Iowa Corn Farmer Delegates Adopt Policy Priorities at Annual Grassroots Summit

Sep 08, 2025

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) hosted the Annual Grassroots Summit on Wednesday, September 3, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. During the Iowa Corn Grassroots Summit, a group of over 130 farmer-member delegates from across the state voiced opinions and thoughts on legislative priorities and policies, setting the direction for state and federal policy priorities for the coming year.

ICGA delegates tackled critical issues impacting corn growers, focusing on resolutions related to CRP regulations, right to carbon capture and sequestration projects, extension of the 45Z tax credit, increasing trade and safeguarding current market share. Throughout the policy session, these topics sparked discussion and were voted on by farmer delegates from across the state.

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Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.