The Illinois Corn Growers Association is encouraging lawmakers to gain a better understanding of modern agriculture by visiting farms and learning more about the challenges and decisions producers face throughout the growing season.
The organization said legislators' knowledge of agriculture often depends on the makeup of their districts. While lawmakers representing rural areas may have more firsthand experience with farming, those from urban districts may have misconceptions about how farms operate and the factors that influence producers' decisions.
IL Corn outlined five key points it believes policymakers should understand.
The organization said crop inputs, including pesticides, fertilizer and herbicides, are both expensive and heavily regulated. Farmers use these products to produce healthy crops while protecting their land and water resources. Because of the costs involved and regulatory requirements, producers apply only what is needed and maintain the certifications required for application.
IL Corn also noted that adopting new farming technologies and conservation practices is often a gradual process. New equipment and production methods require significant financial investment and may take years before generating a return. In addition, individual fields have different agronomic needs, requiring farmers to evaluate which practices are practical and profitable before implementing them across an operation.
The group also addressed the role of corn in ethanol production, saying advances in processing technology allow multiple products to be produced from each kernel. During ethanol production, starch is converted into ethanol, while the remaining protein and fiber are used to produce distillers dried grains with solubles for livestock feed. According to IL Corn, one bushel of corn produces about 2.8 to 2.9 gallons of ethanol and 15 to 18 pounds of distillers dried grains with solubles.
The organization emphasized that many farm decisions are made months before planting begins. Crop budgets are often developed the previous fall based on expected input costs, land rent and market conditions. Producers must make business decisions while accounting for uncertainty surrounding weather, trade and agricultural policy, with each decision affecting the financial outlook of the operation.
IL Corn also stressed the importance of maintaining reliable markets for grain rather than relying on government assistance. The organization pointed to export markets and domestic ethanol production as critical sources of demand for corn. It highlighted the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as an important trade agreement, noting that Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. corn, accounting for nearly one-third of exports, while Canada is the largest export market for U.S. ethanol with a similar share.
IL Corn said it will continue inviting lawmakers to visit farms and learn more about agricultural priorities while encouraging producers to speak directly with their legislators about how public policy affects their family farming operations.
Source: IL Corn, "What Farmers Want Lawmakers to Understand About Agriculture"