Advertise on podcast: Cobcast: Inside the Grind with the National Corn Growers Association

The United States of America will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding this year. And throughout the quarter-millennium since the Declaration of Independence was signed, corn farmers have been feeding and fueling a growing nation. But on the heels of another record corn crop in 2025, what’s it going to take to create enough new corn demand to keep up with the supply? In this episode of the Cobcast, we discuss the future of corn with NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson and VP of Sustainable Production Sean Arians. Together, we’ll explore the roots of this record production, the implications for supply and demand, and the opportunities for new markets, particularly in the biomaterials and ethanol sectors. And we’ll consider what new products might help drive agricultural success over the next 250 years.

2025 was some kind of year for America’s corn growers. A record crop was overshadowed by market concerns and uncertainty, and it seems like the roller coaster ride will continue into 2026. But through it all, NCGA’s volunteers and staff have been grinding it out on behalf of members, advancing a policy agenda to boost demand for America’s crop and protect growers’ ability to do their jobs. In this holiday message, NCGA President Jed Bower shares his thoughts on a couple of NCGA’s big wins from 2025, like opening new avenues for trade, reversing Mexico’s GMO corn ban, protecting access to crop protection tools, and advancing farm tax policy wins in Congress. And, we take a look ahead to the big priorities for 2026, including a nationwide, year-round E15 bill. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a happy new year from all of us here at NCGA.

For more than 50 years, the Environmental Species Act has regulated the way that farmers can use certain crop tools, like pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. But American farmers are experiencing the most significant change in ESA policy yet, as the judicial system compels the Environmental Protection Agency to adapt its policies and comply more precisely with the law as it’s written. So in this episode, we’re learning about how NCGA remains active in the public input process for this policy change, ensuring that growers do not lose access to the tools that help them feed and fuel the world. We’ll speak with Dr. Becky Langer, NCGA’s Director of Inputs and Innovation, about how the process is playing out, how NCGA has partnered with the EPA, and what the impact will be when it’s all said and done.

American farmers face generational challenges in today’s market. And the new president of the National Corn Growers Association, Jed Bower, isn’t shying away from the big tasks ahead of him. Bower took the reins as NCGA’s top grower-leader effective October 1, on the same day that the U.S. federal government shut down over a funding negotiations standstill. And in this episode, he’ll explain why Congress needs to get back to work, reopen the government, and make progress on priorities that could help producers find their way back to profitability. Jed is joined by Lesly McNitt, NCGA’s vice president of public policy. Together they’ll discuss how to make progress on E15 ethanol blends, deals with new international trading partners, and federal financial assistance for farmers.

Our ability to produce American corn is outgrowing demand for the crop.   And if growers are going to get some relief from sagging corn prices, our nation’s innovators are going to have to find new uses for the commodity. Fortunately, corn is a versatile crop that can be processed into all manner of plastics, fibers and distillations. And with this year’s Consider Corn Challenge, the NCGA shined a spotlight on some of these innovations, while also incentivizing new research. So in this episode, we meet Curtis Firestone, the co-founder and CEO of Aerterra, an air filter manufacturer that sources its household and commercial products from the corn that we grow in our fields. The filters are eco-friendly, and can be used interchangeably with the petroleum-based versions that are standard in homes and businesses. We’ll be joined as well by Chad Epler, a farmer from southeast Kansas who serves as the chair of the NCGA action team dedicated research and new uses for corn. Together, we’ll discuss how the Consider Corn challenge is a game changer for innovators, how it’s moving the needle on corn demand, and what other future uses we’re pioneering.

“Make America Healthy Again” might sound like something we can all get on board with. But the MAHA Commission convened by President Trump and headed by HHHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has set its sights on some odd targets… …including two mission-critical pesticides for corn farmers, Glyphosate and Atrazine. Without citing scientific evidence, a report from the MAHA Commission seems to blame these safe and effective tools of agriculture for kids’ health problems. This is in spite of decades of EPA, USDA and FDA precedent that have established safe practices and regulations for their use. So in this episode, we hear from two key leaders at NCGA—VP of Public Policy Lesly McNitt and Director of Inputs and Innovation Dr. Becky Langer—about what the organization is doing to protect these important crop treatments. We’ll discuss why most folks don’t understand the importance and safety of pesticides, what the report means for corn growers, and how farmers can protect their access to these tools.  

Growers are hoping the recent rollout of a new U.S. trade deal with the United Kingdom is a sign of things to come. The agreement is the first trade pact with a new trading partner since 2012. And amid tariff uncertainty and unsettled markets, the presidential administration is signaling its desire to make trade deals with new countries a top priority. In particular, discussions are ongoing to open up new markets for corn in India and Vietnam, representing a potentially huge boost for the American corn industry. So in this episode of the Cobcast, we’re talking to two top experts on international trade: Andrew Brandt, the Director of Trade Policy at the U.S. Grains Council; and Nancy Martinez, the Director of Public Policy, Trade and Biotechnology at the National Corn Growers Association. Together, we’ll answer many of the distinct trade questions on growers’ minds at this moment, like what are some other possible destinations for corn exports? What could potential deals look like with these new countries? And what does it all mean for folks who are just getting a crop in the ground?

It’s tax day, but some of the important policies that are helping your farm maintain profitability are in jeopardy if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is allowed to expire this year. Provisions like the Qualified Business Income Deduction, 100% Bonus Depreciation, and the increased Estate Tax Exemption are critically important to producers across the country. So in this episode, we’re talking with two of NCGA’s foremost experts about how these policies benefit farmers… and what we can do to preserve them. Andy Jobman is a farmer from Gothenburg, Nebraska, and chairs NCGA’s Risk Management Action Team, which has been researching the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the farm gate and building up our case to preserve it. And Wayne Stoskopf is NCGA’s Director of Public Policy, serving as the D.C. staff liaison for all matters involving tax policy. Together, they’ll explain why farmers can’t afford to lose these tax protections, what it means for rural communities, and why it’s critical for growers to contact their legislators about this issue.

Corn growers may have their best opportunity yet to advance legislation that would allow the year-round sale of 15% ethanol fuel blends, also known as E15 or Unleaded 88. Such a move would stoke demand for corn and support growers who are battling stagnant corn prices and spiking input costs. Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer and her co-sponsors have reintroduced an E15 bill, which has broad bipartisan support. Nearly 9,000 corn growers and advocates from 47 states even sent a letter to House and Senate leadership this week calling for action on the measure. But the work is not done, and growers nationwide need to rally to the cause in order to make year-round E15 a reality. In this episode of the Cobcast, we’re joined by Sen. Fischer herself to discuss the importance of E15 legislation for corn farmers and the agricultural economy. Along with NCGA CEO Neil Caskey, she spotlights the coalition of support for the bill, the benefits of E15 for consumers and the environment, and the need for better messaging about agriculture's impact. They also touch on the current economic challenges facing farmers, the impact of tariffs, and the legislative progress needed to make E15 a permanent option.

2024 has been a year of ups and downs for US corn growers. But through it all, the one thing you can count on is that members of the NCGA pull together to protect the industry for everyone. And in the past several days, those efforts have paid off to deliver some early Christmas presents for NCGA members. Foremost on that list, the dispute settlement panel convened under the USMCA has ruled that Mexico's proposed GMO corn import ban is not supported by science, and is in clear violation of the trade agreement. And also, the continuing resolution passed by the US Congress to avert a government shutdown contains an extension of the Farm Bill and some much-needed economic assistance for growers. In this special holiday message from NCGA President Ken Hartman, he provides a quick update for growers on these developments, and shares NCGA's holiday wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy new year for all.

After an unprecedented election cycle, we finally know what the American political landscape will look like in the Congressional term ahead. The election results include victories for more than 90 percent of the candidates backed by CornPAC, and have big implications for farmers across the country. So in this episode of the Cobcast, we're going to analyze the takeaways of the Republican sweep of D.C. leadership, the effectiveness of NCGA's political strategy, and the key races that will shape ag policy in the new Congress. We're joined by NCGA’s Vice President of Public Policy Brooke Appleton, and Director of Grassroots and Political Strategy Sadie Knight. And we'll discuss the implications of the new Congressional leadership, President-elect Trump's forthcoming cabinet selections, and pressing agriculture issues, particularly trade policy, that will be at the forefront as we move into 2025. We'll also reflect back on lessons from this election cycle and the importance of rural votes in shaping the political landscape.

Caught between rising costs and stagnant corn prices, growers are feeling the pinch. So, as the National Corn Growers Association transitions from the leadership of one member-President to another, its leadership and staff are focused on growing demand for corn in both the short- and long-term horizons. In this episode, we meet newly-minted President Ken Hartman, Jr., a grower from southern Illinois who is taking the reins as NCGA's top leader. And we also meet his predecessor, former President Harold Wolle from south-central Minnesota, who's stepping into the role of NCGA chairman. Together, they'll discuss the top priorities for NCGA in the year ahead, how the organization is driving new sources of demand for corn, and why it's more important than ever to be in touch with your representatives in Washington.

Herbicides, insecticides and fungicides make up some of the most important tools in a farmer’s tool box. And it’s up to each one of us to take seriously the responsibilities of being a good steward for those tools, and the environment around us. But recently, the process by which the Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticides has been challenged in court, on the grounds that it didn’t comply with parts of the Endangered Species Act. And so EPA has to build a plan to prove it’s in compliance with the ESA, causing potential disruptions for growers. In this episode, we’re examining how we got here, what changes growers should expect, how farmers should get prepared, and how groups like the National Corn Growers Association are working with the EPA and other environmental services to minimize the impact on farming operations. Our expert guests include: Megan Dwyer, the Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship for Illinois Corn Stanley Culpepper, an Extension Weed Scientist with the University of Georgia Bill Belzer, the Global Stewardship Director at Corteva This episode is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

Corn growers need to act now in order to support some important pieces of legislation that are moving through Congress in Washington, D.C. The Farm Bill. The Next Generation Fuels Act. Opening up global trade opportunities to lower the cost of inputs. Your lawmakers need to hear from constituents like you who support these issues. And now is the perfect time to let them know. With lawmakers returning to their home districts for the August recess, we have a golden opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter most to the agriculture community. So in this episode, we’re talking to Lindsay Croke, the marketing director at Illinois Corn, and Luke Crumley, director of public policy and sustainability at Ohio Corn and Wheat, about how local advocacy makes a national impact. They’ll offer practical advice for farmers to stay informed and effectively communicate with their elected representatives and staff, and discuss the opportunities that are available at this time of year for growers to show up and be heard. 

Ever since Mexico issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn, there's been confusion and concerns from growers and policymakers alike here in the United States. Mexico is the number one market for U.S. corn growers by a wide margin, and over 90% of the corn that's planted in the United States is biotech. Accordingly, Mexico's decree threatens market access and adds a great deal of legal uncertainty for our corn growers. And ever since the decree was announced, organizations like the National Corn Growers Association, the Corn Refiners Association and the U.S. Grains Council have been leveraging every opportunity to push back. Recently, those efforts resulted in a trade dispute settlement hearing under the USMCA, which represents the best opportunity to reverse this destructive trade policy. So in this episode, we're going to revisit the history of the ban, explore the arguments that were made in the dispute settlement hearing, and discuss what it all means for farmers. Our guests include: Andrew Brandt, the director of trade policy for the U.S. Grains Council Heidi Bringenberg, the U.S. Grains Council’s country director for Mexico Kristy Goodfellow, the vice president of trade and industry affairs for the Corn Refiners Association Nancy Martinez, the National Corn Growers Association's director of public policy, trade and biotechnology We'll also hear about the U.S. Grains Council's work to maintain relations in Mexico, in a segment that is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.