Check-in On the Checkoff January Column

By Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Larry Buss 

As we embark on 2023, I thought it only fitting to share some goals in this month's edition that I have for myself and all corn farmers in Iowa. 

As a corn farmer, my goal is to utilize the resources and information available to me through Iowa Corn and its partnerships. Iowa Corn works with organizations across the state, including the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council and the Soil Health Partnership, that share information on conservation practices that we as farmers can implement on our farms.  

As a contributor to the Iowa corn checkoff, my goal is to share with other corn farmers the importance of the checkoff and the vital role we all play in its success. By investing in the Iowa corn checkoff, I have a team this is maximizing the value of my corn and putting the corn industry at the forefront of everything they do. Which I know is of value for my farm's ROI. 

As the Iowa Corn Promotion Board President, my goal is to oversee that our board of directors and committee members are investing checkoff dollars on the best programs and projects for market development, education and research. I want to set the record straight regarding where those funds are going and how they are used for all of our benefits. For 2022 the checkoff was invested in the following ways: 

• 40% of each penny was used to defend current markets and to develop new markets. 

• 30% of each penny was used to raise awareness of corn, farmers and Iowa agriculture through education. 

• 20% of each penny was used to create new and improved products made from corn and increase your efficiency on your farm through research. 

• 10% of each penny went towards administrative expenses that cover the cost of overhead for board, staff, and several meetings throughout the year. 

In 2023, I want to prioritize connecting with the corn farmers in the state of Iowa and continuing to share with all of you the information valuable to your farm. For more information visit iowacorn.org.  

Thank you, 

Larry Buss