Roots June 2018 by Iowa Corn

IOWA CORN

Roots

A LOOK INSIDE: CORN RESEARCH Could Change Bio Plastics

IOWA PORK AND IOWA CORN A Critical Partnership

WATER QUALITY Funding Efforts Will Accelerate

CORN-FED SUMMER ROADTRIP June 2018

IOWACORN.ORG/E85 WRANGLING GRACE CAFÉ Bancroft

To ﬁnd award-winning corn-fed burgers and pork tenderloins...fueling up with Ethanol/E85 all along the way.

WILLIE'S SPORTS BAR

IRISH SHANTI

Hampton

GORDY'S AT RUSTIX

Elgin

Humboldt

GRID IRON GRILL

SMOKIN· HEREFORD BBQ

Webster City

Storm Lake

HAPPY'S PLACE Dubuque

Locate an Ethanol/E85 fuel retailer by visiting:

IOWACORN.ORG/E85

THIRSTY CARP Lake View

COON BOWL III Coon Rapids

ANKENY DINER

BEER BURGER

Ankeny

North Liberty

*5$00$·6 .,7&+(1 & CHECKERED FLAG Walcott

THREE C'S DINER

MORGAN'S CORNER

Corning

Ottumwa

ROBIN'S NEST CAFÉ

BUFFALO TAVERN

Clarinda

Burlington

BEST PORK TENDERLOIN PER DISTRICT

Iowa Corn-fed Summer Roadtrip Iowa Corn wants you to join them in hitting the road for a #cornfedsummer. Fuel up your ﬂex fuel vehicle at one of hundreds of E85 stations across the state and enjoy an award-winning corn-fed burger or pork tenderloin. Visit iowacorn.org/ethanol to view the list of locations to ﬁll up with E85 along your way!

BEST BURGER PER DISTRICT

Iowa Pork and Iowa Corn — A Critical Partnership off the farm,” McGonegle said. “We export around 25 percent of the pork that we raise, not only here in Iowa but around the country, and nearly all of that pork was fed corn at some point in its life.” Iowa Corn and Iowa Pork organizations have worked hard over the years to foster their partnership, and though McGonegle has only held his CEO position for two years, he knew immediately that the relationship among organizations was “critical.” Pat McGonegle, Iowa Pork CEO

ach year, it is estimated that over 550 million bushels of corn are indirectly exported through pork and beef exports. Though it goes without saying, it’s numbers like these that really put into perspective just how important the relationship among livestock and corn producers is — Pat McGonegle, Iowa Pork CEO, couldn’t agree more. “I kind of view our partnership with Iowa Corn and the corn industry as a way to walk corn

“Iowa Corn is a true partner to Iowa Pork — they’re willing to not only invest ﬁnancially but also to work to create programs that beneﬁt different sectors of agriculture,” McGonegle said. “It’s critical from a number of angles that this partnership continues. First and foremost, to position Iowa strategically as a leader in agriculture. Secondly to continue the activities we’re doing together which help producers.” Since one of his favorite things about the pork industry is its ability to adapt to change, he greatly appreciates that Iowa Corn does the same within the corn industry.

“We’re always working to do better in the pork industry and continuously improve the things we do,” McGonegle explained. “Whether it’s production efficiencies, environmental practices or neighbor-to-neighbor relationships, we’re always trying to do things better. In our partnerships with Iowa Corn we’re helping producers adapt and incorporate water quality protection practices on their farms, we’re working to export pork and meat products around the world — the list goes on. It’s all critical.” McGonegle said he also appreciates Iowa Corn for their willingness to partner with a variety of organizations to achieve goals — not just from a ﬁnancial aspect, but for their strategies and knowledge with the issues. “One of the shining stars among ag partnerships is the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF),” he said. “It’s an organization that helps all types of producers by making sure they’re doing the right things and adhering to regulations.” Iowa Corn and Iowa Pork currently work together

on several initiatives in addition to CSIF such as the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), Iowa Food & Family and the World Pork Expo International Dinner. With recent agriculture issues like tariffs and trade blocks, McGonegle said the entire ag industry is on its toes, so he’s glad Iowa Corn and Iowa Pork are working together. “In the trade arena, there are certainly challenges,” he said. “With a potential for trade renegotiations on the horizon, we’re making sure that producers have a voice in that issue, and we’re making sure that they understand what’s going on in the marketplace.” As for future projects and opportunities — McGonegle said the possibilities are endless. “Iowa Pork’s door is always open to working with Iowa Corn,” McGonegle said. “We certainly appreciate their leadership in the ag industry.”

Director Elections: IOWA CORN PROMOTION BOARD: Crop Reporting Districts 4, 5, 8 and 9 are up for election. A brief timeline has been provided below: • June 25: Deadline for requesting absentee ballots • July 17: Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before July 17 IOWA CORN GROWER ASSOCIATION: Crop Reporting Districts 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are up for election. A brief timeline has been provided below: • July 17: Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before July 17 • July: 18: ICGA officer to count ballots • August 2018: Results announced via newsletter

To learn more about the candidates running for the Iowa Corn Promotion Board or the Iowa Corn Growers Association, please visit iowacorn.org/directorelections.

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All Good Things Come in Corn Packages How Corn Research Could Change the Future of Bioplastics renewable feedstock in the production of sustainable chemicals with signiﬁcant market demand. In 2016, 62 billion pounds of MEG were sold. It is predicted that global demand for MEG will grow at a rate of four percent each year. That four percent growth equates to an additional 94 million bushels a year. “Patenting research that improves production efficiencies of cornbased bio-MEG helps us eliminate the need for petroleum-based ethylene derivatives by using a homegrown crop,” Brecht explained. “By reducing the demand and reliance on fossil fuels, it will also contribute to environmental stewardship by taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere through corn production.”

ew people think about the process and the abundance of chemical ingredients used to create a plastic bottle, but a determined group of farmers and researchers at the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) decided it was time for a change. Together, they set out on a quest to create a greener bioplastic ingredient using corn, and in turn stimulate the future of the corn industry. The ICPB received U.S. and international patents on a proprietary production method using corn in the industrial manufacturing of a raw material, monoethylene glycol (MEG). MEG is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of antifreeze, plastic bottles for pop or bottled water and polyester clothes. Today, MEG makes up about 30 percent of bottles and polyester. By investing Iowa Corn checkoff dollars to fund this research, ICPB is exploring new opportunities to create additional demand for corn. “As more manufacturers seek ways to produce their products from greener materials with greater efficiency while reducing their dependence on fossil fuels, ICPB’s corn-based MEG has the potential to meet a vast and growing market,” said Central City farmer Pete Brecht, Iowa Corn Research & Business Development Committee Chair. “By improving the manufacturing processes for bio-based materials, this method will continue to expand the renewable products market. Achieving enhanced yields of corn-based MEG over the competition makes this bio-based process more competitive with less waste than current bio-based MEG. This one switch to a more renewable material will reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and improve the environmental footprint for hundreds of consumer products.” As a result of this research , ICPB’s patented MEG process won the National Corn Growers Association’s ﬁrst Consider Corn Challenge. This challenge is a global competition hosted by the NCGA to identify new and innovative uses for ﬁeld corn as a

The current way to produce bio-MEG is through a conversion of sugar cane ethanol, usually sourced from Brazil, to ethylene, but almost all MEG still comes from fossil fuels. ICPB’s new process-in-development can eliminate the added costs from using cane sugar by making MEG from corn sugar in one step. This new corn-based MEG would be considered a “drop-in chemical” meaning the consumer would see no change to what is currently used aside from it being partially bio-based. ICPB research programs will continue to explore new and innovative uses of corn such as plastics and industrial chemicals. Currently, ICPB develops and licenses intellectual property then partners with companies for further development and commercialization; this strategy will increase the likelihood of successful new products related to corn and create new opportunities for corn farmers. The MEG project is a great example of how using checkoff dollars for research and business development projects can create direct returns to Iowa corn farmer investments.

ICGA Membership: Q&A We recently sat down with Buss and Petersohn to discuss their introductions to Iowa Corn and ﬁnd out why they both continue to have passion for our organization. Meet Larry Buss – District #4, Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director.

Meet Gary Petersohn – District #8, Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director.

– Iowa Corn Grassroots Network Membership and Checkoff Committee Chairman.

– Iowa Corn Grassroots Network Membership and Checkoff Committee Member.

– Iowa Corn Growers Association Member.

Larry Buss is a row crop farmer just west of Logan, Iowa. His wife, two sons, daughters-in-law and grandson are all involved in the family’s agricultural businesses.

Gary Petersohn has been farming for more than 40 years raising corn, soybeans, hay and maintaining a cow/calf operation in Tingley, Iowa.

WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT AGRICULTURE? Buss: I have three reasons: 1) Iowa is a great place to live. 2) Farming provides an opportunity to work with family, continue a legacy of past generations and to establish a legacy for future generations. 3) Farming today provides an opportunity to provide food, ﬁber and fuel for not only our fellow Iowans but also for the growing global population. Petersohn: As a thirdgeneration farmer, I’ve always been excited about putting seed in the ground and nurturing it to maturity or helping a baby calf get started and watching it grow. I like how agriculture is a constantly changing business. I have embraced many of the “new” ways throughout my career like accepting the challenge of no-till farming when it was ﬁrst introduced in the area. These changes have not only kept me interested in my occupation, but many of them have improved my production.

WHY DID YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF IOWA CORN? Buss: Iowa Corn is a great organization focused on

creating opportunities for Iowa Corn-farmer profitability. It is, among other very positive aspects, innovative, collaborative and very professional. It is constantly working for me as an Iowa corn farmer to influence legislation at the state and federal levels to support my farming career and that of my family. As a member of Iowa Corn, I can provide my support to such an organization that only has the best interest of my farming and agribusiness endeavors as its focus. Petersohn: After several years of farming I knew I wanted and needed to help promote my product in some way. At that time, I had no idea how my membership was being used, but over the years I became more involved and learned how much Iowa Corn was doing to benefit growers.

WHAT HAS IOWA CORN DONE FOR YOU? Buss: There’s a broad spectrum of Iowa Corn activities that support my farm and agribusiness career and that of my family. On one end of the spectrum, Iowa Corn is responsible for the ethanol industry! That alone is huge!

On the other end of the spectrum is something that Iowa Corn has been doing each and every year that most people probably think just happens; that is the annual Harvest Weight Exemption for allowable truck weight increase from 80,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight(GVW) to 90,000 lbs. GVW during the fall harvest season. Iowa Corn requests this every year from the Governor. This greatly enhances my ability to get my fall harvest accomplished and increases my proﬁtability. As I see it, an Iowa Corn membership is my support to an organization that is totally focused on enhancing my proﬁtability and that of other corn growers. The three-year membership fee of $140 is nothing compared to the value this organization provides in support to my farming/ agribusiness career. In addition, the Corn Checkoff program in Iowa has been extremely successful due to the leadership of all involved with Iowa Corn Promotion Board. For just a mere 1 cent per bushel contribution from each bushel of corn sold, strong efforts across a multitude of fronts increase my farm’s

profitability and that of each and every corn farmer in Iowa and the nation. Petersohn: After I became more involved, I saw firsthand just how much Iowa Corn has been doing behind the scenes to promote corn exports and fund research. We’re always finding new ways to use corn — plastic and ethanol are great examples.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ICGA MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE. Petersohn: I’ve really enjoyed participating in local roundtable policy development. It has been great being able to talk with friends, neighbors and anyone else who will listen about all the things Iowa Corn has done for the Iowa corn farmer in the past 50 years.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOALS AS AN ICGA MEMBER? Buss: My goals for Iowa Corn include improving proﬁtability for Iowa corn producers, ﬁnding new areas to add value to corn, expanding corn markets, expanding education on the value and use of corn and working to have legislation

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and regulation that do not hinder my farming operation, but enhance it and enhance the state and country that we live in. Petersohn: We just started a local county corn grower chapter with only a handful of attendees and I would like to build on it and possibly share events with other county groups. Things like going into schools and teaching kids about corn uses, or speaking with FFA students about opportunities within Iowa Corn.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE JOIN IOWA CORN? Buss: Anyone who grows corn, wants a better price, more favorable legislation and less adverse regulation from the State and Federal level should be a member. With declining rural population and increasing urban population, elected representation is shifting from rural to urban meaning that corn farmers must rely more and more on organizations such as Iowa Corn to work constantly in favor of corn farmers. Plus, Iowa Corn is also always working to increase demand and thus increase the price paid to Iowa corn farmers. Petersohn: Iowa Corn helps support our efforts to promote the use of what we grow. It’s always good to help secure your own future when you can!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR RECRUITMENT TIPS YOU COULD SHARE WITH OTHERS TO GROW MEMBERSHIP? Buss: As a recruiter for Iowa Corn, I think it’s simple — just take the time to ask someone to join. That includes both corn farmers to be grower members and those who support/provide needed services to the corn industry. With Iowa Corn being a grassroots organization, the strength of Iowa Corn comes from its members. Increasing our numbers makes for a stronger organization and translates into more proﬁtability for Iowa corn growers. Petersohn: Absolutely. Always remember to be polite, informative and have a membership form with you at all times. It’s also important to note that it’s essential to ask people to join, because

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typically they are not going to seek you out. Keep in mind that timing is everything and sometimes you have to let it go and hope to catch them later. Don’t be afraid to be persistent, but try not to be overbearing. I’ve found face-to-face meetings work best for me, but you should do what you’re comfortable with.

Long-Term Water Quality Funding Will Accelerate Farmer-Led Efforts CURRENT IOWA CORN WATER QUALITY EFFORTS

ne of ICGA’s legislative successes this year was the signing of water-quality legislation by Gov. Kim Reynolds. This provides nearly $300 million of dedicated funding for water-quality efforts over the next 12 years. Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) farmer-leaders joined Gov. Reynolds at a signing ceremony as she recognized them and many others for helping to champion water quality funding legislation through the statehouse. “We thank the legislature and the governor for the passage and signing of SF512, which provides a stable and increased funding source to improve Iowa’s water quality,” said Mark Recker, Iowa Corn Growers Association President and Arlington, Iowa farmer. “These dollars will go toward additional cost-share and outreach to help farmers

implement conservation practices on our farms and in our communities.” ICGA also hosted two farmerto-farmer seminars focused on the importance of soil health and conservation at the Iowa Power Farming Show. These events represent farmer-led discussions happening across the state. “As farmers, we want to do our part,” Recker said. “I see it at every farmer-focused event I attend, a strong desire to adopt conservation practices and to share with one another technical knowledge and key learnings. We are working with our fellow farmers, experts and scientists to use the latest technology and data in determining best practices. As we go forward together, we will take what we learn and adapt what we do to the conditions on our farms.”

• Soil Health Partnership (SHP). This is a farmer-led initiative of the National Corn Growers Association working to quantify the benefits of practices supporting soil health from an economic as well as an environmental standpoint. More than 100 farms are enrolled in the program, including almost 30 in Iowa. The SHP tests and measures farm management practices to improve soil health and benefit farmers along with hosting numerous field days throughout the year. Visit soilhealthpartnership.org to locate an upcoming field day in your area.

INREC is leveraging private investments to work with Iowa State University on multiple efforts to measure progress in conservation adoption and water quality improvement. Farmer Water Quality Outreach Iowa Corn has worked proactively to mentor and communicate the positive steps local farmers are taking to implement practices on their farms. For more information on how Iowa Corn is leading the way on water quality, visit iowacorn.org/water.

The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) This alliance was created with our partners at the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Pork Producers Association. The IAWA works within priority watersheds in the state and provides funding, outreach guidance, watershed planning and conservation expertise. Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) Iowa Corn proactively supports the INREC and the adoption of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy by bringing together nearly every segment of Iowa’s agriculture industry to help lead environmental efforts related to water quality.