WASHINGTON, April 24, 2015 – The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today announced it work to boost market demand for corn through some key staffing changes within the organization.

Chip Bowling, NCGA president, said the staffing changes were made to emphasize market development and sustainability and will help American corn producers get through the industry’s current climate.

“(Farmers) are concerned whether today’s market prices will rise to cover the cost of production, whether they will have operating capital available, and what the future holds for their sons and daughters who may want to come back to the farm,” Bowling said in a statement. “I believe that our renewed commitment to building corn demand and enhancing sustainability are the steps that are needed to help my fellow producers and me weather today’s market challenges.”

NCGA is looking to fill a new vice president of market development position immediately, a role that will entail managing marketing initiatives to build demand for ethanol, livestock feed, bio-based products and food uses of corn, the organization said. NCGA also announced changes in existing staff:

Related Articles

  • Fred Stemme was promoted from vice president of marketing to vice president of marketing and operations, taking over new management responsibilities.
  • Paul Bertels will continue to serve NCGA as vice president of production and sustainability, a slight change from his current role as vice president of production and utilization.
  • Rodger Mansfield has stepped down as the vice president of administration after 19 years with NCGA.

The changes will go into effect immediately and details regarding the new market development position will available soon, according to NCGA. Chris Novak, who took over as NCGA’s CEO last fall, said new markets will be critical as productivity in the corn market continues to increase.

“Farmers constantly work to increase yields using fewer resources,” said NCGA CEO Chris Novak. “Looking to the future and continued productivity increases from our corn farmers, we need to be looking for new markets to create sustainable opportunities for today’s farm families.”

[Did you know Agri-Pulse subscribers get our Daily Harvest email Monday through Friday mornings, a 16-page newsletter on Wednesdays, and access to premium content on our ag and rural policy website? Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription.] 

#30

For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com