Check-in on the Checkoff: A Year to Celebrate 

By: Ralph Lents

Ralph Lents is a farmer from Menlo, Iowa, and currently serves as the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President and on the Industrial Usage & U.S. Production Committee.

August marks the end of my term as the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President and even though it is hard to say goodbye, I am proud of the work we have accomplished.  

Over the past year, we invested market development dollars in programs that have strengthened trade relationships with countries like Vietnam and India, we’ve completed pump-promotions, hosted trade teams, partnered with our fellow commodity organizations and more, each activity driving corn demand and increasing farmer ROI. 

We’ve promoted corn research by hosting the Radicle Corn Challenge, investing in start-up companies, funding unique research for corn-based chemicals, and partnered with companies like Qore to advocate for corn’s incorporation into fabrics and textiles. We’ve hosted field days and learning opportunities to help farmers incorporate conservation and water quality practices on their farms. 

We’ve increased consumer education by sponsoring the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol, to promote the power and performance of ethanol on a national stage. We hosted Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair and continue to support high school sports, the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series and Ag in the Classroom, each promotion sharing how corn grows Iowa. 

As a corn farmer, it is important to me that our corn checkoff dollars are used wisely, and I am confident in saying that this year, we have gone above and beyond. Thank you for allowing me to serve as ICPB President, I am so proud of all we have accomplished!  

Thank you,

Ralph Lents

Iowa Corn Promotion Board President