U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Director in Mexico Ryan LeGrand has been named as its next president and chief executive officer, effective next month. LeGrand joined the organization in Mexico in 2015 and has served as the director of the Council’s Mexico City office since 2016. In this capacity, he has overseen the expansion of the Council’s programming in that country …
Groups Submit Comments on E15/RIN Reform Proposal
Biofuel stakeholders want EPA to get rid of the excess baggage and get E15 to the finish line before summer driving season starts. he comment period on EPA’s proposed rule “Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15; Modifications to RFS RIN Market Regulations” ended Monday with major organizations sending theirs at the end of the day. Renewable Fuels …
Farmers Expected to Plant More Corn, Record Low Wheat
More corn, but less soybeans, wheat and cotton is USDA’s forecast for Prospective Plantings this season. The report released on Friday puts corn planted acres for this year at 92.8 million acres, up 4 percent or 3.66 million acres from last year. Soybean planted area for 2019 is estimated at 84.6 million acres, down 5 percent from last year. All …
Biofuels Advocates Testify at EPA Hearing
The Environmental Protection Agency held a hearing Friday on proposed regulatory changes related to retail sales of 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15) and the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. Biofuels advocates, organization representatives and company officials testified at the hearing about the proposal and other related topics. Below are links to audio files from …
MillerCoors Suing Bud Light over Corn Syrup Ads
MillerCoors has now filed a lawsuit against Bud Light brand owner Anheuser-Busch over the controversial corn syrup commercials which farmers have complained about and which are still running, despite the company’s external efforts to mend fences with the agricultural community. “Anheuser-Busch is fearmongering over a common beer ingredient it uses in many of its own beers, as a fermentation aid …
New Waivers Hurt Corn and Ethanol Producers
Much to the dismay of farmers and ethanol producers, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved five more 2017 Small Refinery Exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and is considering two more petitions for 2018 exemptions, bringing the total to 39. “It’s extremely disappointing and outrageous to see EPA once again allow oil refiners to undermine the RFS and hurt …
AMVAC Offers Insect Control Strategies
Corn Rootworm pressure has been building across the Midwest since 2016, indicating the pests may be learning ways to survive the traits that are meant to drive them away. Jim Lappin, AMVAC Crop Marketing Manager for the Corn and Soybean Portfolio, spent a lot of time at Commodity Classic talking with growers about strategies to get better control and better …
EPA Proposes E15 Waiver and RIN Market Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed regulatory changes Tuesday that would allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to receive a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for the summer months, the same as E10. In the same rule, EPA is also proposing changes to the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system under the Renewable Fuel Standard …
BASF at #Classic19
As it has for many years, BASF once again partnered with the American Soybean Association (ASA), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), the National Sorghum Foundation (NSF) and the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) to award $20,000 in academic scholarships to 11 agriculture industry students. Jessica Olson of Warren, Minnesota received the $5000 2019–2020 ASA Soy Scholarship. NCGA presented scholarships to …
AMVAC Excited About Growing Portfolio
American Vanguard Corporation, parent company to AMVAC Chemical Corporation, is celebrating 50 years in business this year and the future has never looked better. “We’re excited about the 2019 season as we continue to innovate around our existing product portfolio and add elements to our portfolio through recent acquisitions,” said Jim Lappin, AMVAC Crop Marketing Manager, Corn and Soybean Portfolio, …