McCabe Promoted to Director of Accounting and Finance (Fri, 26 Jul 2024)
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recently announced that Shea McCabe has been promoted to the director of accounting and finance at the organization. McCabe has worked at NCGA since 2020 as the accounting manager. With NCGA’s recent finalization of a new strategic plan, McCabe has been a dynamic force in aligning budgetary considerations and accounting processes into the three pillars of the plan, according to NCGA leaders. “I'm excited that Shea is taking on this new role,” said Jim Bauman, vice president of market development at NCGA.“Her track record of innovative problem-solving, coupled with a forward-thinking approach to organizational management, make her well-equipped to lead the accounting team during this critical time. She is the perfect person to ensure that our financial practices support and drive NCGA’s organizational goals.“ Along with the new position, McCabe will also serve as the treasurer of the NCGA Corn Board. “This is an exciting time for the organization as we implement a new strategic plan and redouble our efforts to support the nation’s corn growers,” said McCabe. “I look forward to working closely with the board and the organization’s staff to ensure that our accounting practices are aligned with these efforts.” Praise for McCabe was echoed across the organization. "Shea’s proven ability to integrate complex financial elements with strategic objectives demonstrates a deep understanding of both the numbers and the bigger picture,” said Marie Nelson, NCGA's former director of accounting and HR. "Her promotion is well-deserved, and I’m extremely pleased to be passing the reins over to her.” Before coming to NCGA, McCabe held a position in public accounting, working with nonprofit organizations. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and has been a certified public accountant since 2013.
>> Read more

Corn Growers Call for Reasonable Standards for Accessing Tax Credits for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (Fri, 26 Jul 2024)
The Biden administration should set fair and reasonable criteria around farming practices for farmers and refineries seeking tax credits for sustainable aviation fuels, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said in comments submitted this week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Ethanol has played a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in cars and trucks, and we can do the same for the airline industry,” NCGA President Harold Wolle noted after the comments were filed. “But we need a level playing field that allows farmers to meet emission requirements using environmentally smart practices that will work on their farms.” The issue stems from tax credits allocated under the Inflation Reduction Act for sustainable aviation fuels that would allow farmers to participate in this emerging market. To produce qualifying fuels under the standards set by the U.S. Department of Treasury, biofuel producers must show they have lowered their carbon intensity score. One way to do that, according to the guidance, is to use feedstocks grown using climate-smart agriculture practices. Corn growers have raised concerns about bundling specific practices that may not work in certain regions of the country. “Corn growers produce a commodity that will help the Biden administration meet its ambitious climate goals,” Wolle said. “But imposing a one-size-fits-all standard for attaining the tax credit will make it hard for us to contribute to the president’s grand challenge.”
>> Read more