Indiana Farmer Promotes E15 and Emerging Corn Markets at Commodity Classic

15 Minutes With Chris Cherry

Chris Cherry, an accomplished Indiana farmer, has recently completed his second year as president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association. He’s also a key member of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Biofuels Action Team, currently campaigning for a position on the NCGA Board of Directors. During a recent meet-up at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, we had an insightful discussion about crucial topics in agriculture, including E15 expansion, sustainable aviation fuel, cover crops, and the pressing need for corn growers to explore new markets amidst tightening margins.

Advocacy for Year-Round E15

At the NCGA’s recent meeting during Commodity Classic, Cherry emphasized a call to action for delegates to contact their legislators in support of year-round E15. “I think it was 30 minutes well spent,” he remarked. Despite the push for E15, Cherry highlighted a significant production gap for corn that still exists. “We need more new uses. We need more markets. We’ve got to keep expanding our export market,” he stated, pointing out that standard aviation fuel represents a promising opportunity. “We’re looking at our fourth straight year of a negative return on corn, and that just cannot continue,” he added, underlining the urgency for change in the industry.

Diversification: A Strategic Necessity

Cherry’s farming enterprise spans about 1,800 acres, where he cultivates corn and soybeans—including high-oleic and non-GMO varieties targeting premium markets—as well as wheat near New Palestine, Indiana. He collaborates with his brother, uncle, and a dedicated employee in this venture. Additionally, Cherry runs a seed business with his wife and functions as a crop insurance agent while also dealing in chemicals, seed tenders, and equipment. “It’s all about the little piles,” he reflects on his diverse business strategies. “I hope that the little piles end up in a big enough pile to provide for my family.”

Embracing Sustainable Practices

A proponent of sustainable agriculture, Cherry primarily employs no-till or minimal tillage methods and sees growing cover crops as essential to his operations. “One thing I’ve found was the crop following my cover crop was the cleanest crop I planted,” he shared, noting that less herbicide was required. “I knew it was going to help the soil profile, but helping keep our soybeans and corn cleaner the following year was an added benefit,” he observed.

Flexibility in Farming

Despite meticulous planning each season, Cherry recognizes the necessity of adaptability in farming. “We all come up with our planting plans in the wintertime on what crop is going on what farm and what seed variety we’re planting on each farm, and sometimes Mother Nature dictates,” he explained. His emphasis on being fluid captures the essence of modern farming, where flexibility can make or break a harvest.

Resources and Further Listening

For those interested in diving deeper into Chris Cherry’s insights and experiences, the podcast series 15 Minutes With a Farmer is an excellent resource. It features episodes that touch on a broad range of agricultural topics, perfect for anyone looking to understand the complexities of farming today.

Listeners can find the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and are encouraged to rate and review the episodes, which help grow the farming community’s reach and impact.