Roots January 2022

Roots IOWA CORN

A LOOK INSIDE: POLICY/MEMBERSHIP

Your Voice. Your Seat. ICGA Grassroots Summit 2021

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Growing Demand Through Commodity Collaborations

RESEARCH

The Water We Share: Environmental Initiatives

EDUCATION

Consumer Connections January 2022

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Iowa Corn Growers Association BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LANCE LILLIBRIDGE President Vinton

DENNIS FRIEST Vice President Radcliffe

CARL JARDON Chair Randolph

DEAN MEYER District 1 Rock Rapids

STU SWANSON District 2 Galt

MARK MUELLER District 3 Waverly

JOLENE RIESSEN District 4 Ida Grove

WILL CANNON District 5 Prairie City

LOGAN LYON District 6 Blue Grass

ADAM BIERBAUM District 7 Griswold

EX-OFFICIOS CHUCK WHITE Iowa Soybean Association

STEVE KUIPER District 8 Knoxville

DAN KEITZER District 9 Mediapolis

ANDY HILL Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

JIM GREIF At-large Monticello

STAFF CRAIG FLOSS Chief Executive Officer

KEVIN STUDER Federal Policy Advisor

DANIELLE BALVIN District 6 Field Manager

BRIAN JONES Chief Operating Officer

EMILY CALLISON Government Relations Manager

KRISTEN AKERS District 7 Field Manager

LINDSAY CALVERT Leadership Development Manager

CARRIE DODDS Director of Grower Services

ALYSSA PRESTON District 9 Field Manager

SHANNON TEXTOR Director of Communications

CHRIS FRELAND District 1 Field Manager

AMANDA FORTMAN Publications Manager

JONI ERWIN District 2 Field Manager

ROD WILLIAMSON Director of Research and Development

GRANT MENKE Director of Market Development

LISA KUBIK District 3 Field Manager

VICTORIA BUTT Marketing Manager

JANELLE KRACHT District 4 Field Manager

DAVID ERTL Technology Commercialization Manager

MINDY LARSEN-POLDBERG Director of Government Relations

JOHN STOAKES District 5 Field Manager

ALEX BUCK Industrial Innovation Manager

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BEN GLEASON Sr. Manager of Sustainable Programs

JULIE KIRBY Director of Finance and Business Operations SARAH KIRK Financial Manager LYNNETTE ROHRS Administrative Services Manager MICHELE POE Administrative Assistant DONNA LEMON Administrative Assistant VALERIE SANCHEZ Accounting Analyst

Iowa Corn Promotion Board BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KELLY NIEUWENHUIS President Primghar

LARRY BUSS Vice President Logan

GREG ALBER Chair Independence

CHAD HARMS District 1 Milford

JERRY MAIER District 2 Eagle Grove

DARLA RECKER District 3 Arlington

RYAN STEFFENSEN District 4 Guthrie Center

ROD PIERCE District 5 Woodward

PETE BRECHT District 6 Central City

RALPH LENTS District 7 Menlo

EX-OFFICIOS

JEROD FLAHERTY District 8 Osceola

STAN NELSON District 9 Middletown

ROGER ZYLSTRA At-large Lynnville

DAN ROBISON ISU College of Agriculture & Life Science

RYAN FRANKLIN Consolidated Grain & Barge

MIKE NAIG Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

BRENDA KOCHANNY Cargill

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I O W A

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G R O W E R S

A S S O C I A T I O N

From my personal experience I believe there is one thing on our farms that has a better return on investment than any other, that is being a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and participating in the Iowa Corn Promotion Board checkoff. I can’t hire a government relations specialist to represent me on the Hill. I can’t hire a communications expert to share my story with consumers. I can’t hire a sustainability manager to keep an open mind about what carbon market to partner with. But I can become a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and have a whole team of individuals who are doing this and more for me and other Iowa corn farmers each and every day.

That’s why I believe in the value of membership and the power of a united voice. Your ICGA membership is not only your voice but also your seat at the table. By joining the 7,000-member strong organization, you are also getting access to these individuals who advocate and work on your behalf.

So, I urge you to sign up, renew or continue to be an active member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

Together, we’ve had many successes as the Iowa Corn Growers Association, and we want to continue to build upon those successes moving forward.

Thank you to our current ICGA members for your continued involvement, collaboration and support. To take your seat at the table and make our voice as Iowa corn farmers even stronger go to iowacorn.org/join today.

Lance Lillibridge, President, ICGA

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2022 ICGA LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2022 ICGA STATE PRIORITIES • Conservation/Water Quality – Maintain legislative funding stream for Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

• Ethanol – Obtain and increase funding for infrastructure cost-share program (RFIP) and support an Iowa Biofuels Standard.

• Livestock – Support existing regulatory framework for the livestock industry.

• Taxes - Protect critical tax credits (Section 179 and biofuels).

2022 ICGA FEDERAL PRIORITIES • Ethanol – Retain the RFS, reallocation of unjustified SREs, reduce regulatory barriers for higher blends, and support low carbon high octane fuel. (including the Next Generation Fuels Act) • Carbon - Support carbon credit sequestration programs.

• Trade – Expand new and protect existing bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements and protect/expand funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) as part of the Farm Bill.

• Transportation Infrastructure – Maintain and upgrade our inland waterways system.

• Taxes.

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YOUR VOICE. YOUR SEAT. ICGA Grassroots Summit 2021

T

he Annual ICGA Grassroots Summit

Kelly Nieuwenhuis welcomed around

brings together farmer members

130 member delegates and guests to this

from across the state to set the priorities and policies for the organization. Farmer delegates take their seat at the table to make their voices heard on what matters most on their family farms.

one-day event.

Members enjoyed hearing from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig with an update on priorities for the Department of Ag. After lunch, leadership from the

The Grassroots Summit is a culmination

National Corn Growers Association, U.S.

of the policies and priorities that ICGA

Grains Council and the U.S. Meat Export

grassroots members share in the policy

Federation participated in a panel sharing

survey sent in June. After the survey,

insight into Iowa Corn’s partnership

the next step in the policy and priority

with each organization, from market

development stage are round table

development to developing policies at the

meetings. Round tables are held across

federal level. Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds,

the state, one in each crop reporting

joined farmer members and shared her

district plus a virtual option, for ICGA

policy priorities, including the Iowa

members to discuss, develop and improve

Biofuels Standard, and was recognized with

upon proposed policies or current policy

the Friend of Iowa Corn Award for being

positions in the ICGA policy book. Next,

a continual champion for corn growers.

corn farmers.”

the farmer appointed committees of

Wayne Stoskopf, Director of Public Policy

This year’s recipients of the Local Leader

the organization dive into the issues

for Risk Management and Tax for NCGA,

Award were Charles D. Albrecht and Ron

and further approve and develop

gave an enlightening and timely update

Leistikow, both from Bremer County.

recommendations. Finally, policies are

on tax policy.

Charlie and Ron have both been top

brought to the Grassroots Summit to be

An evening award-dinner honored

recruiters of ICGA and active members

voted on by the delegation. The policy book includes all of the policy positions

farmer members who have gone above and beyond for Iowa Corn, including

Iowa Corn, I see that I have a responsibility to support increasing membership to ultimately increase profitability for Iowa

at their county level. We appreciate their outstanding dedication and leadership to

Larry Buss who was recognized as the

our organization.

top recruiter with 82 recruits. “Iowa Corn

The District 2 Committee received the

is a grassroots-based organization that

Outstanding District Activity Award for

depends on membership to provide policy

their Corn Grows Iowa County Fair Grant

The 2021 Grassroots Summit was held

direction that Iowa Corn then supports

Program, that awarded 3 county fairs with

on August 30 in downtown Des Moines

and lobbies for implementation at the state

$500 to help them recover from loses from

at the Community Choice Credit Union

and federal level,” shared Buss. “More

being unable to hold a fair in 2020. The

Convention Center. Iowa Corn Growers

members means a stronger political voice

Outstanding County Activity Award was

Association President Lance Lillibridge

and more funding to influence the Iowa

presented to Mitchell County for their Ag

and Iowa Corn Promotion Board President

legislature and Congress. As a leader in

Appreciation Dinner.

and priorities adopted by ICGA member delegates. This book is used for Iowa Corn staff and the board to establish policy positions at both the state and federal level.

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POLICY / MEMBERSHIP

Partner panel from left to right: Grant Menke (Iowa Corn), Jon Doggett (NCGA), Ryan LeGrand (USGC) and John Hinners (USMEF)

See the priorities set during the 2021 Grassroots Summit on page 5.

To view the full policy book, go to iowacorn.org.

This year’s Walter Goeppinger Lifetime

call of service for the greater good. Iowa

Corn Grassroots Summit. ICGA members

Achievement Award was presented to Rod

Corn thanks him for strengthening the

at all levels are key to maintaining our

Swoboda. This award is presented to an

corn industry.”

reputation as a bipartisan organizing

Iowa Corn member who shows exemplary leadership and commitment to the Iowa corn industry. Swoboda served as a member of the Wallaces Farmer editorial staff for 44 years and during that time was a trusted advocate and partner of Iowa Corn.

The evening concluded with a successful auction with funds going to the Iowa PAC is a tool to help ICGA achieve the policy priorities by supporting lawmakers who work to implement ICGA member priorities. The PAC uses the priorities

magazine, he continued the publication’s

set by corn farmers as criteria to make

focus on providing helpful information

candidate endorsements. Voluntary PAC

for Iowa farmers. Rod has reported on the

contributions provide ICGA members

development of ethanol, the establishment

another voice in the process and

of the Iowa Corn checkoff program, water

another chance to educate and influence

quality issues, adoption of no-till practices

policy decisions made at the state and

and many, many more farm management

federal level.

“The agricultural industry is better because of Rod’s service. We can look to him as an example of what it means to go beyond the

farmer. Your voice matters.

Corn Political Action Committee. The

“As an editor in the 170-year history of the

topics,” said Iowa Corn CEO Craig Floss.

fighting for policies for the Iowa corn

Thank you to all of the members who took time out of their busy schedules to make sure their voice was heard via the policy survey, roundtable meetings and the Iowa Roots • 2022 | 7

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B O A R D

I am excited and thankful to be stepping into the role as the Iowa Corn Promotion Board President for 2021-22. Every year ICPB is putting your checkoff dollars to work through three primary areas: research, market development and education. On the next page you will be able to see the breakdown of the 2021 checkoff dollars investments. As we begin the new year, it is important to reflect on the successes that we have had through the last year within these three core areas.

In market development, we highlighted the role of biofuels as the most immediate, affordable solution to address carbon reduction and climate change in the transportation sector. This included a strategic partnership with ClearFlame Engine Technologies, a company which aims to decarbonize heavy duty diesel engines through the use of E98, or 98 percent corn ethanol. We also continued to maximize our partnerships across the state, nation and the world to build demand for corn in all forms. In the area of education, it was also great to reconnect with consumers through in-person events. I believe there is no better way to engage, inform and learn from consumers then meeting them where they are. We are continually sharing farmers’ stories, wins and messages across the state with consumers. Research continues as we move forward in the development of MEG and bioplastics, securing funding for the Genome to Phenome initiative to investing in sustainability and soil health.

As president of ICPB, my goal is to continue to work on expanding the use of higher blends of ethanol, sharing our story with consumers, building demand for corn in all forms around the world and improving our soil health while reducing our carbon footprint. Thank you for your support of the checkoff and continued involvement in ICPB, together we can accomplish more to bring value and profitability to our farms.

Kelly Nieuwenhuis, President, ICPB

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2021 ICPB CHECKOFF INVESTMENTS MARKET DEVELOPMENT

42%

EDUCATION

27%

RESEARCH

20%

ADMINISTRATION

11%

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GROWING DEMAND THROUGH COMMODITY COLLABORATIONS Iowa Corn works in partnership with many organizations across the state to support not only corn farmers, but livestock producers as well. Iowa’s corn and livestock industries thrive on the success of one another, and that is why we continue to work together to create long-term profitability for Iowa’s corn farmers. During the last year, Iowa Corn continued to prioritize investing in supporting and promoting our livestock partners and farmers across the state. Check out highlights from a few of our recent commodity collaborations.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers For Iowa Corn, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is a valuable program with a mission directed towards

operations to stay economically viable.

Farms in Donahue, Iowa. The Maxwells

Alongside Iowa Corn, CSIF stakeholders

are proud Iowa Corn Growers Association

include the Iowa Cattlemen, Iowa Pork

members who stay active and involved

Producers Association, Iowa Poultry

through their large dairy operation. Jon

Association, Iowa Soybean Association,

has been the recipient of numerous NCGA

Iowa Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy

Corn Yield Contests, and Joan is an active

implement best-management practices

and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

member of CommonGround Iowa.

on the farm that assist Iowa’s farm

Each year CSIF awards the Wergin Good

Iowa Pork Producers Association

Farm Neighbor Award, recognizing Iowa

At the 2021 World Pork Expo, Iowa Corn

livestock farm families who go above and

Promotion Board had a booth display

beyond in responsible animal husbandry

where we shared corn facts and held

and sustainable land stewardship. One of

conversations with pork producers

the recipients of this year’s award was Jon

regarding corn supply and demand from

and Joan Maxwell of Cinnamon Ridge

the pork industry, as well as international

working with farmers to advocate and

families in raising livestock responsibly and successfully. CSIF helps keep the livestock and corn industries thriving in our state by providing farm families with specialized assistance so they can make responsible changes to their livestock

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MARKET DEVELOPMENT trade with key importing nations in our

Corn continues to support this program

a high school junior from Coggon, Iowa.

collaborative work with U.S. Meat Export

as it aims to create a better and more

Team Cornivore raised 570 donations of

Federation. During the 2021 Iowa State

sustainable structure for dairy farmers

non-perishable items, along with nearly

Fair, Iowa Corn staff and farmer members

across the state.

70 pounds of pop can tabs. Overall,

volunteered to support Iowa Pork

Iowa Poultry Association

this year’s Governor’s Charity Steer

Producers Association (IPPA) through serving fairgoers in the Iowa Pork tent and Iowa Pork Chop Shops. Volunteers enjoyed serving corn-fed pork products and chatting with fair goers. In 2022, Iowa Corn looks forward to continuing our partnership with IPPA and pork producers by being present at the Iowa Pork Expo and World Pork Expo as well as working together on trade, biosecurity, water quality and animal health.

Iowa Corn was proud to partner with the Iowa Poultry Association to sponsor the 2021 Emerging Leaders Program. Iowa Corn was also a sponsor of the annual

Show was a record-setter with a total of $375,265.92 raised. All proceeds from the show go directly to the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.

clay shoot and golf tournament for the

In mid-December, Iowa Corn exhibited

Iowa Poultry Fall Festival. During the

at the annual Iowa Cattle Industry

2021 Iowa Poultry Annual Meeting and

Leadership Summit, where we connected

Education Program, Iowa Corn staff

with Iowa beef producers and shared the

listened to educational speakers including

importance of the beef industry to corn

a student and young professionals panel,

growers. This opportunity allowed Iowa

a cage free panel and a market insight

Corn team members to highlight our

session from USDA.

partnership with the U.S. Meat Export

Iowa Turkey Federation

Federation to build demand for U.S. red

Iowa Corn collaborated with the Iowa Turkey Federation to showcase the 2020 National Thanksgiving Turkey, Corn, in

meat around the world, while also showing our support and appreciation for Iowa’s cattle men and women.

the Iowa State Fair parade. This was a great consumer event to tag along with as we reached thousands of Iowans from across the state. In addition to the turkey parade, Iowa Corn assisted in funding

Dairy In 2021, Iowa Corn partnered with the Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) to fund a taskforce made up of dairy associations from neighboring states to help dairy farmers better understand how Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs)

the latest Iowa Turkey Cookbook. This cookbook, which has been distributed across the state to numerous consumers, includes over 53 recipes featuring corn-fed turkey. We look forward to continuing to strengthen and grow our partnership with the Iowa Turkey Federation.

work and how milk is priced. The main

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

purpose of the group is to help producers

Iowa Corn was proud to sponsor

better understand their milk checks and

Cornivore, the corn-fed steer for the 39th

the milk pricing structure. The taskforce

Annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show

has also focused on the question of how

at the 2021 Iowa State Fair. This year’s

to promote a more transparent pricing

steer was exhibited by ICGA President

model. While not yet completed, Iowa

Lance Lillibridge and Tate Haughenbury,

Learn more about Iowa Corn’s livestock partnerships at iowacorn.org/corn-uses/livestock.

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RESEARCH

THE WATER WE SHARE: ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

W

e all drink the water, so it’s important that Iowa Corn

of approximately 25%, mainly due to the efforts of reducing

supports farmers’ and landowners’ efforts to improve

soil erosion. On the other hand, there has been relatively slow

water quality,” shared Ralph Lents, farmer from

progress when it comes to nitrogen reduction. Iowa Corn

Adair County and chair of Iowa Corn’s Animal Ag & Environment

remains committed to working with our partners to advance the

committee. “We need to do what works best for our farms to

initiative of INRS.

maintain profitability and protect the environment, otherwise someone will tell us how to do it.”

Iowa Corn remains invested in projects to advance the INRS to advocate and maintain profitability for corn farmers. This is

Iowa farmers care about the water we share and that is why Iowa

done by ensuring that farmers have the freedom to operate and

Corn supports environmental initiatives with diverse partners

avoid costly regulations while they keep expensive nutrients for

to help improve Iowa’s land and water. Working together to

the crop in the soil. Through research initiatives and education

implement the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, with our

activities, Iowa Corn continues to encourage the adoption of best

partners, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship,

management practices to continually make progress towards

Iowa Ag Water Alliance and Iowa Nutrient Research & Education

water quality goals.

Council, Iowa Corn continues to support and advance the goals of clean and safe water in our state’s lakes, rivers and waterways.

Iowa Corn partners with IDALS and other organizations to bring The Big Show radio remotes to field days and research

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) is a practical and

sites to share the message ‘Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here’.

technology-based approach to reducing nitrogen and phosphorus

This campaign raises awareness about the conservation work

losses to Iowa water by 45%; with the goal of reducing the dead

happening around the state and aims to help listeners understand

zone in the Gulf of Mexico and improving local water quality. The

how we all play a role in improving water quality here in Iowa

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS),

and downstream.

the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (ISU) developed this strategy in 2013. Since the establishment, there has been great progress on phosphorus, seeing a reduction 12 | Roots • 2022

Another program working to accelerate the pace and scale of quantifiable water quality improvements in Iowa is the Iowa Ag Water Alliance (IAWA). Iowa Corn partnered with Iowa

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Interested in being the first-to-know about hot topics, news events and upcoming stewardship activities that are most relevant to your farming operation?

Sign up at iowacorn.org/water to receive the monthly Stewardship Advocate newsletter.

Soybean Association and Iowa Pork Producers Association to

to help lead environmental efforts related to water quality. INREC

form IAWA. Together, we leverage checkoff dollars to increase

has three core missions focused on measuring and demonstrating

farmer awareness and adoption of science-based practices

environmental progress, fostering innovation and development

proven to have environmental benefits. For every checkoff dollar

of new technologies and enhancing crop advisor and ag retailer

contributed, IAWA has raised $21 in new financial assistance for

roles as “change agents” working with Iowa farmers to achieve

Iowa farmers. In addition, IAWA has leveraged an additional $68

environmental goals. Within progress measurement there has

million in partners’ match. IAWA has been extremely successful

been a lot of success with two first-in-the-nation conservation

working with IDALS to bring tens of millions of dollars to Iowa

practice measurement methods. The first was a statistically

from USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

significant survey of ag retailers that measures adoption of in-

We all drink the water, so it’s

field practices such as cover crops and nutrient management.

INREC, with Iowa Corn financial support, also partnered with

important that Iowa Corn supports

Iowa DNR, IDALS and ISU on the Iowa BMP Mapping Project.

farmers’ and landowners’ efforts to

conservation practices across the entire state.

improve water quality.”

The Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) proactively supports the adoption of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. INREC brings together major farm and commodity organizations, fertilizer and crop production companies,

This project utilizes aerial imagery to map six structural “ Iowa Corn leads the way in water quality initiatives by staying committed to our partners and involvement in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy,” said Lents. “With these initiatives we are improving water quality, to ensure profitability and sustainability for farmers across the state.”

agricultural retailers and crop advisors in a formal organization

To learn more, go to iowacorn.org/water.

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EDUCATION BEST DISTRICT ACTIVITY

CONSUMER CONNECTIONS

The District 2 Committee decided to allocate the proceeds from their annual golf outing to create the Corn Grows Iowa County Fair Grant Program.

Three local county fairs were awarded a $500 grant: Wright County Fair for the Ag Education Scavenger Hunt, Franklin County Fair for the Dairy Barn Milking Display and Cerro Gordo County Fair for Little Farm Hands Display.

Iowa Corn is committed to sharing the messages, stories and efforts of corn farmers with consumers statewide. From county fairs to baseball fields, schools to corn fields, Iowa Corn participated in events and activities across the state this summer and fall. We’ve found the best way to reach consumers is by meeting them where they are, which is why we select key events and opportunities to participate in across the state.

Check out the map to learn about some of the events that Iowa Corn, along with the Iowa Corn Mobile Education Center traveled to share the farmers’ stories across the state. The map highlights a few of the main events where we connected with consumers about corn information and the over 4,000 products that include corn.

We encourage you to share your story and get engaged at local and state events! Reach out to your local District Field Manager to learn more, at iowacorn.org/about/local-iowa-corn-boards/.

The Iowa Corn Mobile Education Center (ICMEC) traveled across Iowa and made a whopping 97 stops last year. Visitors are taken on a multimedia journey showing how Iowa corn farmers conserve our land while growing corn that’s used for food, feed, fuel and the 4,000 other products made from corn.

1

2

Clay Clay County County Fair Fair

Morningside College

Morningside Feed the Farmer College Feed the Farmer

4 7

Greene County Greene County Ag Day Ag Day Farm to Table Event

Farm to Table Event

Io Io

Cass County Farm

Cass County to Table Dinner Farm to Table Dinner

Rolls and Coffee for Healthcare Workers

IOWA CORN CY-HAWK SERIES Iowa farmers care about the water we share. In 2021, Iowa Corn donated a water filling stations to a local school in each corn district across the state and handed out over 4,700 water bottles to students along with an opportunity for students to engage with the ICMEC.

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I C

Over 70% of Iowans tune into the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk football game making it a great place for Iowa Corn to educate consumers about corn and the farmers that grow it. In addition to sponsoring the series, Iowa Corn also hosts a member appreciation tailgate. This provides a great opportunity for members and their families to catch up.

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BEST COUNTY ACTIVITY AWARD: MITCHELL COUNTY AG APPRECIATION DINNER The first annual Mitchell County Ag Appreciation Event was held in July. Members of Mitchell County Farm Bureau, the Mitchell County Cattlemen and Mitchell County Growers came together to enjoy a night to celebrate agriculture in the county. A corn-fed hamburger meal was served with entertainment from a local band, the Biofuels Mobile Education Center, the dairy producers ice cream trailer and the little farm hands display for kids.

2 3

Borlaug Inspire Education Day

Education Day Best County Activity Award: Mitchell County Ag Stay Safe, Take Stay Safe, Take a Break Appreciation Dinner a Break

5

Women, Women, Wine & Pizza Wine & Pizza

HardinCounty County Hardin Fair Fair

Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series

owa Corn Day at the owa State Fair

Gladbrook Corn Gladbrook Carnival

6

Benton BentonCounty County Fair Fair

Corn Carnival Poweshiek County Fair and Tall Corn Contest

Poweshiek County Fair and Tall Corn Contest

Knoxville Race Knoxville Race

CommonGround is a partnership between Iowa Corn and Iowa Soybean Association.

The goal is to create awareness and put a face to farm families, while talking to women who are purchasing the food for their families. With 40 Iowa volunteers, CommonGround hosted two Ladies Night on the Farm events this year at New Day Dairy in Clarksville and JJB Cattle Company in Independence. These events brought consumers directly to volunteer’s farms to learn about their operations and have an open discussion and dialogue about agriculture and their food.

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DeWitt Autumn Fest and Biofuels Mobile DeWitt Autumn Fest Education Center

Farm Safety with Des Moines County Extension & Des FarmCounty Safety day with Des Moines Moines County Extension & Farm Bureau Farm Bureau

Lock&&Dam Dam Lock Tour Tour

This year brought an exciting new event to Iowa, the Field of Dreams game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees. Iowa Corn Promotion Board partnered with National Corn Growers Association to have commercials and signage during the game. The ICMEC shared sweet corn in Dyersville at Beyond the Game. It was a beautiful night to show off Iowa and corn with baseball!

Across the state, Districts 1 and 7 also held watch parties for ICGA members to come together and enjoy the game.

More than 15,000 cyclists traveled to Iowa to participate in RAGBRAI. Bikers visited the ICMEC, chatted with local farmers about key issues and enjoyed some sweet corn along the route!

IOWA CORN DAY AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR Iowa Corn sponsored a Day at the Fair to meet consumers where they are! The Iowa Corn scavenger hunt provides fairgoers an opportunity to enjoy the fair while learning about corn and the over 4,000 products made from corn. This year thousands of fairgoers stopped by to spin the wheel and win a water bottle, tour the ICMEC and participate in the scavenger hunt for a $5 off coupon to enjoy a corn-fed treat from our partners at Iowa Cattlemen’s, Iowa Pork, Iowa Poultry or Iowa Turkey.

Want to request the Iowa Corn Mobile Education Trailer?

Visit www.iowacorn.org/trailer to request the trailer for your next event!

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At Iowa Corn, we do many things. We develop and defend markets for corn across the globe. We fund research that unearths new uses for corn.

And we spearhead education and promotional efforts to communicate the many benefits and uses of corn and corn products. Why do we do what we do? Because we believe in the corn growers of Iowa. What corn farmers do impacts people worldwide, and it’s our mission to support corn farmers’ interests. We’re here to work for the corn farmer.

And we’re proud to do it.

TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF CORN TO SUSTAINABLY MEET THE NEEDS OF A GROWING WORLD

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Iowa Corn | 5505 Northwest 88th Street | Johnston, Iowa 50131 | 515-225-9242 | corninfo@iowacorn.org