Editor’s Note – The following article is one of a four-part series, highlighting each of the four main pillars of the Nebraska Corn Board including communication, education, market development and research and how each one works for the betterment of Nebraska’s corn farmers.

The 2023 volleyball season wrapped up in late December, and although the National Championship didn’t turn out the way I wanted, this year was memorable for me. Each time I tuned in to the Big Ten Network, I saw a commercial advertising Unleaded 88 on both volleyball and football with logos in the corner boasting the tagline, “Engine Smart, Earth Kind.” I was continuously reminded of the work the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) does to highlight our product and grow demand. 

NCB spearheads a Big Ten campaign with 12 partner corn states, showcasing Unleaded 88, while encouraging viewers to use it when they fill up at the pump. It reaches farther than the Nebraska border but everywhere someone may view a Big Ten game. From California to Maryland, and the 21 million people viewing in between, we’re educating and promoting using our corn-grown ethanol-blended fuel in vehicles.

In addition to the Big Ten campaign, NCB also has two characters, Del and Ed, who are featured in commercials, radio and ads telling viewers about, “the plant that can change the planet.” They were created to tell the story of Nebraska corn farmers and the work we do for consumers or those in more urban areas of the state. Their charismatic banter keeps me smiling while learning a few facts about corn. These characters have built a following, with over 232 million views and people calling me to let me know they saw them on their television while watching the local news.

These two are only a couple of examples of NCB programs communicating what I do each day. As farmers, we have to build knowledge to build trust and the checkoff is doing just that. NCB educates, informs and communicates my role in not only Nebraska but the global food system.