Corn Growers Conserve the Environment

Corn Growers support stewardship and conservation practices:

Corn growers’ stewardship efforts are enhanced through conservation programs and to continue the environmental gains producers have made, there must be a greater emphasis on working lands conservation programs, said the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to the Senate Agriculture Committee.

NCGA submitted written comments to the committee, which held a conservation hearing Tuesday to review policy recommendations for the 2007 farm bill.

“We are eager to work with Congress and the administration in the months ahead in order to develop a farm bill that ensures United States agriculture is stronger than ever,” said Ken McCauley, NCGA president. “Developing a strong and usable conservation title is important to corn growers. Our industry has made strides over the years to balance conservation needs and production agriculture."

McCauley noted that the advancement in corn production technologies over the last 70 years have led to a decrease in acres under cultivation and an increase in the number of bushels produced. He also cited modern agriculture and improvements in production efficiencies have lessened the environmental impact of food production.

NCGA’s also highlighted reduced soil erosion, improved water quality and increased wildlife habitat as environmental gains corn growers continue to make through the use of the farm bill conservation programs.

Source: National Corn Growers Association