth E. Ries, Ryan; Marv Rietema, Sioux Center; Greg Lear, Spencer; Michael Paustian, Walcott; Scott W. Tapper, Webster City; and Erin Brenneman, Wellman

•Kentucky: Eric Heard, Auburn; and Maurice Heard, Rockfield

•Michigan: Fred Walcott, Allendale; Robert Dykhuis, Holland; and Brian Pridgeon, Montgomery

•Ohio: David Deao, Arcanum; Jim Newton, Eaton; William Knapke, Fort Recovery; and Rich Deaton, New Madison

•Tennessee: James Mathis, Duck River; and Jamey Tosh, Henry.

USDA announces Potato Promotion Board appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 30 members to serve three-year terms on the National Potato Promotion Board beginning March 1.

Newly appointed producer members from the Farm World area are Blake Thorlund of Greenville, Mich., and Kyle Michael of Urbana, Ohio. Area reappointed producer members include Kyle Lennard of Sturgis, Mich.

The National Potato Promotion Board consists of producers, importers and one public member. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.