NCGA Acts, Members Face Input Shortages and High Prices Caused by U.S. Tariffs on Fertilizer
KCGA is working closely with NCGA on several fertilizer issues including phosphate, UAN and potash. Here is an update on the latest actions Corn Growers are taking on potash and phosphate.
 
Corn Growers Lead Letter on Potash
In August, the Biden Administration enacted broad sanctions against the nation of Belarus, which is one of the largest producers of agricultural potash in the world. These sanctions were part of a larger package of sanctions, but unlike our allies in the UK and EU, which also sanctioned potash company Belaruskali as part of a coordinated response, the US sanctions inappropriately cover imports of potash used as agricultural fertilizer, putting U.S. farmers at a significant competitive disadvantage. The US should exempt agricultural potash from the list of products subject to sanction. Gavilon submitted a request to the U.S. Dept. of Treasury for temporary suspension until spring 2022. In action Thursday, NCGA took the lead on a letter supporting Gavilon’s request.
 
NCGA Joins Ag groups in Letter to Overturn Phosphate Tariffs
The National Corn Growers Association joined four other agricultural groups last Friday in encouraging the U.S. Court of International Trade to overturn an earlier decision by the International Trade Commission, which imposed tariffs on imported phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. The U.S. Department of Commerce recommended in February 2021 that the ITC implement tariffs over 19% on imported fertilizers from Morocco after the Mosaic Company, which manufactures fertilizers used in the U.S. and abroad, filed a petition with the department seeking the levies. The ITC voted in March to impose the tariffs while adding similar levies on Russian imports. As a result, critical sources of imported supply have been shut out of the U.S. market, and the costs for fertilizers have increased for farmers. In the meantime, Mosaic, whose control of the phosphate market has grown from 74% to over 80%, is gaining a near-monopoly over the phosphate fertilizer supply in the U.S. In fact, Mosaic’s share price has quadrupled since March. 
POLICY UPDATE
Take Action to Support the Next Generation Fuels Act

Take action to support strong markets and increased demand! Contact your Representative today and encourage them to co-sponsor the Next Generation Fuels Act bipartisan legislation that paves a way to incorporate higher ethanol blends into America’s fuel supply, increasing ethanol demand. The legislation takes a cooperative approach to reducing carbon emissions, using ethanol-based high octane fuels, ensuring consumers continue to have affordable fuel and vehicle choices. The Next Generation Fuels Act would require automakers to transition engines to low-carbon, higher octane fuel to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet future needs of more advanced vehicles by using higher ethanol blends. The legislation would leverage the clean octane value of ethanol, which is nearly 50% lower in carbon intensity than gasoline, to meet the new standards.

Considering the importance of corn and ethanol to the Kansas economy, our U.S. representatives from Kansas should be very supportive of this legislation and should consider being a cosponsor. Take a few minutes today to send a message to your representative to tell them to support and cosponsor this important legislation.
New Issue of Ears in Washington!

Click here to read the new November issue of "Ears in Washington", a column written by Brooke Appleton, NCGA's Vice President of Public Policy. KCGA works closely with the Washington DC staff representing growers in policy and regulatory issues.

Be sure to watch for these monthly columns!
Farm Foundation Provides Explanation of Farm Tax Issues
Still trying to understand the "stepped-up basis" and tax issues that could impact your farm? You're not alone. Farm Foundation recently hosted a webinar titled, "Keeping the Farm Together: Issues and Impacts of Current Tax Proposals." If you missed it that's okay, the recorded session is available on YouTube here. Kansas Corn staff members that listened to the presentation believe it to be a great resource that can help sort out some of the confusing issues that don't always get explained in news stories.

Click here to learn how NCGA is working to preserve stepped-up basis.
Save Money with KCGA Member Discounts
Looking to purchase a new Ford pick-up before the end of the year? Need a gift idea for Christmas? Want to save on a hotel room during your winter travels? Be sure to check out all the discounts provided to you as both a KCGA and NCGA member!
Kansas Corn Opens Application for 2022 Internship Opportunities
Kansas Corn Growers Association is seeking an intern for Spring 2022 and Summer 2022.

The intern will be based out of our Manhattan office and be an integral part of our Grower Services team.
BRIEFLY at Kansas Corn
PrairieFood Forum + Soil Health Workshop in Pratt
  • When: November 15-16, 2021
  • Where: Pratt County Fairgrounds
  • Registration: Online
PrairieFood, a bottom line company specializing in micro-carbon rich soil amendments, will host the PrairieFood Forum + Soil Health Workshop, an innovative tow-day soil health even in partnership with Great Plains Regeneration and Soil Regen. Featured speakers include Dr. Liz Haney of Haney Soil Tests, Lance Gunderson, soil microbiologist for Regen Ag Labs and Russell Hedrick, first-generation regenerative farmer. $40 will get you a ticket for both days of the workshop.

Applications for Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy Due Nov. 15!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the corn industry while also building your professional skills. Apply for our Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy.

Save the Date!
Be on the look out for details and information about the following upcoming events:
  • Kansas Corn Symposium, January 27, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Salina
  • Kansas Commodity Classic, January 28, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Salina
  • 2022 Kansas Corn Schools:
  • Jan. 7 at Oakley
  • Jan. 14 at Salina
  • Jan. 18 at Parsons
  • Feb. 3 Virtual Event
  • Feb. 24 at Hiawatha
Kansas Corn
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