National Corn Growers Association Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jon Linder says farmers across the U.S. made incredible planting progress last week. Linder says the percentage of corn acres planted surged ahead of the five-year average – and now many farmers already have their entire crop in the ground. NCGA reports the spring weather outlook is favorable for the 2015 crop – with most of the U.S. Corn Belt currently drought-free. Also positive is the weak El Nino currently in effect – which an Iowa State University study shows can result in Midwest crop yields as much as 10-percent above the trend line. USDA’s corn supply and use report projects a 14.2-billion bushel corn crop this year – which would be an almost 400-million bushel increase from last year. That’s why Linder says it’s important to grow demand for this additional corn – and markets abroad represent a significant opportunity – but the U.S. must remain competitive with other exporting nations. Trade promotion authority is gaining momentum – but he says Congress must act to support farmers and provide a level playing field so corn exports can grow not just for the good of farmers – but the entire American economy.
Source: NAFB News Service