Seven Indiana farmer leaders from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Corn Growers Association have been named to National Corn Growers Association committees to build corn markets, conduct research and analyze policy to support market development for the national organization in the upcoming year. “Indiana corn farmers have a tremendous track record of engagement on critical issues impacting the corn market, and we’re proud of these seven leaders will make on the national level,” said Herb Ringel, ICGA President and a farmer from Wabash. “I look forward to their contributions and know they’ll continue to represent our state well.”
The following Indiana corn farmers received appointments:
Ronnie Mohr, Greenfield – Mohr, a farmer from Hancock County, was named Vice Chairman of NCGA’s Production & Stewardship Action Team. The team is charged with addressing issues related to corn production, environmental stewardship, transportation and livestock. Mohr serves on the Indiana Corn Growers Association and Indiana Corn Marketing Council Board of Directors.
Dennis Maple, Greentown – Maple, a farmer from Howard County, was named Vice Chairman of the Research & Business Development Action Team. The team is responsible for business development opportunities, including research in corn processing, bio-renewable products, new uses, nanotechnology, genomics and phenotyping. Maple serves as President of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council.
Mike Beard, Frankfort – Beard, a farmer from Clinton County, was named to the Trade Policy & Biotechnology Action Team, which supports biotechnology availability, marketability, education and acceptance around the world while protecting the integrity of U.S. corn. Beard is a member of the Indiana Corn Growers Association and Indiana Corn Marketing Council Board of Directors.
David Gottbrath, New Pekin – Gottbrath will serve on the NCGA Ethanol Committee. A farmer from Washington County, Gottbrath will work on the committee charged with ensuring production, utilization, and promotion of corn-based biofuels; and to advocate for increased production and consumption of domestic renewable energy resources. He serves on the Indiana Corn Marketing Council Board of Directors and as an ex-officio member of the Indiana Corn Growers Association Board of Directors.
Sarah Delbecq, Auburn – Delbecq, who farms in DeKalb County, will serve on the NCGA Public Policy Action Team. The committee is responsible for federal agriculture policy and regulatory matters, farm and risk management programs, rural economic development and tax policy reform. Delbecq serves on the Indiana Corn Growers Association Board of Directors
Mike Buis, Martinsville – Buis will serve on the committee overseeing NCGA’s Corn Political Action Committee. As part of the CornPAC Board, the farmer from Putnam County will work to promote the public policy goals of corn producers and their related agricultural interests. Buis serves on the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and as an ex-officio member of the Indiana Corn Growers Association Board.
Mark Bacon, Milroy – The Rush County farmer was named to the NCGA Bylaws Committee. One of NCGA’s standing committees, members of the Bylaws committee focus on internal policies and governance. Bacon is a member of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council Board of Directors.
In addition to seven farmers, four Indiana Corn staff were named to advisory roles on NCGA committees. COO Greg Noble will advise the NASCAR committee, while Director of Biofuels Ken Parrent will advise the Ethanol Committee. Public Affairs Manager Patrick Pfingsten will advise the Trade Policy & Biotechnology Action Team and Industry Relations Program Manager Katie Thomas Glick will advise the Grower Services Action Team.
The one year appointments are effective October 1.