Washington Visit Gives Corn Farmers a Voice on Economic Challenges
Corn growers are warning that another year of negative returns is putting increasing financial pressure on farms across the country. The National Corn Growers Association says high input costs combined with low commodity prices continue to squeeze already thin profit margins.
This week, about 200 corn growers are in Washington, D.C., for the organization’s annual July Corn Congress and fly-in. They’ll meet face-to-face with members of Congress and administration officials to explain the economic challenges impacting farm families and rural communities.
According to Lesly McNitt, vice president of public policy, “I think a lot of legislators want to be able to bring home wins for their constituents. And they recognize that agriculture and corn farming in particular and renewable energy are really important economic drivers in those rural communities. And so I think there’s every reason in the world for Senate Democrats and Republicans to come together on this legislation and bring home a win for their constituents.”
Growers are urging lawmakers to strengthen farm policy, expand market opportunities, support biofuels, and improve risk management tools that help producers weather difficult economic conditions.
She added, “I think what I’m hearing from farmers is that the input cost issues have really gained a lot of traction. And that is just something that our organization has really been leading on.”
NCGA leaders say these conversations are critical as policymakers consider decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture. For many growers, they say, meaningful action is needed to help restore profitability and keep family farms financially sustainable.
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