For seven years, the Corn Farmers Coalition advertising campaign has been telling the story of innovation and accomplishment represented by the nation’s family corn farmers. The CFC campaign is now being recognized by a 20-year display in a new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History that opened this month.

To mark the occasion and lend focus to this summer’s campaign, a dozen farmers hosted a tour of the American Enterprise exhibit and a special Farm-to-Table dinner at the museum Wednesday night. Attendees included by a broad array of Washington leadership representing elected officials, government agencies, environmental groups, think tanks and the media.

“Having this campaign on display in an institution like the Smithsonian validates the investment of farmer’s corn checkoff dollars to tell their story to this key audience of Washington decision makers,” said Chip Bowling, president of NCGA and a farmer from Newburg, Maryland. “It also amplifies our message and will be a constant reminder to the 2.3 million people expected to visit the exhibit annually for the next 20 years.”

“When we started this educational program, our research showed most of our Washington audience didn’t think family farmers even existed anymore, even though they grow 90 percent of the nation’s corn,” Bowling said. “When they learned the facts it opened their eyes to who owns and farms the land and how these multi-generational farmers are embracing change to become the most productive and efficient in the world.”

The coalition formed in 2008 to educate policy-makers in Washington about how tech-savvy, innovative farmers are growing more corn every year — for food, animal feed, ethanol and exports. The Corn Farmers Coalition uses facts from government and academics to document how farmers are using fewer resources and protecting the environment while growing productivity.

 

Join Us for the

2015 Virginia Ag Expo

This year’s Virginia Ag Expo will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, at Brooke Farms in Locust Grove, Virginia. Bob Chambers and his family are hosting the Ag Expo this year and are looking forward to a big crowd and an excellent event. The Ag Expo is a great opportunity to see the latest in equipment, technology, and in-field research, as well as to visit with fellow farmers and members of Virginia’s diverse agriculture industry. This year we will also offer an area for families to bring their children and participate in interactive, family-friendly activities.

If you are interested in volunteering an hour or two of your time to help with set up, parking or take down of the event, please contact VGPA staff at 804-726-6022. We welcome your participation and appreciate the dedication of our volunteers who make this event run smoothly each year.

If you are in town the night before, please join the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Alumni Organization for a fun-filled evening at Prince Michel Winery. The CALS Alumni Organization will hold a full meal and program of speakers.

Join Us for the 2015 Regional Business Series

This summer VGPA is co-hosting a regional business series that will bring together a wide range of Virginia’s business and political leaders. Please join us at your local event to get up-to-date information on the ever changing business environment in the Commonwealth, and how it will affect your operation. Come learn what your regional leaders are concerned about this election year.

This business series is your opportunity to get up to date information on business topics, network with agribusiness owners, and learn what other business organizations and leaders are concerned about including:

•Recent policy changes to immigration, amnesty, and foreign workers: effects on your business

• Mobilegeddon – Find out how Google’s big change will impact YOUR website being found

• Affordable Care Act Readiness Checklist: whether you’re large or small the ACA impacts you — learn where you should be in your preparation efforts

Take this opportunity for you as an agribusiness owner to voice the concerns and issues facing your operation and share your vision for the future. RSVP Today!

Schedule at a Glance:

• 9 a.m.: Registration & Coffee

• 9:30 a.m.: Business Issue Speakers

• 11 a.m.: Legislative Speakers

• 11:30 a.m.: Roundtables and Lunch

• 12:30 p.m.: Adjourn

Join Us for Your

Local Event:

• July 23, Crozet

King Family Vineyard

Aug. 11, Purcellville

Breaux Vineyards

• Aug. 18, Bedford

Bedford Welcome Center

• Sept. 15, Fredericksburg

Potomac Point Winery

(Note Change of Location)

• Sept. 22, Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center

Registration and

Sponsorship:

Registration for this event is only $30 per person.

Email your completed Registration to: Katie@VirginiaGrains.com, or fax registration to 804-359-9680.