The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is giving sustainability-minded farmers a chance to preach what they practice. The association created the Good Steward Recognition Program to promote and expand awareness of various best practices of sustainable corn production.
“Success stories abound in agriculture in the areas of precision application and timing of inputs, improved seeds and large advancements in tillage and other practices,” says Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “However, some of these successes remain untold, and this program will help deliver the message loud and clear.”
In particular, NCGA is looking for farmers who have demonstrated that there is no tradeoff between production and stewardship. NCGA says nominees should show superior commitment to sustainability through best management practices and innovation in areas such as:
• Irrigation (if applicable)
• Cover crops
• Soil erosion control
• Nutrient management
• Water quality
Nominees should have a history of adopting new technology such as farm-level mapping software, GPS guidance systems and yield monitoring. They should also have effective communication skills.
NCGA will process the nominations and announce the reward recipient at the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. CDT Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. You can download the application here.
