Jed Bower, a fifth-generation corn and soybean farmer from Washington Court House, Ohio, began his term today as president of the National Corn Growers Association saying the challenging rural economy will be his top priority in the year ahead.
“We need new markets to help alleviate the economic crisis that is threatening the survival of countless family farms across the country,” Bower said. “That’s why we will continue to encourage Congress to act immediately to pass legislation that expands consumer access to higher blends of ethanol year-round and urge the Trump administration to move quickly to develop new foreign markets.”
Bower brings extensive advocacy and leadership experience to the the role. He has served the last year as the vice president of the organization’s board while contributing as a member to several key NCGA committees, including the finance committee. Bower is also a board member for the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and a former president of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association.
Bower, who farms with his wife Emily and children Ethan and Emma, begins his presidency as corn growers face the largest three-year decline in net cash receipts in history because of declining crop farm profitability associated with lower prices and elevated input costs.
Grower leaders have ramped up pressure on Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would eliminate a dated clause in the Clean Air Act that prevents the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, often called E15, during the summer months. Growers argue that the change will provide more predictability and boost demand for corn.
The NCGA board chooses a member from the governing body to serve as president each year. The term begins on October 1, the start of NCGA’s fiscal year.
SOURCE: NCGA News Release