Nebraska Corn Industry Priorities

Rick Koelsch, February 3, 2015

With the recent increase in the Nebraska Corn check-off, the Nebraska Corn Board has become an increasingly important funding resource for research and Extension programs.  The Nebraska Corn Growers Association, although not a source of funding, is a important player in establishing priorities for Nebraska's corn industry.  Recognizing these priorities is important to pursuing funding and collaborations with these two organizations.

Let's start with the Nebraska Corn Board and their 2015 - 2016 Research Priorities.  Their Request for Proposals (discussed in a December 2014 Rick's Ramblings) identified their 2015-16 priorities as:

1. Increase the demand and usage of corn and/or corn products;
2. Research into the various aspects of life cycle analysis that affects corn and or corn ethanol, keeping in mind the systems approach.  Examples include nitrous oxide emissions, irrigation efficiency and fuel use, model elasticity variables;
3. Research that optimizes the environmental stewardship practices of present and future corn production systems;
4. Livestock production systems vs. crop production systems; and
5. Research of federal policy that effects corn, livestock, trade and/or ethanol.

In addition to these stated priorities, I have observed that the Board place value on:

1. Agricultural literacy for both youth and consumers.  The Board recently funded a statewide 4-H agricultural literacy field days proposal led by Bob Meduna and Tracie Behnken.  
2. Corn industry demonstration of sustainability  with the Field to Market sustainability tool often mentioned favorably.

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association places considerable emphasis on both legislative affairs (state and national advocacy) and on Natural Resources.  Current topics receiving lots of discussion that connect with Extension interests include:

1. Cover crops, 
2. Ethanol promotion and policy, 
3. Input sustainability/efficiency, 
4. Livestock industry awareness/promotion/regulation, and 
5. Natural resources regulation (currently focused on proposed Nebraska Department of Agriculture regulations for pesticides and water quality).

Several Board and Association members are very active nationally. Greg Whitmore's (farms near Shelby) involvement in National Corn Growers discussions for natural resources have led to him being a host farm for a 5 year Cover Crop Demonstration that began last fall. Extension be considering opportunities to work with Greg.

Do you have an Extension or applied research idea that aligns with these priorities.  If "Yes", I would be glad to discuss it further with you.