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MCGA Summer Golf Outings Approaching
Corn Referendum Passes
MCGA Annual Meeting Held
Homeland Security Chemical Regulations
Clean Stove Act Introduced
Corn Heat Legislation Introduced
Michigan Corn Grower Elected to National Corn Board
Impact of Higher Corn Prices on Food Prices
Best Management Practices for Anhydrous Ammonia Handlers
MCGA SUMMER GOLF OUTINGS APPROACHING
Dust off your clubs and find those golf shoes because registration for the annual Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) golf outings has begun!
Once again this year, golfers have the option of participating in two golf outings. The MCGA Southern Michigan Golf Outing is being moved to Central Michigan and will be held at Centennial Acres in Sunfield on August 6. The fourteenth annual Thumb Area Golf Outing will be held at Ubly Heights Golf and Country Club in Ubly on August 14.
Check-in for both outings begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Both outings are a scramble format (hit from the best team shot) so golfers of all skill levels will have a great time. Participants will enjoy lunch while on the course and will conclude the day with dinner and a short awards ceremony.
All MCGA members and supporters are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required as space is limited to the first 144 participants for each location. Interested participants are encouraged to reserve a spot early. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, allowing industry professionals to interact with the state’s corn growers while on the course.
The early registration cost is $40 per person for MCGA members, and $75 per person for non-MCGA members. Early registration for the Central outing must be postmarked by July 11 and for the Thumb outing must be postmarked by July 25. After the early registration deadline the cost is $60 per person for MCGA members and $100 for non-MCGA members. There must be at least one MCGA member golfer registered with every foursome. Registration information will be mailed to MCGA members and is available online by visiting www.micorn.org.
Participants will receive the following with their registration:
- 18 holes of golf with a cart
- Donuts & coffee, lunch and dinner
- Awards
- Chance to win door prizes
- A day filled with fun and networking
- A package of degradable, corn-based golf tees
If you would like to golf, but are not a member, now is the perfect time to join the MCGA and receive the member rate for the golf outings. The cost is $60 for a one-year membership, $155 for a three-year membership or $500 for a lifetime membership. Students enrolled in an accredited agricultural program may also join the MCGA at a reduced rate of $20 for a one-year membership.
For additional information, to register for the event, join MCGA, or discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact the MCGA at 1-888-323-6601.
CORN REFERENDUM PASSES
Michigan corn growers have spoken and they want to continue investing in research, market development, education and new uses for Michigan corn for five more years.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture conducted the referendum vote for the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM), the state’s corn check-off program, Jan. 28-Feb. 8, 2008. The vote passed by 79 percent of the popular vote of farmers and 77 percent of the production voted.
“We are very excited that the vote passed by such a large majority. We work hard for the best interests of our state’s corn famers and this vote was a reaffirmation that they approve of the work we’re doing for the industry,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, CMPM executive director. “Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry and corn is a big part of that. It is exciting to get out there and make a difference in Michigan's corn industry."
MICHIGAN CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS FUEL UP ON TOP ISSUES AT ANNUAL MEETING
Nearly 150 corn growers, industry leaders, legislators and aides are better informed about corn and corn-related projects for the upcoming year, thanks to the 2008 Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) Annual Meeting. With discussion topics ranging from ethanol on the racetrack to legislation to the future availability of corn, those in attendance received an overview of the issues and related legislation facing the corn industry in the coming year.
“The MCGA Annual Meeting provides Michigan’s corn growers and legislators an excellent chance to discuss policy and issues that impact the corn industry,” said Scott Miller, MCGA president and a corn grower from Elsie. “By featuring top-notch speakers such as National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) first vice president Bob Dickey, NCGA Director of Ethanol and Business Development Geoff Cooper, and Mark Thomas, seven-time IHRA funny car champion and corn grower from Ohio, we were able to have a well-rounded program to really prepare ourselves for what is on the horizon.”
The meeting held in Lansing, Mich., allowed growers to learn about state and national policy issues and how they will affect the corn industry over the next year. Growers heard from State Representatives Judy Emmons and Paul Opsommer; Cooper; Ryan Findlay, Michigan Farm Bureau; and Dave Schweikhardt, Michigan State University; who all participated in a legislative discussion panel and provided updates on both state and national legislation.
The MCGA annual presents the “Friend of Corn” award to a deserving individual as a way to honor them for their support of Michigan’s corn growers. “This year, we decided to not only honor someone who is a great supporter of the corn industry, but also someone who played a prominent role in the creation of our organization,” said Miller. “This year’s award was given to Elgin Darling, a corn grower from Maybee, Mich. Elgin took a leadership role and showed great vision by helping start the Michigan Corn Growers Association and he was also very influential in the establishment of the state’s corn check-off, the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM).”
Another highlight of the meeting was the roundtable discussions with legislators held during lunch to discuss important issues affecting their farming operations. This gave growers an opportunity to talk with legislators about what is important and voice their concerns and wishes. “By inviting legislators and aides to participate in our annual meeting, we are enacting our grassroots strength and educating elected officials about our industry,” said Miller. “The legislators were eager to talk about the expanded use and production of ethanol in Michigan and also the increased usage of corn as a heating source, as well as hear the thoughts of the state’s corn growers.”
During the Annual Business Meeting, MCGA members were asked to represent the state’s corn growers by running for one of the seven open seats on the MCGA Board of Directors. Board members re-elected for another term were: Ed Breitmeyer of Buckley for District 1; Pat Feldpausch of Fowler for District 4; Mark Kies of Allen for District 7; and Miller for an at-large position. Matt Cary of Alma was elected to represent District 2 and Alvin Ferguson of Allenton was elected to represent District 5.
The meeting also included recognition of the state’s Corn Yield Contest winner, farms that are environmentally verified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), and the 2007 MCGA Scholarship recipients.
“This year’s meeting was outstanding,” added Jody Pollok-Newsom, MCGA executive director. “We’re now looking forward to the 2009 Annual Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Radisson Hotel.” She also acknowledged the support of several sponsors in making the event such a huge success. Sponsors for the 2008 MCGA Annual Meeting were: Agrium Advanced Technologies, Agrotain International, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Great Lakes Hybrids, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
HOMELAND SECURITY CHEMICAL REGULATIONS
To see a copy of a letter from the Department of Homeland Secuirty regarding pesticide storage and other security issues, click here.
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CLEAN STOVE ACT OF 2007 INTRODUCED
On Nove. 15, 2007, H.R. 4244, the Clean Stove Act of 2007 was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. John Salazar (D-Colorado). This legislation would authorize a $500 tax credit to encourage consumers to remove their old, conventional wood stoves and replace them with a new cleaner burning, higher-efficiency corn stove, pellet stove or wood stove. This bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Discussions are currently taking place to get an identical bill introduced in the Senate.
ADDITIONAL CORN HEAT LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Michigan’s corn farmers have long known the value of their crop – from livestock feed to food products to fuel, and now many are looking to corn as an alternative source of heat. The State of Michigan is transitioning to a bio-based economy and is now taking steps to further promote and support bio-based technologies. Legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives concerning heating with corn.
In order to provide an incentive for burning corn, two bills were introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives on August 21, 2007. H.B. 5115, introduced by Rep. Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga), Rep. Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City), and Rep. Mary Valentine (D-Muskegon) would provide a tax credit to biomass burning unit manufacturers equal to the cost of manufacturing biomass burning units. H.B. 5115 was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. H.B. 5114, also introduced by Rep. Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga), Rep. Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City), and Rep. Mary Valentine (D-Muskegon), would provide a tax credit to consumers who purchase a biomass burning unit. The tax credit would be equal to 25 percent of the total amount paid to purchase and install the unit. H.B. 5114 was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
MICHIGAN CORN GROWER ELECTED TO NATIONAL CORN BOARD
For the first time in nearly ten years, a Michigan corn grower was elected as one of 15 members of the National Corn Board. Clark Gerstacker, a corn grower from Midland, was elected to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Board to represent corn growers from all over the country.
Gerstacker, who serves as a member of the MCGA board of directors and vice president of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM), was elected to represent corn growers on the national level. “It is an honor for me to be elected to represent my fellow corn growers from across the country on the NCGA Corn Board,” said Gerstacker, who also serves as a member of the NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team. “I look forward to working on the national level to protect and further develop NCGA as a respected leader in Washington, DC, and throughout the United States on corn policy and growers’ issues.”
IMPACT OF HIGHER CORN PRICES ON FOOD PRICES
In order to combat recent speculation that the increase of corn prices is going to cause an increase in consumer food prices, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) comissioned a study looking at the implications. The study looks at two different scenarios: 1) if higher corn prices are temporary; and 2) if higher corn prices are sustained. To view the report from the study, click here.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ANHYDROUS AMMONIA HANDLERS
Theft of anhydrous ammonia for the production of methamphetamines is a huge problem and poses a serious risk not just for the thieves, but for farmers as well.
The Anhydrous Ammonia Safety and Security Practices (AASSPs) are standards established by the Commission of Agriculture that constitute safe and secure anhydrous ammonia storage and handling. Sellers and end users that maintain anhydrous ammonia fertilizer in compliance with the AASSPs are exempt from tort liability as explained in Public Act 418 of 2006.
To comply, sellers or end users shall implement any two of the following anhydrous ammonia practices:
- Storage in a tank that is properly equipped with a functioning tank or valve lock that is used at all times except when the seller or end user is taking anhydrous ammonia from the tank or filling the tank.
- Storage with a substance added to the anhydrous ammonia that is or that contains a dye that will, on release from the container that holds the anhydrous ammonia, stain objects that it comes in contact with, including skin and clothing, in a highly visible manner. The tank shall have decal stickers or other signage indicating the dye is present.
- Nurse tank storage with an inhibitor that will, when used in the illegal production of methamphetamine, reduce the purity or usability of the drug.
- Security cameras or other video surveillance equipment with recording capability that provides for the identification of trespassers and other persons on the property within the vicinity of the storage tank(s).
- Storage in a tank that is located within locked security fencing at all times, except when the seller or end user is taking anhydrous ammonia from the tank or filling the tank.
- Storage in a tank that is visible by lighting, motion detector lighting or motion detector alarms.
- Nurse tank stewardship that includes all of the following:
- Removing tank hoses when not in use.
- Parking tanks downwind of sensitive areas.
- Not leaving tanks sitting in a field overnight.
- Not keeping full tanks on site any longer than absolutely necessary.
For more information, click here. If you notice suspicious activity, call the Meth Hotline at 1-866-METH-TIP.
