Corn growers seek to expand efforts on grassroots level

A task force led by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will come together this winter to discuss ways to increase membership and improve communication, starting at the grassroots level.

NCGA, along with state and national staff, will report their findings in February to the NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team (GSAT).

“At NCGA, we recognize the incredible importance of both deepening grassroots engagement and broadening the community of those involved in corn farming that we reach,” GSAT Chairwoman Patty Mann said. “We recognize that many modern farms need many people to pitch in, be it by running the combine or keeping the books, in order to be successful. By finding innovative ways to expand our reach and inspire members to action, NCGA is taking a proactive approach to building the strong base we will need for a bright future.”

Important issues that the task force needs to address, based on previous GSAT meetings, are extending full membership to farming spouses, expanding communications to interested parties beyond farmer members, potentially expanding membership categories, and identifying the tools necessary to track members’ and advocates’ preferred contact methods, social media handles and other alternate contact information.

Final decisions on recommendations and changes will be made by the Corn Board during the State and National Staff Meeting in April.