NCGA Recognizes Leaders in Corn Innovation

Sep 16, 2025
By Farms.com

Award Recognizes Groundbreaking Corn Based Industrial Technologies

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced three winners of its Consider Corn Challenge V at the Bio Innovations Midwest Event in Omaha. The competition encourages inventive uses of corn for renewable products and offers a three hundred-thousand-dollar prize pool.

“The Consider Corn Challenge fosters innovative collaborations between corn farmers and both the public and private sectors, which paves the way for new products, chemicals and applications.

This year's winners have continued to demonstrate corn's adaptability,” said Director of Research & Market Development Sarah McKay.

Corn's versatile applications as an industrial feedstock can be witnessed in the diverse approaches and applications of each of the three winners. This contest continues to highlight the fact that U.S. corn is an extremely flexible feedstock suited for biobased products and crucial to advancing the biobased economy.”

Aerterra earns recognition for creating the first renewable air filters made from U.S.-grown corn. These bio-based filters outperform petroleum-based options and promote healthier indoor air with a sustainable subscription model.

Terragia pioneers a one-step process using thermophilic anaerobic bacteria to convert cellulosic biomass into fuels and products. This method can raise ethanol output by 10 percent, increase high-protein feed, and add corn oil revenue.

Arizona State University develops a corn-derived corrosion inhibitor for crude oil pipelines. This non-toxic product forms a protective film to reduce corrosion-related accidents, offering a sustainable solution for the extensive U.S. pipeline network.

“Finding new uses for corn and additional market demand is a key priority for NCGA,” said Research and New Uses Action Team Chair Chad Epler. “The Consider Corn Challenge provides a unique opportunity to harness the potential of corn as a versatile, sustainable feedstock.

It not only showcases the ingenuity of participants but also fosters vital collaborations between industry and corn producers, paving the way for innovative, market-driven solutions.”

These award-winning innovations highlight corn’s role as a key renewable resource driving new markets and supporting a sustainable bioeconomy.

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.