The Nebraska Corn Board Kicks off New Fiscal Year with New Program Focuses
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) began the new fiscal year on July 1 which brings new programs funded by the checkoff for the 2025-2026 year. Guided by the strategic plan, initiatives are organized around four key pillars: promotion, education, market development and research. The strategic plan ensures that checkoff investments align with core objectives, ultimately benefiting Nebraska corn farmers and the state's economy.
NCB continues to collaborate with national and international partners like the National Corn Growers Association, U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Meat Export Federation to drive demand and increase the value of Nebraska corn.
Education and Promotion
As part of the ongoing efforts to promote and educate the public about Nebraska corn, during the 2025-2026 program year, NCB is funding initiatives in the promotion and education space.
Notable programs include a partnership with Ag in the Classroom, Nebraska FFA Foundation and Ag Sack Lunch Program. The Ag Sack Lunch Program brings Nebraska agriculture to life for fourth-grade students visiting Lincoln as part of their Nebraska history curriculum. During the interactive presentation, students enjoy a taste of Nebraska with a roast beef or chicken sandwich, corn Fritos and a Rice Krispie treat while learning about the direct connection to Nebraska agriculture.
NCB is also leading a national promotion campaign for Unleaded 88 ethanol (15% ethanol fuel blend), targeting viewers of ESPN streaming and digital platforms. This campaign aims to educate consumers about the benefits of corn-grown fuel and the benefits.
Additionally, NCB continues the "I'm a Nebraska Corn Farmer" campaign, celebrating the hard work and pride of Nebraska's corn farmers. Through a multi-channel approach featuring billboards, videos, commercials and social media assets, the campaign showcases the dedication and passion of Nebraska's corn farming community.
The education and promotion space will continue to support the other areas of market development and research in communication efforts.
Market Development
Market development programs focus on expanding demand for Nebraska corn through efforts in ethanol, new uses, livestock and international trade. For the 2025-2026 program year, projects include supporting ethanol infrastructure across Nebraska and in key markets like California, where demand for E85 continues to grow. NCB partners with Pearson Fuels to promote the use of E85 in California, while also working on consumer education efforts through ethanol campaigns in the Colorado Front Range and across Nebraska to highlight the benefits of using higher ethanol blends.
Livestock development remains a key priority, with support for projects in partnership with the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) and the Nebraska State Dairy Association, aimed at responsibly growing livestock production in the state.
As global trade continues to evolve, Nebraska Corn is committed to helping growers stay informed on trade dynamics, while maintaining strong relationships with international buyers to ensure continued access to global markets.
Research
As research continues to be a key topic of conversation, many projects for the new year will revolve around production efficiency, pest management and new uses. One research program includes a deeper look at corn root traits like depth, biomass and velocity: exploring how nitrogen availability and plant density impact performance. Findings from this research will contribute to refining hybrid selection and nutrient management strategies and optimizing corn production systems. A pest management project will support the development of a Nebraska optimized Tar Spot alert system. As this pest continues to move west across our state, this digitized alert system will empower growers in their scouting and management decisions.
When looking for new market opportunities for corn, bioindustrial uses continues to be an important research piece. Key projects include the Radicle Corn Challenge, a shark-tank like competition that elevates innovative ideas and start-ups to fast track commercialization and increase corn demand. Another project is the development of a corn-based polymer coating for slow-release fertilizers. This innovation could improve on-farm sustainability and further reduce the need for synthetic petroleum-based products.
“We're committed to maximizing the value of Nebraska corn through strategic investments in promotion, market development and research,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB. “Our goal is to deliver a strong return on investment for corn farmers, ensuring their checkoff dollars are used effectively to propel the industry forward. By supporting cutting-edge initiatives and expanding market opportunities, we're confident that Nebraska corn will continue to thrive, benefiting our farmers, rural communities, and the state's economy.”
Learn more about the programs funded by the Nebraska Corn Board at nebraskacorn.gov.