Just when you think that ethanol opponents have returned to their corner, they go another round in the food v. fuel debate.

“They keep repeating the same complaints without any thought to whether they have been disproven,” writes Bart Schott, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in a Feb. 9^th post.  “We and our allies in American agriculture and the ethanol industry have spilled a lot of digital ink trying to set the record straight.”

As an ally for American agriculture, we’ll spill a little more digital ink today explaining why ethanol has a minimal impact on the corn supply and on food prices.

There are two reasons why Schott says we needn’t be concerned about ethanol’s impact on the corn supply and food prices:

1. We’re growing more corn on each acre.  In 2010, U.S. growers reached an average yield of 152.8 bushels per acre (bu/A). In 2000, it was 136.9 bu/A.  In 1990, the average yield was 118.5 bu/A.

2. Corn demand for ethanol production is stabilizing as we’re reaching the limit of how much ethanol can be utilized.  The U.S. ethanol production represents only 3 percent of the increasing global grain supply, according to the Renewable Fuels Association points.  Therefore, it can have little, if any, impact on global food prices.

“Rising food prices” has been making the headlines worldwide since the New Year began, but we have to remember that there are many factors contributing to increased food prices.  Corrupt foreign regimes, currency fluctuation, land price and availability and even the weather factor into food costs.

For more factors, read Schott’s blog post in its entirety at  http://ncga.com/our-view-ethanol-there-they-go-again-2-9-11

Like many people who have chosen a career in agriculture, my decision was shaped largely by my 4-H experiences.  That’s why I whole-heartedly agreed to share my story as part of the campaign, “My 4-H. My Commitment.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAP_uFXiEJY[/youtube]

The rich experiences I gained through my 11 years as an active 4-H member also made me a life-long supporter of the organization.  I recently finished my third year as a 4-H Foundation Trustee and am happy to remain involved with some of the organization’s marketing and fund-raising efforts including the upcoming My 4-H.  My Commitment. 4-H Gala.

You’re invited to join me for a night in West Des Moines on Feb. 19.  It would be helpful if registrations were made in advance, but you can register at the door.  There are so many great auction items.  Even if you can’t attend in person, you can bid online.

Tomorrow morning, from 9-11 a.m., female corn and soybean producers will be at the West Glen Hy-Vee speaking with shoppers about farming, food production and the products they’re picking up in the store.

It’s part of the Common Ground program – a partnership between the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn, National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board. The program is based on the idea that those involved in food production need to make farming and food more personal. It’s connecting farmers and consumers to help shoppers understand real families are raising their food, and that they share common values and expectations, instilling more trust in farming and food.

A big thank you to those involved in the program who are helping connect consumers with the real story behind food production.

The West Glen Hy-Vee is located at 1725 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines Iowa.

Click here to learn more about Common Ground.

There are few things that get my adrenaline going like a good ol’ auction!  As a young 4-Her, I gave my parents a few gray hairs by raising my hand – again and again.  I remember my mom saying, “Do you know for sure that you have enough money in your checking account to cover that ewe?”

Fast forward about 30 years and I still love a good auction … especially one with Coach® purses and week-long vacations to tropical climates!  Today’s technology allows a person to participate in this auction in one of three ways: (1) in person; (2) by sending your bid with someone; or (3) online.  Plus, it all goes to a good cause because proceeds benefit the Iowa 4-H Foundation.  (Side Note:  My husband just loves it when I flash him a smile and say, “It’s going to a great cause, Honey.” LOL.)

The list of auction items is being updated continuously, so be sure to bid early and often.  Bidders will be contacted via e-mail when they’ve been outbid. Online bidding ends at 5 p.m. on Feb. 18. All of the auction items are listed at http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/news/events/Gala/galauctionindex.htm.

The inaugural 4-H Gala was held last February in Des Moines, and it was a wonderful first-time event.  But honestly, I believe this year’s gala is going to be even better!

I hope you’ll join me in supporting the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s 2^nd annual gala and auction.  Tickets are still available if you’d like to attend in person.  For more information, visit http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/gala/.