| Abbreviation | OCW |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2011 |
| Type | Trade association, Nonprofit organization |
| Legal status | 501(c)(5) |
| Purpose | Advocating for policies that support Ohio corn and wheat producers, including ethanol production, market stability, environmental regulations, and farmer mental health |
| Headquarters | Delaware, Ohio, United States |
| Location |
|
| Membership | Nearly 2,000 |
Executive Director | Tadd Nicholson |
| Website | ohiocornandwheat |
Ohio Corn & Wheat is a strategic alliance encompassing three distinct organizations (the Ohio Corn Checkoff, the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff, and the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association). The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is an agricultural trade organization representing corn and wheat producers in Ohio, advocating for policies that support ethanol production and market stability for grain farmers. [1] The association engages in policy advocacy on issues such as biofuel mandates, environmental regulations, and trade impacts affecting grain prices. [2] It collaborates with other agricultural groups to address mental health challenges in the farming community. [3] The organization provides data on corn usage, noting that approximately 40 percent of Ohio's corn is converted into ethanol. [4] It promotes higher ethanol blends like E15 for their benefits to rural economies and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. [5]
The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association has advocated for environmental protections, including supporting legislation in 2015 to limit fertilizer application on frozen or saturated fields to prevent algae blooms in Lake Erie. [2] In 2015, the association opposed Monsanto's proposed acquisition of Syngenta, citing concerns over reduced competition and potential price increases for agricultural inputs. [6] In 2019, the organization defended ethanol mandates against criticism from oil refineries, emphasizing job support and consumer choice in fuel options. [1] The association highlighted weather-related challenges in 2019, noting that concerns over smaller corn harvests led to higher bids from ethanol plants and livestock feeders. [7] In 2022, it promoted the expansion of unleaded 88 fuel, arguing for its cost savings and environmental advantages. [5] The organization stressed the critical role of ethanol in sustaining corn farmers' profitability amid economic pressures in 2022. [4] By 2024, the association joined initiatives to provide mental health resources for farmers, partnering in alliances to address stress and suicide risks in agriculture. [3] In 2025, it discussed the effects of trade wars on grain markets, noting that much of Ohio's corn is used domestically but influenced by international trade dynamics. [8] The association declined to comment in 2025 on proposals to ban high-fructose corn syrup, amid concerns over impacts on corn demand. [9]
The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association operates as a nonprofit trade association focused on policy advocacy for grain producers. [10] It maintains a political action committee to support candidates aligned with agricultural interests. [11] The organization includes board members who are active farmers contributing to policy discussions. [5]
The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association advocates for expanded ethanol use, defending mandates that support thousands of jobs and provide fuel choices for consumers. [1] It promotes biofuels as essential to farmer profitability, with 40 percent of Ohio corn dedicated to ethanol production. [4] The association supports E15 fuel blends for their economic benefits to rural areas and lower emissions compared to regular gasoline. [5] It participates in coalitions addressing farmer mental health, contributing to alliances that offer 24/7 resources to combat suicide risks. [3] The organization endorses environmental measures, such as restrictions on fertilizer application to protect water quality in Lake Erie. [2] It opposes mergers in the agricultural sector that could reduce competition and raise input costs for farmers. [6] The association addresses trade policy impacts, noting that tariffs affect corn prices despite domestic uses like ethanol and feed. [8] It monitors proposals affecting corn products, such as potential bans on high-fructose corn syrup. [9] The organization comments on market conditions, including how weather events influence corn harvest expectations and bidding from ethanol and feed sectors. [7]
Tadd Nicholson serves as executive director of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, advocating for ethanol's role in farmer sustainability. [4] Kelly Harsh, a board member, promotes higher ethanol blends for economic and environmental reasons. [5] John Davis, a past president, has voiced opposition to industry mergers affecting competition. [6]