Giving Thanks for NCGA’s Grassroots Advocates
By Lesly McNitt
As we often do in November, I am reflecting a lot this month about all the things that make me thankful, and I’d have to say NCGA’s grower leaders and our grassroots advocates are at the top of my gratitude list. If not for them, we would not be able to score big policy wins for our growers.
To give readers a little flavor of the inner workings of our grassroots efforts, I decided to sit down with Sadie Knight, the director of the National Corn Growers Association’s grassroots and political strategy. Since Sadie has served in her current role, she has taken our advocacy efforts to new heights. Here’s what she wants you to know about her work…
Sadie, first tell us about your experience and what led you to the corn world.
I’m a farm kid who was never really a farm kid. Growing up, I got my hands dirty every chance I could, rose through the ranks in the National FFA Organization and judged livestock through my college career – but I never made it to the farm. Turns out, I was never meant to sit in the cab of a tractor. God gave me the gift of gab, and like many, that gift led me to D.C. I took a tour as a public servant both at the USDA and on Capitol Hill, but I wanted to work closer with farmers and be connected to the countryside. I believe in rural America and the folks who call it home, and when the chance to join NCGA opened, I jumped on it. Corn has a powerful presence in D.C., and even though I am from the South, I know corn is king and is a commodity that connects all the industry. Corn is America’s Crop, and I’m dang proud to work with the folks who grow it.
I have always admired how NCGA cultivates well-rounded leaders. Tell us about NCGA’s leadership programs and why our leaders are important to corn grower advocacy.
NCGA is committed to keeping the leader and advocate pipeline strong, and we accomplish this mission through dynamic leadership and advocacy trainings. Let’s take a deeper look at NCGA’s Leadership Academy as an example. This program is designed for growers who are already leaders in their states but want to take their service to the next level. The first session is focused on excellence in leadership and the second is centered around advocacy. In January, we will bring the current class to Washington, D.C., to dive into policy issues, pick up tricks of the trade and meet with elected officials. Our goal is to instill confidence in these leaders and equip them with the knowledge and tools to most effectively take action. Advocacy training is woven into each of our leadership programs, because it is central to how NCGA impacts change. Leaders must be willing to share their stories and make a case for their cause. If you want to know more about our leadership and advocacy trainings, visit www.ncga.com/leadership-programs.
NCGA’s grassroots engagement has been on an upward trajectory. Can you tell us more about why that matters?
Our membership is composed of thousands of corn growers with thousands of stories, filled with lessons and wisdom that policymakers in D.C. need to hear. Our team is dedicated to bringing the stories, concerns and challenges of America’s corn growers to the center of policymaking and politics. But we can’t talk about what we don’t know about. That’s why grassroots advocacy is so important: While our grassroots network is educating and influencing lawmakers, it is also arming the NCGA team with facts and stories to carry our collective message further. Every time an advocate acts on an online campaign, posts on social media or meets with elected officials, he or she is adding to our advocacy numbers and numbers talk in D.C. Good policy is built on strong coalitions, and nothing beats a coalition of constituents.
Can you give us an example of a campaign that has had impressive outcomes?
The effort to unlock year-round, unrestricted sales of E15 has been a long-fought battle, and every opportunity to push the needle forward on this issue is an important one. Earlier this year, NCGA’s advocacy team sensed an inflection point and activated our grassroots network to sign a letter to congressional leadership directing them to address this issue. Nearly 9,000 advocates signed this letter, which grabbed the attention of congressional champions like Rep. Adrian Smith. The congressman, joined by a bipartisan group of policymakers, seized the opportunity and hosted a press conference outside of the Capitol to bring attention to this ongoing issue. From there the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act has continued to pick up steam and Congressional co-sponsors! Final passage is our top priority, and we thank all of the farmers who continue to weigh in on this issue.
What issues are on the horizon for you?
The administration will begin its reconsideration of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement next year. Its renewal will be critical to allowing farmers to continue to access top export markets, and we will be calling on the administration to protect agricultural trade during this process. Expect to see a dynamic grassroots push on trade and the USMCA next year; We will need everyone engaged on this issue.
If you are inspired by these advocacy efforts and want to take part, sign up for our advocacy alerts at https://ncga.com/action-center/take-action.
We need your voice to be a part of the chorus that makes a difference in Washington for America’s corn growers.
McNitt is vice president of public policy at NCGA.
