Building Bridges for Agriculture’s Future

In this week’s audio feature, we sit down with Michael Granche, Director of Trade, Transportation, and Animal Agriculture at the National Corn Growers Association. Born and raised on his family farm in Northern Virginia, Michael’s journey into agriculture is uniquely inspiring as a first-generation agriculturalist.

Recorded at the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference in Kansas City, Michael reflects on his transformative experiences as an AFA alum. From finding his footing in the industry as a college student at Virginia Tech to building connections that have shaped his professional path, Michael emphasizes the unparalleled value of the AFA program.

As a current finalist for the prestigious Bridge Builder Award, Michael shares his gratitude for the mentors and peers who have supported him along the way. He describes the honor as humbling and uplifting, further highlighting AFA’s role in fostering future leaders for rural America and beyond.

This conversation not only celebrates Michael’s achievements but also sheds light on the enduring impact of AFA, the AFA Alliance, and programs like Alliance X. It’s a story of growth, community, and the bridges built to connect generations within agriculture.

Listen now to hear how AFA shaped Michael’s career and continues to inspire his vision for the future of this vital industry.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The sun is setting behind the capitol building in washington d.c.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Passes Congress

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Illinois corn farmers will be impacted by many provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bill that passed in both chambers this week.

Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel.

Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.