NCGA membership at record levels
Sep 21, 2009 9:30 AM
With rolls listing 36,378 growers at the end of August, the National Corn Growers Association now enjoys record membership. The previous record of 35,046 was set in September 2008.
“We are excited to see that, even in the current economic climate, growers want to personally support our activities,” said NCGA President Bob Dickey. “Increased grower involvement demonstrates the value members believe NCGA staff in St. Louis and Washington and the dozens of corn growers who lead the organization provide our industry.”
NCGA membership offers many benefits, including leadership opportunities, academic scholarships and discounts. Members play an active role in organizational leadership by shaping the direction of activities and influencing public policy that affects all farmers. Through the Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship program for ag college students, NCGA fosters tomorrow’s leadership. Additionally, membership provides valuable discounts with companies such as Dell, Cabela’s, Ford and Enterprise.
Also this year, a record number of growers entered the National Corn Yield Contest, which requires NCGA membership. An initial count indicates submission of approximately 6,900 entries, nearly 200 above last year’s number.
In addition to representing individual members, NCGA works as a federation of the many state-level grower associations and checkoff boards. More than 300,000 growers contribute to state and national organizations through corn checkoff funds in their states.
“NCGA shapes the markets, policy and the image of corn and the American farmer to foster the growth of agricultural in the U.S.” Dickey said. “Membership serves an essential function in this, and all, grassroots organizations. We are excited to see that so many people want to join our movement.”
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