Colorado Corn
Cultivating Opportunities
Public Policy
Opportunities to affect public policy are all around us. They exist at local, state, and federal levels. In every case, it is those who get involved that shape policy for those who don’t. Government works if you show up and participate.
Your Colorado Corn Growers Association works to protect and represent the interests of corn producers in Colorado at state and federal levels. Your voice is stronger when it is amplified through the Association. As membership grows, so does our ability to provide influence on your behalf. It is only a portion of the work we undertake, but it is an important part.
It is important, because there are so few of us making a living in one of the nation’s most important industries. It is now estimated that less than one percent of the U.S. population actually earn their living directly from production agriculture in some significant way. Most of the general public has only a vague understanding of the challenges and issues we face. Most don’t generally understand how important agriculture is to their daily lives.
It is important we be active in providing perspective, data, opinion, and explanation to policy makers and the general public on issues affecting our industry and our future.
We work to provide this perspective and information through our Public Policy committee, our lobbyist, and our staff. Without all of these folks “showing up”, it would be easy for legislators to enact policy to the detriment of corn producers and the agricultural industry. We don’t win every battle, but we willingly engage on your behalf.
The Public Policy Committee was established to monitor legislation proposed at the Capitol that may have a direct or indirect impact on our commodity, our producers and production resources in general. This committee can be called on to meet with policy makers at state and federal levels to express opinions or positions on proposed policy. The committee consists of corn producers from both boards, but can lobby on behalf of the Grower Association only.
- Doug Melcher, Chairman, District 7, Holly
- Trent Bushner, District 5, Yuma
- Dave Eckhardt, Districts 1 & 2, La Salle
- Greg Larson, District 4, Haxtun
- Rick Palkowitsh, District 6, Burlington
- Don Rutledge, District 5, Yuma
- Bruce Unruh, District 6, Burlington
- Steve Scott, District 6, Burlington
- Byron Weathers, District 5, Yuma
- Becky Brooks, Lobbyist
- Mark Sponsler, Staff
- Ann Cross, Staff
