Reprinted from York News-Times
LINCOLN – This week, farmers from across the country attended the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress held in Washington, D.C. During this event, Nebraska corn farmers Jason Lewis and Dan Nerud were elected to NCGA’s Corn Board. Lewis is from Henderson and Nerud is from Dorchester.
“This is an honor and responsibility I don’t take lightly,” said Lewis. “NCGA has a reputation of excellence, and the leadership on the board is what helps the organization reach its goals. With my background in research and education, I look forward to representing farmers across the nation in reaching and achieving success for the corn industry.”
Lewis grows corn and soybeans with his father-in-law in Henderson, Nebraska. With his PhD in horticulture, Lewis spent time at California Polytechnic State University in San Louis Obispo, California, prior to returning to his home state in Nebraska to farm full-time. He has extensive leadership experience on the local, state and national levels. He currently serves as a board member of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and chair of the Sustainable Agriculture Research action team with NCGA.
Dan Nerud will also be joining the NCGA board.
“I am proud to be elected to the NCGA board, and not for my future but for my sons and grandson,” said Nerud. “As I look to the industry’s future, there is opportunity for growth in all realms, and NCGA is at the forefront of ensuring farmers’ best interest is in good hands. I look forward to what is to come with NCGA.”
On his farm, Nerud farms with his two sons as they look to the next generation of the operation. They have a dryland and irrigated farm consisting of corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and grass hay. They also run a cow-calf operation. Nerud has previously served as the president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, currently serves as District 1 director for the Nebraska Corn Board and serves as chair of the Member and Consumer Engagement action team for NCGA.
“Nebraska has a reputation of excellent leaders, and this year is no exception,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director for NCB and NeCGA. “We congratulate Jason and Dan on their election to the National Corn Board. We are proud of Nebraska farmers who take time off their farm to serve this prestigious organization, dedicating time and passion to further the industry.”
Both terms for Lewis and Nerud will begin on Oct. 1, 2024, and will serve for 3 years. The election took place on Thursday, July 18 during NCGA’s 2024 Corn Congress. The event is focused on shaping policy, setting priorities and meeting with policy makers for the U.S. corn industry. Corn farmer delegates from across the country participated in the discussions and election.
The two farmers will join Dan Wesely, also a Nebraska farmer from Morse Bluff, serving the 15-person Corn Board.
The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of 1/2 cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development, and research.
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is a grassroots commodity organization that works to enhance the profitability of corn producers. NeCGA has more than 2,400 dues-paying members in Nebraska. NeCGA is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association, which has more than 36,000 dues-paying members nationwide.
