The agricultural policy organization Farm Foundation, NFP released a new report today on What’s Driving Food Prices for 2011. Foundation president Neil Conklin says the report is a follow up to similar studies they commissioned when prices were up in 2008 and 2009. “The purpose of the report this time is to provide both policy makers in the public sector …
Argonne Studying Biofuels Production
During the CTIC Indian Creek Watershed Project field tour we heard a presentation from Cristina Negri, an agronomist with the Argonne National Laboratory. Cristina told us about a project they are working on in the watershed to see what types of agricultural production will work best for biofuels. They’re looking for marginal land that doesn’t lend itself to growing corn …
Get FREEDOM And Learn Truth About Ethanol
During the 2011 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop attendees got a chance to see the new documentary from Josh & Rebecca Tickell. I first met Josh during a National Biodiesel Conference before he produced his award winning film, “Fuel.” Together with Rebecca they have now produced a film that should open a lot of people’s eyes about the myths surrounding ethanol. …
Iowa Corn Farmers Love IndyCar Promotion
Iowa corn farmers who attended the Iowa Corn Indy 250 got an exciting race, a sold out crowd and a nationally televised platform to showcase the performance value of ethanol. Over 2,500 growers were expected to be in attendance. I didn’t speak to all of them but I did speak with several. These are the people who are investing their …
Iowa’s Bill Northey Back From China Trip
Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, was one of the corn growers attending the Iowa Corn Indy 250. Here he is in the photo being interviewed by Ken Root. I took my turn with him afterward. Bill spent two weeks in Korea and China visiting customers of U.S. farm products. He says they discussed and argued a little bit about …
Ethanol Industry Upbeat
I just got back from the 27th International Fuel Ethanol Workshop. It was a good time visiting with my friends in the renewable fuels industry. The mood is certainly better that it was a couple of years ago. That sentiment was noted by Tom Bryan, VP of BBI International, as well. I spoke with him near the conclusion of the …
NCGA’s Tolman Receives FEW High Octane Award
I am attending the 2011 Fuel Ethanol Workshop which is being held in Indianapolis, IN. It’s the “technical” conference for the industry where lots of the latest in technology and processes are presented in multiple, simultaneous workshops. This morning it was also where the 2011 FEW High Octane Award was presented. Receiving the award is Rick Tolman, CEO, National Corn …
Boats Go Fast on Ethanol
Whoever says that ethanol hurts marine engines has never seen boats running at more than 80 miles an hour on E-10. Boat racers from coast to coast gathered this past weekend in the ethanol-producing town of Garnett, Kansas for the National Boat Racing Association (NBRA) “Garnett Ethanol Hydroplane Nationals.” The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) partnered with NBRA earlier this year …
Iowa Corn Indy 250 Won By Marco Andretti
In an American corn ethanol fueled race at Iowa Speedway, Marco Andretti wins the 2011 Iowa Corn Indy 250. Here he is in Victory Lane with 2nd place finisher Tony Kanaan and 3rd place Scott Dixon. Following Victory Lane Marco and his Dad, Michael, held the winners press conference. I asked him his thoughts on racing in front of 2,500 …
Young Iowa Corn Indy 250 Fans
I don’t know if these are future Iowa corn growers, Pioneer sales reps or IndyCar drivers. Whatever it is they’re having fun out here at Iowa Speedway. We’re getting ready for a great Indy race under the lights. The weather looks like it’s going to be okay and we’ve got a sold out crowd. I’ve been adding some green photos …