National Biodiesel Conference Blogging

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s hard to believe I’ll be the biodiesel blogger for the 9th year this week. The 2014 National Biodiesel Conference is taking place in San Diego and I’m on my way. I’ll be working as the Biodiesel Blogger on the NBB Conference Blog as well as publishing stories on energy.agwired.com. Things will get going late today and through Wednesday. You …

Ag Groups, Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference

Ethanol is a Win for Illinois, A Win for Agriculture

Joanna Schroeder

Illinois State Representative Donald Moffitt knows agriculture. He grew up on a family farm, on which his son still farms (and Don occasionally helps). This has been a huge asset for him in his role as state representative because agriculture is the number one industry in both his 74th District as well as the state of Illinois. Rep Moffitt was …

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol

Ag Industry Dealt a Blow from EPA

Joanna Schroeder

The agriculture industry has been dealt a blow according to Adam Nielsen, director of legislation and policy development for the Illinois Farm Bureau. Nielsen, who spends a significant amount of time promoting the agricultural industry in Washington, D.C., said the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed 2014 reduction of the amount of corn ethanol blended as part of the Renewable Fuel …

Audio, Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol, Farm Bill, politics

Genscape’s New Corn Forecast: 13.3B Bushels

Joanna Schroeder

Using NASA satellite data, Genscape has released an updated October corn yield forecast of 13.3 billion bushels. The company has noted that other analysts, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have wide gaps in their predictions ranging from 13.2 billion bushels of corn produced during the 2013 growing season, to 14.2 billion bushels of corn. Genscape said a unique …

Biofuels, Corn, Precision Agriculture

How Farmers Feed & Fuel America

Chuck Zimmerman

This is a great video by Fuels America that explains how our farmers are feeding and fueling America. Agriculture in the U.S. is more sustainable than ever. We may be producing more food per acre but we’re doing it with less energy, less water and fewer resources than ever and “we’re just getting started.” So who wouldn’t want a cleaner …

Ag Groups, Biofuels, Video

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Ethanol Fuel

Chuck Zimmerman

On my way to Sturgis, SD this weekend for my second trip to the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground and the 73rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I’ll be working with our good friends at the Renewable Fuels Association. They are partnered with the event and venue to promote the use of ethanol fuel to motorcycle enthusiasts. And having been there once, …

Biofuels, Ethanol, RFA

Syngenta Commits to Renewable Fuels

Joanna Schroeder

Syngenta has announced a three-year commitment to contribute $1 to the renewable fuels industry for every acre planted with Enogen trait technology. The initiative, that began with this year’s growing season, will help support America’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and promote the benefits of renewable fuels grown in America. “Renewable fuels are an essential part of the American energy equation, …

Agribusiness, Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol, Syngenta

A Swinetiffic Relationship – Pork and Biofuels

Joanna Schroeder

Today is Iowa Swine Day (June 27) and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is taking a time to show how renewable fuels production is boosting the profitability of raising hogs in Iowa. “On Iowa Swine Day, it’s important to remember that a strong renewable fuels industry means a strong hog industry here in Iowa,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte …

Biodiesel, Biofuels, Ethanol, Pork, Swine

ISU Seeks Input on DDGs

Joanna Schroeder

Iowa State University is conducting a survey of livestock producers use of feed-related co-products from ethanol production (distillers grains). The survey is focused on the beef, dairy, swine and poultry sectors. It is being funded by a coalition consisting of the Renewable Fuels Association, the Distillers Grains Technology Council and the Corn Utilization Councils from Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. “The …

Agribusiness, Biofuels, Ethanol

Vilsack: “Farm to Fly” Rural Job Producer

John Davis

Two members of Pres. Obama’s cabinet have signed their names to an agreement that will extend the administration’s commitment to the production of biofuels for use in airplanes, and that should be good news for the rural economy. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood have extended by five years the “Farm to Fly” program, an initiative …

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Ethanol, USDA