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Corn growers headed to DC

Corn growers from across the country are heading to Washington, D.C., next week.

Garrett Hawkins, president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, says the annual Corn Congress, an event organized by NCGA, is an opportunity to build on key legislative relationships.

“Whenever you’re actually meeting face to face with your senators and congressmen and women, that means a lot.”  He says, “I mean, to me, that’s what makes the biggest impression. You know, we’re the voice for the corn farmer that can’t be there.”

He tells Brownfield that even though agriculture saw some wins from the recent reconciliation package, there’s still a lot to talk about.

“The big thing is to talk about a farm bill.”  He says, “We’re still on an extension, and we hope to maybe get some different base acre updates. Also, we’re gonna be pushing a new octane bill. Hopefully, we’re gonna get that all situated in Corn Congress so we can eventually present that.”

Hawkins says he expects the Capitol Hill conversations to also include lobbying for nationwide, year-round E-15, and updates on the ongoing trade uncertainty caused by tariffs.

AUDIO: Garrett Hawkins – Illinois Corn Growers Association