Prior to this week’s Farm Journal Field Days, Pro Farmer, a division of Farm Journal, conducted it’s 29th annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour. To learn about the results I spoke with Brian Grete, Pro Farmer, about the data they collected across seven key midwestern states for corn and soybeans. You can listen in here. Interview with Brian Grete, Pro Farmer …
ZimmCast 676 – Ethanol and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. Last week I attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, working primarily in the Buffalo Chip Campground with the Renewable Fuels Association. This is the 8th time I’ve had this opportunity to work with a group of great people, creating content during the various sponsorship activities. It is both an educational as well as promotional effort, …
Corn and Soybean Acres Up
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimates 92.7 million acres of corn planted in the United States for 2021, up 2% from last year, and soybean area planted is estimated at 87.6 million acres, up 5% from last year. Harvested area for both crops are estimated to also be higher by the same percentages. The 2021 …
Corn Farmers Launch Campaign to Open Minds
In an effort to provide information about corn farmers and their accomplishments to constantly improve their farming practices, especially as it relates to the environment, a campaign was launched over the weekend. This Saturday, key public policy influencers in our nation’s capital met the corn farmers of America’s Heartland in their homes, at the airport, and even while listening to …
USDA Releases First 2021 Crop Progress Report
#Plant21 season is officially underway now with the start of USDA’s weekly Crop Progress reports. Planting has begun for barley, corn, cotton, oats, rice, sorghum, spring wheat, and sugarbeets, according to the first Crop Progress report issued for the 2021 planting season by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). By this time last year, 2% of the …
USDA Report Reveals Planting Intentions
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Prospective Plantings report released this week reveals producers intend to plant an estimated 91.1 million acres of corn in 2021, up less than 1% from last year, and 87.6 million acres of soybeans, up 5% from last year. Planted acreage intentions for corn are up or unchanged in 24 of the 48 estimating states. …
CUTC Moved to 2022
The Corn Utilization & Technology Conference (CUTC) has been moved to June 6-8, 2022 and it is because of the continuing situation with COVID-19. What is definitely continuing are statements and posts from a variety of sources that seem to completely contradict each other. It is definitely a nightmare for meeting and event planners. On the one hand you have …
Ethanol’s Role in a Net-Zero Future
This edition of the Ethanol Report explores ethanol’s role as a “net-zero hero” with highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). The report includes remarks from David MacIntosh, Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.; Stefan Unnasch with Life Cycle Associates; and Michael Berube, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation, who all spoke at the 2021 NEC. In addition, we …
Digital Commodity Classic Attracts Thousands
The 2021 Special Edition of Commodity Classic last week appears to have been a virtual success. According to the organizers, by Thursday, the total number of attendees was nearly 6,000, with more than 4,000 farms represented from 49 states and 24 countries. The online event concluded Friday with a live keynote address from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. If you missed …
China Starting to Buy U.S. Ethanol
Reports that China is buying U.S. ethanol again sent a positive message to the industry Tuesday that the Phase One trade agreement promises may yet be met. During an investor call, Archer Daniels Midland Co-Chief Financial Officer Ray Young said they believe China has already made commitments “in the first half of the year for U.S. ethanol equal to the …