Nebraska corn groups spreading positive messages

Regional News

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Two Nebraska groups want people to know that corn farmers are doing a better job for them and the environment than ever. The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association have begun a campaign to promote farmers' good works and products. Jon Holzfaster is chairman of the Corn Board. He says farmers are growing five times more corn today they did in the 1930s but doing so on 20 percent less land. Industry experts say corn farmers have cut their fertilizer use 36 percent in the past three decades and erosion 44 percent in the past 20 years. The campaign was begun in part to counter criticism of the industry and the production of corn-based ethanol. The campaign includes radio and print advertising. It runs through the rest of 2009. ___ On the Net: Nebraska Corn Board: http://www.nebraskacorn.org Nebraska Corn Growers Association: http://www.necga.org