The outgoing president of the National Corn Growers Association says advancing policies that support U.S. farmers was his top priority during his year of leadership.

Jed Bower, who farms in Fayette County, Ohio, points to growing legislative momentum behind nationwide, year-round E15 sales as one concrete example of that work. The ethanol blend, made from 15% corn-based ethanol, has long been a demand priority for corn growers because it expands domestic corn usage.

"We went to Washington to talk about what this would do for [farmers]," Bower said, describing NCGA's advocacy trips to press lawmakers on the fuel's importance to the corn sector.

E15 policy has been a central NCGA ask in recent years. Growers argue a permanent, national fix allowing year-round E15 sales would stabilize ethanol demand and, by extension, support corn basis and farm margins. Seasonal restrictions have repeatedly disrupted retail availability in past summers, when regulatory waivers lapsed.

Bower's tenure as NCGA president also spanned the ongoing wait for a new farm bill. He remains hopeful Congress will pass updated legislation, according to his remarks. Farm groups, including NCGA, have pressed lawmakers to strengthen Title I commodity programs and crop insurance amid lower corn prices and tighter producer margins.

His comments come as the organization transitions to new leadership. NCGA represents corn growers nationwide on policy covering biofuels, trade, conservation and farm program design.

Bower says the progress on E15 shows direct farmer engagement with lawmakers can move policy, and he expects the organization's push for both a year-round E15 fix and a new farm bill to continue into the next leadership term.