Nebraska's two major corn organizations have undergone a restructuring of sorts. The changes were unveiled at the recent Nebraska Corn Growers Association annual business meeting in York, although discussion about the idea began back in 2009.

NeCGA, a voluntary membership organization with 2,371 members, and the Nebraska Corn Board, the corn checkoff administrating entity in the state, will both be led by a joint executive director. That person is Kelly Brunkhorst, who previously had been executive director of the Corn Board exclusively.

Kelly Brunkhorst

Scott Merritt, prior to the change that took effect Oct. 1 last year, had served as NeCGA's executive director. Merritt is now under contract with NeCGA as its general manager, overseeing the association's staff, grower and local services, consumer outreach, educational and promotional programs, and policy setting efforts. He is based at NeCGA's new location at 1111 Lincoln Mall, Suite 308, Lincoln, NE 68508.

Both corn entities will retain their own boards.

The Nebraska Corn Board, because it was created through state law, is housed in the State Office Building in Lincoln. As such, it contracts with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for checkoff collections, accounting and auditing.

Because the Nebraska Corn Board administers the mandatory corn checkoff in the state, it is prevented from taking part in state lobbying and policy-setting activities.

Brunkhorst will serve as head of both entities and coordinate education outreach and promotion programs.

"The increased communication and collaboration of the two will better align the organizations and bring greater efficiency and effectiveness to benefit Nebraska's leading grain commodity and the farmers how grow it," Brunkhorst says.

"It's important that each organization maintain its separate and distinct mission and identity," according to Brunkhorst. "This is critical since the checkoff and grower association each has specific strengths, objectives and responsibilities to Nebraska corn farmers."