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Outgoing NCGA president reflects on E15 progress, remains hopeful for a new farm bill

The outgoing president of the National Corn Growers Association says advancing policies that support U.S. farmers was a top priority during his year of leadership.

Fayette County, Ohio farmer Jed Bower says seeing momentum on nationwide, year-round E15 legislation is just one example.

“We went to Washington to talk about what this would do for rural America and consumers across the country,” he says. “Just watching that pass out of the House with that historic vote, it was truly amazing.”

He tells Brownfield efforts to address rising input costs and widespread industry consolidation were also a highlight.

“It’s so bad across America right now in farm country,” he says. “We’re continuing to have those conversations with the big companies about how hard it is, ways to help growers, and how we can curb some of these issues.”

Bower says despite the wins, there’s still work to be done.

“We’re going to continue to fight,” he says. “We’re going to get E15 and the farm bill done and keep farmers’ needs front and center.”

Bower will serve as NCGA’s board chairman over the next year and says he’s optimistic Congress will get a new farm bill across the finish line during the lame duck session later this fall. 

Michigan farmer Matt Frostic will begin his term as president of the organization on October 1st.

Brownfield interviewed Bower during the 2026 Farm Science Review.

AUDIO: Jed Bower