NAMA and USDA NCAUR Co-Host 65th Annual Corn Dry Milling Conference

May 31, 2024 – Nearly 100 corn industry stakeholders, including 30 scientists, attended the 65th annual Corn Dry Milling Conference (CDMC) held in Peoria, Illinois on May 29-30, 2024.

The CDMC is co-sponsored by the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR). Since 1959, this conference has provided a forum for the entire value chain to share the latest research. 

“For 65 years, the Corn Dry Milling Conference has brought together the corn milling value chain to share insights on opportunities and challenges facing the industry,” said NAMA President Jane DeMarchi. “This year, attendees heard firsthand about the growing food markets for milled corn products, factors impacting grain quality and  potential new uses for corn products.” 

A full day of programming was held at NCAUR on May 30 featuring 12 speakers from USDA and the private sector. For the second year, USDA scientists also presented a poster session to highlight current research.

A selection of the featured topics and speakers included: 

• Corn-Based Snack Food Trends – Christine Cochran (SNAC International)
• Arepa Processing and Products – Carlos Olivares (Buhler)
• Modern Approaches to Eating, 2024 – Paula LaBine (ADM)
• Crop Management Practices Impacting Milling Quality of Grain – Dr. Lucas Borras (Corteva)
• 50 Years of No-Till: Challenges and Opportunities – Dr. Lloyd Murdock (University of Kentucky)

Recognizing the importance of folic acid fortification of corn masa flour as an affordable means to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns, representatives from Rotary International were also invited to share their global work on this important issue. 

“Everyone from the farm to the mill and beyond benefits from the work being done at NCAUR,” said Hayes Charles, Iowa Corn Processors Plant Manager and CDMC Planning Committee Chair. “This conference showcases how USDA researchers turn their work into technologies we all rely on to deliver safe products to consumers.” 

NAMA members will next meet on June 26 in Washington, D.C. for the D.C. Experience conference for interns and early career professionals in the milling industry. For more information about upcoming NAMA events, visit https://namamillers.org/our-events/.

The CDMC was hosted at USDA’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research.

From left to right: Jane DeMarchi (NAMA), Dr. Martha Vaughan (NCAUR), and Hayes Charles (Iowa Corn Processors), members of the CDMC planning committee.

Keith Smith (Cargill) provided a “dry corn milling 101” presentation.

About NAMA:

NAMA is the only national trade association that exclusively represents the interests of the North American wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industry before Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory bodies. Member companies operate mills in 30+ states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, representing more than 90 percent of total industry production capacity.

The North American Millers’ Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons who require alternative means of communication for program information should contact [email protected] or 202-484-2200.

About NCAUR:

NCAUR is part of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. It is among the largest agricultural research centers in the United States, focused on improving agricultural production, food safety and public health, economic development, and environmental quality.