Ken Hartman’s Trade and Regulatory Outlook for U.S. Corn Growers
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Ken Hartman, President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), isn’t just advocating for America’s corn farmers, he’s one of them. As a fifth-generation grower from Waterloo, Illinois, Hartman has firsthand experience with the policy pressures facing today’s producers. In a recent interview, he outlined the NCGA’s stance on tariffs, ethanol regulation, and other top priorities shaping the future of agriculture.
Trade Policy: Opportunity vs. Risk
Hartman expressed deep concern about the ongoing threat of tariffs. While acknowledging past wins like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), he warned that long-term tariffs could hand critical export markets to Brazil, Argentina, and other competitors.
“Mexico is our number one corn purchaser. Canada is the top buyer of U.S. ethanol,” Hartman said. “We need to protect and grow those relationships.”
Emerging markets like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines are also on NCGA’s radar. India, for example, is experimenting with higher ethanol blends to reduce emissions. This offers potential for increased U.S. ethanol exports if regulatory pathways are smoothed.
Regulatory Priorities: Ethanol and the Farm Bill
Hartman made it clear: securing permanent year-round approval for E15 ethanol blends is a top NCGA priority.
“We got a summer waiver this year, which helps. But for real change, we need a permanent solution so retailers feel confident selling E15 year-round,” he explained.
The NCGA is also pushing for broader adoption of even higher ethanol blends, 20 to 25%, to stay competitive globally. Other countries like Brazil have already committed to 30%, and Hartman believes the U.S. must not fall behind.
In addition to ethanol, Hartman flagged concerns around EPA restrictions on essential herbicides like atrazine and glyphosate. He criticized the regulatory “re-litigation” of products long proven safe and effective, warning that removing these tools would hinder farmers’ productivity.
The Farm Bill and Tax Provisions
Despite delays, Hartman remains hopeful about the current farm bill and reconciliation efforts in Congress. Critical issues like crop insurance, market development funding, and estate tax relief are all on the table.
“Bonus depreciation, inheritance tax thresholds, and even ethanol tax credits like 45Z for sustainable aviation fuel… they’re all tools to keep the next generation on the farm,” said Hartman.
Final Word: Stay Engaged
Hartman urges growers to stay politically active. Whether it’s emailing lawmakers or joining organizations like NCGA, he stressed that grassroots advocacy is the engine that drives policy change.
“If you think your voice doesn’t matter, think again. We’ve proven time and again that farmers speaking out can shift national policy.”
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