PARKERSBURG, Iowa – A Parkersburg farmer and leader with over 20 years of experience in agriculture, construction and off-road technology, has joined the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to serve as the director of outputs and measurements, a newly-created position at the organization.

Harley Janssen, who started his new position Oct. 7, will translate and interpret production and sustainability data, and help growers access new sustainability markets, playing a crucial role as the NCGA helps farmers access tax credits that will allow them to sell into the aviation sector.

“We want to make certain that existing private and public sustainability programs are as inclusive as possible when it comes to how they work with and assist corn growers,” Janssen said. “This is an exciting new challenge for me, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the grower community to build a sustainability program at the National Corn Growers Association that is second to none.”

Janssen has led cross-functional teams of engineering, manufacturing, product management, customer support, and customer success professionals.

“We are thrilled that Harley will be putting his extensive experience to work for our farmers,” said Sean Arians, NCGA vice president of sustainable production and value chain engagement. “The high caliber experience he brings to this issue will help the National Corn Growers Association take its sustainability work to new heights.”

When asked what sustainability markets were and how they will ultimately benefit farmers, Janssen told Farm World, “A good example is the aviation sector. There is a new tax credit that could allow growers to sell into that sector. To qualify, the fuel must have a minimum reduction of 50 percent in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. I will play a role in making the case for growers that they are achieving those goals.”

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. Before joining the NCGA, he was vice president of product and operations at AGI (Ag Growth International) in Kansas City, Kan. He also did stints at Corteva Agriscience and Vermeer Corp.

When asked how his farming background shaped your decision to pursue mechanical engineering at Dordt University and his ultimate career path, he said, “It’s difficult to grow up on a multi-generational family farm without it significantly impacting you. For me, I’ve always had an interest in math and science. Pursuing mechanical engineering and starting my career in the equipment industry was a natural fit.

“In engineering, there is typically a drum beat of ‘there’s got to be a better way,’” he said. “That resonates with farmers. It fit me. I feel that same way today. We work in commodity markets where, economically, the price of a commodity naturally chases the cost of production. That means we need to keep getting better. I hope I can continue that drum beat at the National Corn Growers Association.”