Earlier this year, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced eight Research Ambassadors for the 2023-24 academic year. Current University of Kentucky graduate research assistant Travis Banet in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) was selected — embarking on a corn production travel experience like no other.

The NCGA’s Research Ambassador program, now in its third year, is designed to build a network of future leaders in the agricultural sector — selecting students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and relevant research in corn production.

“I was excited to represent Kentucky and UK as one of eight research ambassadors selected by the National Corn Growers Association,” Banet said. “I was able to travel the country and take part in NCGA meetings to learn more about how my research, along with my future career, can better serve farmers across the country.”

Along with receiving monetary support, research ambassadors receive fully-funded travel to participate in NCGA events throughout the year. This includes attending grower research committee meetings, conferences and congressional visits at the state or federal level.

Banet, who grew up in a one-stoplight rural town in southern Indiana, was able to travel to St. Louis, Houston and Washington, D.C.

The NCGA Action Team Meetings in St. Louis were the first stop for Banet, where sustainable agriculture took center stage. Banet joined the Sustainable Agriculture Research Action Team and other NCGA action teams meetings. Speakers also addressed issues such as the economic feasibility and outlook for corn. Additionally, Banet got a behind-the-scenes look at how the NCGA works with Congress on political agreements such as the United States Farm Bill.

“I got to hear and listen to a lot of the country’s top experts associated with corn production,” Banet reflected. “These are not connections that I would have been able to make without the support of his research ambassadorship experience.”

Next, Banet attended the Commodity Classic in Houston. Along with attending several panel discussions, one of the highlights for Banet was the Field to Market main speaker Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, who spoke on how modern agriculture can be both environmentally and economically viable.

Banet also visited the Southern States Caucus, where he got to hear state affiliates and other corn growers’ association members debate issues and policies impacting southeastern farmers. Some topics included calculating corn acreage equally across regions which can impact how farmers are paid, how the government uses land, crop insurance and more.

“What I learned is that having a seat at the table and establishing relationships are very critical,” Banet said. “For instance, the Environment Protection Agency recently launched a new office to improve relationships with U.S. farmers and ranchers. I saw first-hand the importance of working together and across the aisle.”

The final stop was the NCGA Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. Banet got to see how agricultural organizations operate internally and externally with the public and policymakers. In addition, Banet got to participate in procedural discussions regarding sustainability, funding and agriculture research action teams to help corn farmers.

Banet was able to join the Kentucky Corn Growers Association in the capital building and met with staffers representing three Kentucky Congressmen including Brett Guthrie, Hal Rogers and Andy Barr.

Additionally, Banet heard from congressional staffers about Kentucky farmers getting their needs addressed in the Farm Bill renewal. Furthermore, they spoke on important topics including farm base acreage and the Next Generation Fuels Act.

Because of this experience, Banet said he gained more admiration for sustainable agriculture, farming, meeting people from other corn boards and the other seven research ambassadors representing other colleges.

“I have a deeper appreciation and learned so much from other peers,” Banet said. “This experience reinforces what I want to do which is working to benefit farmers across the country. They represent a critical part of the economy and lifestyle. It’s something that we have to have, and they must succeed.”

Hanna Poffenbarger, associate professor of soil nutrient management at Martin-Gatton CAFE, leads the UK Agroecosystem Nutrient Cycling Research Group and has mentored Banet since he began his graduate research studies in 2020.

“Travis has been studying how corn plants, especially corn root systems, have changed due to breeding and how these changes affect soil health,” Poffenbarger said. “His knowledge and appreciation of corn, along with his outstanding communication skills, made him the ideal candidate for this corn research ambassador experience. This opportunity helped prepare him for the next phase of his career.”

After graduation, Banet remains focused on using his research in graduate school and experiences as a NCGA ambassador to help more farmers improve their ability to apply nutrients to get high quality grain yield and promote environmental sustainability. Banet is slated to graduate from the University of Kentucky in May of 2025.