Growing more corn doesn't automatically mean making more money. That's why Iowa's corn leaders are working to build demand, expand markets, influence agricultural policy, and protect the long-term profitability of American farmers.
Recorded at Iowa Speedway during the Iowa Corn 350 weekend, Tanner, David, and Corey sit down with six Iowa farmers representing the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Iowa Corn Growers Association. Together, they discuss everything from ethanol and international trade to fertilizer prices and the future of corn-based products.
Creating More Demand for Iowa Corn
With more than 4,000 uses for corn, opportunities extend far beyond livestock feed and ethanol.
Joe Roberts, Ralph Lentz, and Paul Gieselman of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board explain how farmer-funded checkoff dollars support research, market development, and consumer education.
Their goal is simple: Create more opportunities for farmers to sell their corn.
That includes exploring new products made from corn, such as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics and potentially even components used in tires.
The group also shares a reported $398 economic return for every dollar invested through Iowa Corn's efforts, highlighting the potential impact of developing new markets.
Why E15 and Ethanol Matter
NASCAR and corn might seem like an unusual combination, but the Iowa Corn 350 provides an opportunity to demonstrate the value of ethanol.
From race cars to everyday vehicles, ethanol creates demand for American-grown corn while offering consumers another fuel option.
The conversation covers:
How Unleaded 88 (E15) can save consumers money at the pump.
Common misconceptions about ethanol and vehicle compatibility.
Why year-round E15 availability matters to farmers.
Opportunities for ethanol in aviation, marine transportation, and international markets.
Expanding renewable fuel demand could help create additional opportunities for corn producers across the country.
Trade, Farm Policy, and Global Opportunities
In the second half of the episode, Stu Swanson, Mark Mueller, and Steve discuss the advocacy efforts of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
Unlike the checkoff-funded promotion board, the association focuses on legislative priorities and policies affecting corn producers.
Major topics include the Farm Bill, year-round E15 legislation, and international trade.
Mexico remains a critical customer for American corn, while Canada plays an important role in ethanol exports. The group also discusses opportunities to develop additional markets, including India, while reducing dependence on any single trading partner.
With changing trade policies and uncertain commodity markets, maintaining strong relationships with international buyers remains essential.
Fertilizer Prices and the Cost of Farming
Creating demand is only half the equation. Farmers also need to manage what it costs to produce a crop.
One of the episode's biggest discussions centers on fertilizer prices and concerns about competition within the industry.
Mark Mueller raises questions about industry consolidation, pricing transparency, and whether farmers are benefiting from a competitive marketplace.
The group also examines how rising input costs, government payments, and fluctuating commodity prices influence farm profitability.
When farmers are profitable, the benefits extend beyond the farm gate. Equipment dealerships, local businesses, schools, and rural communities all depend on a strong agricultural economy.
More Than Just Corn
Of course, no Farm4Profit episode would be complete without a few laughs.
The crew learns about Mark's specialty corn business serving racing pigeons, debates the possibility of corn-based tires, and makes predictions about NASCAR caution flags.
Beyond the entertainment, the episode highlights the importance of farmers sharing their stories.
Whether through NASCAR, the Iowa State Fair, or the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, connecting with consumers helps build awareness of agriculture and the role corn plays in everyday life.
The Bottom Line
Farm profitability isn't just about producing more bushels.
It's about creating stronger markets, expanding ethanol demand, protecting international trade relationships, controlling input costs, and advocating for policies that support farmers.
The work of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Iowa Corn Growers Association demonstrates why developing demand and representing farmers' interests are both essential to agriculture's future.
Listen to the full Farm4Profit episode to hear how Iowa's corn leaders are working to create opportunities for the next generation of farmers.
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