Roots IOWA CORN
A LOOK INSIDE: MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Pearson Fuels Partnership
RESEARCH
Genomes To Fields: A DataDriven Pathway to Corn Hybrids
EDUCATION
Cultivating Agricultural Leaders With Iowa Corn
FARMER FEATURE
Growing Greater Every ‘Ear’: The Duncan Tradition
ICPB DIRECTOR ELECTIONS i owa cor n.org
ICPB SPECIAL EDITION June 2025
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MARKET DEVELOPMENT
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thanol is America’s renewable fuel – reliable, clean, homegrown, affordable and readily available. Iowa Corn works on a number of projects to grow the renewable fuel market by improving infrastructure for higher ethanol blends and promoting the use of E15 and E85 with automakers, fuel retailers and consumers to increase demand for corn-based ethanol.
The Iowa Corn Promotion Board is actively working to expand demand for ethanol by targeting one of the largest fuel markets in the country, California. Through a partnership with Pearson Fuels, Iowa Corn is investing to open new opportunities for ethanol growth and Iowa corn farmer profitability. E85 ACCESS & PEARSON FUELS: Pearson Fuels is the largest and fastest-growing distributor of E85 in California. Iowa Corn began partnering with Pearson in 2023. Within the California market, Pearson has opened 420 retail stations offering E85 and expects to open 60 more sites in 2025. Corn states including Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, have partnered together with Pearson to convert retail stations in California to offer E85. This partnership has helped accelerate the pace of E85 fuel station adoption, moving more gallons of ethanol into the California market. THE CALIFORNIA MARKET POTENTIAL: California offers a huge market potential for ethanol, specifically E85. In 2024, 114.7 million gallons of E85 were sold in California. E85 continues to have a competitive advantage in the California market, usually being priced $1.50 – 2.00 lower than regular gasoline. Throughout the year, this spread can widen even more when California has typically experienced significant price shocks. This was seen in June 2022, when gasoline prices reached $6.29/gal. October that year saw a spread of $2.32 between gasoline and E85, the widest gap over the past two years. In addition to the lower price point for consumers, E85 is also exempt from the state excise tax of $0.596/gal that gasoline is subject to through June 2025. (That rate will change on July 1 and is indexed to inflation.)
in California is the catalyst requiring 100% electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035, but unless significantly more investments are made, this will be a difficult standard to meet, leaving an opportunity for E85 to play a significant role. A study through UC Berkeley in 2019, commissioned by the California Air Resources Board, showed that even with the current policy of EVs in place, ethanol is expected to continue to be important through at least 2040, possibly 2045. California has sold 1.1 million battery electric vehicles, 386,411 plugin EVs and 13,988 fuel cell EVs, as of 2024. The state had more than 1.1 million flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) at the end of 2023. While FFVs seem to be the way of the future, one main challenge remains – availability of FFVs and approval of E85 conversion kits. Currently, few manufacturers are producing FFVs and FFVs on the market are not moving into California. Pearson Fuels, along with corn state support, continues to collaborate with companies and gain support for E85 conversion kits.
IMPACT TO IOWA CORN FARMERS: The California market remains crucial to ethanol demand for Iowa corn growers. In addition to working with Pearson on E85, Iowa Corn has been actively engaged with national partners to get E15 approved for use in California, the only state in the country where E15 is not legal to sell. This could change in the coming months, currently, there is a bill in the California Assembly to legalize E15 sales that Governor Newsom has publicly supported. It is estimated that California would demand an incremental 500 million additional gallons of ethanol just by moving to E15. With the recent announcement of two refineries permanently closing in California, gas prices are projected to continue to rise. Higher blends of ethanol will be a welcomed savings at the pump for consumers. IOWA CORN & PEARSON FUELS CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP: Pearson Fuels, with investment from Iowa Corn, will continue to advocate for the availability and usage of E85 in the California market. Currently, they are working to target legislators and regulators with educational material around E85.
CURRENT CALIFORNIA POLICY & E85 ACCESS CHALLENGES: There are still future challenges that exist within the California market for ethanol access. The Advanced Clean Cars II Regulation
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Learn more about Iowa Corn’s work to develop more market demand for ethanol at iowacorn.org.
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GENOMES TO FIELDS: A DATA-DRIVEN PATHWAY TO CORN HYBRIDS RESEARCH
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eeting future corn production challenges and demands will require the development and improvement of corn hybrids. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board is playing a vital role in supporting this research to drive the development of corn hybrids that are more productive, resilient and sustainable. Iowa Corn’s research in Genomes to Fields (G2F) works to leverage the corn genome to understand the genetic control of important traits; ultimately ensuring long-term success for growers and the corn industry. SETTING THE GROUNDWORK: In 1998, the National Corn Growers Association was instrumental in launching the National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI). Through NPGI, the Maize Genome project started in 2002 with a draft genome sequence released in 2008 and a finalized sequence was announced in 2009. This sequencing project led to innovations in high throughput methods to sequence genes faster and cheaper. Having the genetic sequence of corn allows for a better understanding of genes and can lead to better breeding techniques to achieve elite inbred and hybrid lines. Once the genome is known, the next step is to understand the phenome, or how the genes are expressed in different environments. THE WORK OF G2F: In 2013, the Genomes to Fields (G2F) initiative was started, with support from Iowa Corn and initial funding from Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska corn boards. Although Iowa Corn carried a majority of the support of G2F in the early years, that support has been gradually replaced by other sources over time through intense efforts for funding through USDA and the Farm Bill. Presently, the leverage factor of Iowa corn checkoff dollars is for every $1 invested, $10.88 is returned over the life of the project; in the last fiscal year the ROI was over $37. G2F trials began in 2014, with over 12,000 plots planted at 24 unique locations in 13 states. Since then, over 200,000 plots have been planted in 38 unique locations across 22 states. Every location collects at least 13 core phenotypic traits from every plot. Corn hybrids are generated by university scientists using corn inbreds that are no longer protected by patents. This allows researchers to utilize plants with the same genes that are also in modern-day hybrids without violating any laws on patented seed. At least eight weather measurements are recorded for each location every 30 minutes. The data from all of these studies is stored in the Maize Phenomics Database created in 2015, marking the first large-scale public collection of phenotypic data of its kind.
In 2017, the first scientific paper was published using G2F data and since then, 48 other papers have been published with more in review. These papers have used G2F data for topics related to the identification of disease incidence, developing automated data collection methods, improving crop growth models, predictions of yield and yield character expression across environments. These topics have direct correlations to the selection of corn inbreds for best performance in varied environments. Multiple ancillary projects are derived from the G2F plots with a focus on soil microbiome, nitrogen use, disease resistance, ear imaging or use of drones for data collection. All these correlate to faster, more efficient data collection to improve inbred and hybrid development and to improve management of hybrids in the field. In 2023, G2F initiated a Yield Prediction Contest, a public contest where participants utilize past G2F data sets to build a model to predict the current year’s yield. The winners of the contest make their models publicly available and then collaborate on a paper to describe the model and how they came to their conclusions. THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF G2F: G2F will continue to move forward with plot work using off patent corn lines and newer materials to further generate data and develop new ways to measure phenotypic variances. This data can then be used to develop new models and methodologies to better predict the performance of corn lines in various environments, which will allow producers to select lines to improve productivity on their farms. The work of G2F continues to develop public databases of phenotype and environment that can be connected to the genome databases. This development of common protocols and language allows data to be collected from a wide range of sources and still be usable by all. As Genomes to Fields continues, there will be more and more professionals graduating with exposure and expertise in utilizing datasets incorporating genotypes, environmental conditions and phenotypic data to predict the best lines to push forward, thus producing the next generation of elite inbreds and hybrids that are high producers and resilient across environments. Iowa Corn Promotion Board will continue to work to transform cuttingedge research discoveries into practical solutions for Iowa’s corn farmers.
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EDUCATION
CULTIVATING AGRICULTURAL LEADERS WITH IOWA CORN
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n Iowa, leadership is cultivated with the same care and dedication as its crops. Programs like the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development Program (I-LEAD) bring together individuals from across the agriculture industry, offering a transformative two-year experience shaping the next generation of agriculture leaders.
with leaders from other corn-producing states and learned about the diverse range of crops grown along the coast. The I-LEAD 11 domestic mission took them to Washington, where the team toured Seattle landmarks, visited Pacific Northwest export ports, met with the Washington Department of Agriculture and compared agricultural practices from across the country.
I-LEAD was created to bring together talented leaders who want to contribute to a better future for Iowa’s communities and the long-term profitability of agriculture in Iowa. Many members of these classes have become strong leaders and spokespeople for not only Iowa agriculture but also Iowa Corn.
This spring, participants traveled to Vietnam and South Korea on an international learning mission. Attendees studied local agriculture and met with trading partners to gain deeper insight into the vital role Iowa-grown corn plays in global markets. The learning mission explored corn trade in all forms, from grain to ethanol to livestock feed. I-LEAD partnered closely with the U.S. Grains Council to examine each market to better understand global economies and the value of trade.
I-LEAD Class 11 will conclude its session at the end of this summer. Throughout their time with Iowa Corn, participants have advocated for corn farmers, developed communication and policy skills and expanded their domestic and global awareness of the agriculture supply chain. In Iowa, participants traveled to the state Capitol to lobby on behalf of Iowa corn farmers and share the issues that are impacting agriculture most. They also traveled to eastern Iowa to visit farmers, toured a lock and dam to learn about commodity transportation on the river and met with local agriculture businesses. Participants from across the state have also engaged with their local corn boards, sharing at many county and district meetings about their experiences in I-LEAD and with Iowa Corn. Nationally, I-LEAD members participated in Corn Congress, representing Iowa corn farmers on Capitol Hill in D.C. and lobbying for corn-related issues that are set starting at the grassroots level. During their session, they also met 4 | Roots • 2025
These missions and experiences provided participants with real-world opportunities to engage with legislators, farmers, international partners and other agriculture professionals. I-LEAD remains steadfast in its mission to create and develop leaders within Iowa’s agriculture industry and Iowa Corn. Participants in each class bring a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and leadership styles, continually pushing the program to new heights. I-LEAD graduates continue to serve as leaders, advocates and mentors within agriculture, creating a lasting impact that extends well beyond Iowa Corn.
Applications for I-LEAD Class 12 will open summer 2025. For more information, visit iowacorn.org/ilead.
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Nick Helland – Farmer from Story County | Class 9 I’ve had the pleasure of being part of many leadership programs and I would put I-LEAD at the top of the list! It’s a fantastic program that offers insight into domestic and global agriculture and the important role of Iowa farmers. The class is a mix of full-time farmers, ag business professionals and others that have a role in government, education and other aspects of agriculture to provide a broad range of perspectives and expertise. I would recommend anyone involved in agriculture to apply for I-LEAD.
Devin Mogler - President and CEO of National Oilseed Processors Association | Class 6 I-LEAD was a transformative experience. The connections I made in that class and the experiences it provided me set me on an entirely different career trajectory in multiple ways. The leadership development experiences, networking and learning missions exposed me to the impact that policy has on agriculture and led me to taking something of a 180 in my career to take a job on Capitol Hill for Senator Joni Ernst, and from there to advocating on biofuels policy for a large ethanol company. In my current role, I continue to advocate for policies supportive of our farmers and the entire agricultural supply chain, and I can say with certainty that I would not be where I am today were it not for the I-LEAD program.
Emily Peters - Sales Manager Union Pacific Railroad | Class 9 My experience with I-LEAD was life changing. Not only did it expand my market knowledge, which has aided in my professional abilities to serve the industry; the I-LEAD program fostered lifelong friendships and connections. It was an impactful experience that I’ll forever be grateful for.
Mark Mueller – Farmer from Bremer County & Iowa Corn Growers Association First Vice President | Class 2 Leadership is one of the most overlooked, yet crucial skills necessary for my farm and the ag economy to thrive. Without farmers working with legislators, regulators, foreign and domestic buyers and processors, decisions impacting Iowa farmers will be made by people who won’t always put our best interests first. Until I was involved in I-LEAD, I didn’t know how diverse the actions of Iowa Corn were. After my I-LEAD training I remained involved in the Iowa Corn Growers Association, starting with my Bremer County Association, then representing northeast Iowa as a director and now as vice president.
Katie Jorgensen – Owner and Agronomist River Valley Ag | Class 11 I-LEAD challenged me to think bigger and lead with intention. It gave me practical tools, meaningful connections, and insight into agriculture at every level - not just what I see day to day. It strengthened how I show up for my customers, my community and our industry.
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FARMER FEATURE
GROWING GREATER EVERY ‘EAR’: THE DUNCAN TRADITION
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Jo and Royle farm in Hardin County raising corn, soybeans, hay and cattle. Throughout their farming careers, they have seen agriculture change, seeing farms disappear and technology continue to advance farming practices. Royle reflects that while change may seem challenging, “change is the essence of life” pushing their operations and others towards the future.
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As more people continue to get removed from the farm it’s so important to share our story and education around corn.
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hen passion, creativity and a little bit of corn magic meet, ideas such as the Duncan’s corn floats are born. As the fourth generation on their century farm, Jo and Royle Duncan know the importance of continuing to build a future for Iowa’s corn farmers. As active ICGA members, they continue to support this mission and share about corn to consumers each summer through their one of a kind corn floats.
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The Duncans have been actively involved in Iowa Corn for a number of years. After connecting with another local farmer in their area, they helped begin a county corn and soybean board. The Duncans became ICGA members because they knew the importance of representation at the county, state and national level, to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard. Through their involvement with ICGA, they were a part of the Premier County Achievement Program, where they had the opportunity to participate in Commodity Classic. “These opportunities were very educational and also gave us a network of farmers to connect with both locally and across the nation,” shared Royle. Their Iowa Corn involvement did not stop there. They have continued to serve on the county board and help to drive activities within their local area and District 5. Throughout the last few years, they have hosted corn trivia at Timbukbru in Iowa Falls, an ethanol fly-in at the Iowa Falls airport and a number of events
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where consumers had the opportunity to interact with the Iowa Corn trailer. But for both of them, their favorite activity has been putting together a corn float for the summer parade season. What started in 2014 as a fun educational opportunity for kids and adults alike has turned into a sort of tradition for the Duncans. Each year has brought a new theme from Top Corn (a spin on Top Gun), the Green Machine, Rocking Down the Highway with Iowa Corn and more! Each float is decked out in corn-gear and has matching music to bring the float to life. Jo takes the float to the next level by dressing up as Captain Corn for all the parades. “We want to share with both consumers and farmers about all the uses of corn and the work of Iowa Corn,” shared Jo. “As more people continue to get removed from the farm, it’s so important to share our story and education around corn.” This year’s float may be their biggest undertaking yet. After 3 months of careful
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planning, prepping and collecting over 900 milk jugs, the Duncans have gone to work rigging up their corncob-inspired float themed “Growing Greater Every Ear.” This summer, you can find Jo and Royle, along with other local members, sharing the importance of Iowa Corn at several parades in central Iowa. “It’s not just about the float and the story that we share, it’s about the people,” shared Royle. “The local corn board is a good group of people to be involved with and work together to share our passion with some fun along the way.” Through their creativity, dedication and passion for agriculture and Iowa Corn, Jo and Royle Duncan have turned a simple parade float into a tool for advocacy and education. Their commitment to Iowa’s corn industry goes far beyond the fields, bringing the story of corn to life for consumers within their community. The Duncans serve as a great example of how farmers can connect with the public and inspire the next generation to get involved. Roots • 2025 | 7
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
IOWA CORN PROMOTION BOARD DIRECTOR ELECTIONS ICPB director elections are quickly approaching. Crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9 are up for election. To learn more about the election process, please visit iowacorn.org or call the Iowa Corn office 515-225-9242. ICPB ELECTION TIMELINE: June 16
Deadline for requesting absentee ballots.
July 15
Elections held at local county extension offices. Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before July 15.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 8 | Roots Iowa • 2025 Corn | 5505 Northwest 88th Street | Johnston, Iowa 50131 | 515-225-9242 | corninfo@iowacorn.org
YOUR CORN CHECKOFF DOLLARS AT WORK
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IOWA CORN CHECKOFF AT WORK:
Markets. Research. Education. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) invests checkoff funding in market development, research and education efforts that ensure the success of Iowa’s corn industry: • Expanding, developing and defending markets • Researching and creating new, innovative corn-based products • Connecting with consumers and key decision makers
Market Development & Education The Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) reinvests 70% of the checkoff funds it collects in market development and education. The two go hand in hand. The best way to enhance grower profitability is to create new demand for corn. And generating new demand takes trust and understanding. That’s where education comes in.
Building Trust Helps Grow Corn From 2001 to 2022, ICPB spending on education grew from $436,836 to $5.29 million. Economic models show that should have corresponded to a 122% increase in Iowa corn usage. However, Iowa’s overall corn use grew 172% over that 20+ year span, led by an 800% increase in corn use for ethanol.1 • •
From 2001 to 2022, corn use in states other than Iowa rose 38%. Iowa’s growth rate in corn use outpaced other states’ rates by 453%.
Corn checkoff investments in education and outreach contributed to that growth for Iowa’s farmers.
Education & Outreach At local events, field days, STEM and sporting events, and through social and traditional media, Iowa Corn educates consumers and farmers about corn and its impact on everyday life. A sampling of those efforts include: • • • • •
Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation Field days highlighting water quality and conservation practices Unleaded 88 promotions Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT)
Ethanol: Economic Powerhouse The biggest market for Iowa’s corn is ethanol, using over half of each year’s crop. Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production. Ethanol fuel is cheaper, greener and good for Iowa’s economy. Exports of ethanol and its co-products enhance its worth to farmers’ bottom line.
By the Numbers In 2024, Iowa biorefineries produced 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol — nearly one-third of the nation’s supply.
Scan to learn more about ICPB and how checkoff funds are invested here in Iowa and around the world.
ICPB works with the U.S. Grains Council to build global demand for ethanol. The U.S. exported a record 1.91 billion gallons of ethanol in 2024. Iowa Corn is working to grow demand for E15 nationwide. A 5% increase in average blend rate increases corn demand by about 2.3 billion bushels per year.
Pumping Up Demand ICPB is working to expand access to higher blends of ethanol, such as E85, in other states like California. Consumer education and investing in pump infrastructure is also helping to grow demand for Unleaded 88/E15. Ongoing collaboration with industry partners like the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the U.S. Grains Council have amplified ICPB’s efforts to build global markets for corn in all forms for Iowa farmers.
The Iowa Corn Promotion Board WHO WE ARE: The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) is comprised of 12 peer-elected farmers and four ex officios who invest funds collected through the Iowa corn checkoff program. Elections are held each year to select leadership and representatives from each of the nine cropreporting districts in the state.
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WHAT WE DO: ICPB represents thousands of Iowa farmers to create an economic climate in which the Iowa corn industry will be successful through market development, research and education.
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Expand markets and promote corn in all forms
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License technology for value-added products through research
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Educate consumers, farmers and key decision makers
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21% ADMINISTRATION 9%
Join ICGA at these BIG events in 2025! We like to say Iowa grows corn, but the truth is – Corn Grows Iowa. And that’s because of farmers like you who are dedicated to excellence in your fields and beyond. You know the importance of staying engaged, informed and active in the agriculture industry. And for that, we thank you for your Iowa Corn Growers Association membership.
Now Let’s Celebrate Iowa Corn Together at These Upcoming Events: IOWA CORN 350, POWERED BY ETHANOL Sunday, August 3, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton
IOWA CORN DAY AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR Friday, August 15, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines
IOWA CORN CY-HAWK VIP MEMBER TAILGATE
NOT A MEMBER OR NEED TO RENEW?
Saturday, September 6, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames
RSVP AT IOWACORN.ORG/RSVP
Join at iowacorn.org/join