The state of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) mirrors the state of rural America with “vast possibilities and great challenges,” according to CEO Rick Tolman.

Speaking to delegates at the opening session of NCGA’s Corn Congress, Tolman spoke of a strong present and a bright future for the association, with long-term increasing demand for corn and corn products, including ethanol.

Advances in research are unlocking the mystery of corn’s genetic structure, with vast possibilities, said Tolman. “I think that by the year 2030 we could see yields in the neighborhood of 300 bushels per acre,” he told the delegates.

Tolman spoke to the Corn Congress meeting at the 12th annual Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla. His address touched on a number of issues, from the increased attention paid to corn and agricultural issues by mainstream news media to the growing acceptance of distillers dried grains by the livestock industry.

He also reaffirmed NCGA’s vision of 15 billion bushels of corn by the year 2015, enough to satisfy the world’s demand for food and fuel.

“Rural America is a land of vast possibilities and great challenges,” Tolman said. “Corn growers are part of the building blocks in rural America, and we continue to work to bring more value-added opportunities back to our communities."