By Scout Nelson
On 25th March,2025 marks the commencement of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) annual spring fly-in in Washington, D.C. This significant event brings together MCGA farmer-leaders who will engage in pivotal discussions with Congress members and administration officials over the coming days.
Their agenda includes advocating for enhanced farm policies and stressing the economic challenges currently plaguing corn farmers.
The delegation of farmer-leaders is set to outline several critical issues affecting the agricultural sector. Key talking points will include the adverse economic conditions impacting corn farmers, such as low crop prices, escalating input costs, high interest rates, and tightening credit conditions.
They will also address the need for a robust Farm Bill that fortifies the farm safety net, with a particular focus on the Commodity and Crop Insurance Titles, expressing gratitude for recent economic and disaster relief measures included in the Continuing Resolution last December.
Trade remains a central theme for the MCGA, with emphasis on the significant contribution of corn exports to Minnesota’s economy—amounting to over $3 billion in economic output. The U.S.'s neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, are highlighted as crucial export markets for corn-derived products like DDGS and ethanol.
Another critical area of advocacy by the farmer-leaders is the support for biofuels, which are instrumental in advancing U.S. energy independence. The group will advocate for strong Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard and push for continued support for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Emphasizing the benefits of renewable fuels, they will discuss how these energy sources help reduce fuel prices, cut emissions, and strengthen national energy security while fostering economic growth and job creation, particularly through the support of the 45Z tax credit for SAF.
As these dedicated farmer-leaders engage in discussions that could shape the future of farming in Minnesota and beyond, MCGA anticipates a series of productive meetings. Their efforts in D.C. are crucial in ensuring that the voices of family farmers are heard and that policies conducive to their growth and sustainability are implemented. For more details on MCGA's policy priorities, visit their advocacy page at mncorn.org/advocacy.
Photo Credit: vista-mipan
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Energy