View from the Cab: Visiting the president

I am lucky enough to be able to interview the major players in agriculture every once in a while.

A few weeks back, I spoke with National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp following the annual meeting of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. He noted three major priorities for NCGA: the farm bill, defending the Renewable Fuel Standard and trade.

“The harvest is late and it’s kind of staggering to see as much corn still in the field as there is but people are making good progress,” Chrisp said.

Chrisp is pleased with the president instructing the Environmental Protection Agency to start the rule-making process allowing E-15 for year round sales. He hopes the rule comes out after the first of the year, possibly in February. It would need to be completed by then for next summer’s marketing season.

“We are taking every opportunity that we can to impress upon folks that the priority needs to be extended here in order to get that rule making process started,” Chrisp added.

According to the NCGA website, the Chrisp farm consists of an operation based in south central Nebraska with several different types of corn and soybeans. The centennial farm was established in 1880. As NCGA president, Chrisp also serves as president of the NCGA Foundation and as a delegate to the U.S. Grains Council.

Previously, he served on the Ethanol Action Team, the Production and Stewardship Action Team, Resolutions Committee and Finance Committee. Chrisp has also chaired the Association Relations Committee and served as a representative to Prime the Pump.

NCGA started back in 1957 and represents over 40,000 corn farmers around the nation and the interests of more than 300,000 growers contributing to corn checkoff programs in various states. The organization works closely with almost 50 state affiliate organizations to provide opportunities for corn producers.

(The View from the Cab is powered each week by Petersen Motors in Fairbury)