Now more than ever, Americans rely on one another to learn about hot-button issues and connect with others who share similar social views. For moms, food production is an issue that is constantly top of mind. Jan Kochis, Sondra Pierce, Kristen Schneider, Collen Peppler, Mary Kraft and Sallie Miller set out to build understanding and initiate a conversation with the …
A Recipe for Relationships
This week, CommonGround Maryland volunteers took to the airwaves in our nation’s capital to discuss upcoming events where people who have questions about food can have real conversations with the women who grow and raise it. Sharing an incredible recipe for roasted sweet corn and blue crab gazpacho, Paula Linthicum and Jennifer Cross reached out to the audience of ABC …
IFF Takes Chicago Moms to the Lab to Investigate GMOs
Recently, I had the pleasure of joining a group of Chicago-area moms for a tour of a major biotechnology provider’s research center. These women, who came as a part of the Illinois Farm Families program, had voiced concerns about GMOs and wanted the chance to see first-hand what biotech really means for their families. After an incredible afternoon of learning …
A Corn-y Conversation
Iowa CommonGround volunteer Julie Kenney brought the story of corn to internet viewers everywhere recently during an interview with Iowa Girl Eats blogger Kristin Porter. The video, made possible by the Iowa Food and Family Project, explains both the different types of corn people see in the field driving by as well as what their uses. Find out more about …
AgRowers Take to the River
Missouri corn and soybean growers were rowers last week in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of river transportation for agriculture. The Missouri Corn and Soybean Rowers, also known as the Ag Rowers, spent nearly 77 hours last week paddling their tandem kayak across the state from Kansas City to St. Charles in the Missouri American Water 340 …
It’s Time to Speak Up!
Today, Corn Commentary shares a post from CommonGround Wisconsin volunteer Kim Bremmer. To find more posts on a wide variety of subjects authored by CommonGround volunteers, click here. It’s Time to Speak Up! One of my favorite ways to start the day is at the counter of my favorite coffee place, ordering a grande triple shot caramel macchiato and a …
Iowa Corn Promotes Cy-Hawk Day
June 9 was a special day for Iowans as Iowa Governor Terry Branstad officially proclaimed it Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Day. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board is a proud sponsor of the University of Iowa and Iowa State sports teams to educate fans about the importance of corn in their everyday lives and they were thrilled to stand beside the governor, …
Fight Back Against AAA
If the president of AAA had to take a true/false test on ethanol, he would probably score FFF. According to AAA President & CEO Bob Darbelnet, “More than 90 percent of the vehicles on the road today are not approved by manufacturers to use E15, including most 2001-2013 models.” Notice how he carefully words this misrepresentation “not approved by manufacturers.” …
I Grow GMO: Not Ashamed or Embarrassed
Today, Corn Commentary features a guest post from blogger, CommonGround volunteer, farmer and dietitian Jennie Schmidt. Schmidt testified March 11 in opposition to a state bill which would require labeling of certain products containing GMOs. As similar battles rev up across the country, she offers not only her perspective as a farmer but also as a registered dietitian who earned an advanced degree in science. …
Standing O for a Corn Industry Legend
The National Corn Growers Association celebrated the long and productive career of a corn farmer, friend and industry legend last Saturday during the concluding Corn Congress at the Commodity Classic. Jere White is retiring from the Kansas Corn Growers after leading that organization for a quarter of a century. During the Congress, he was presented with the Meritorious Service Award …