Mapping of the corn genome opens up a new world of possibilities for producing more food, feed and fuel from maize.
The announcement was made last week that scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have completed the first ever mapping of the corn genome, only the second crop after rice to have its genome sequenced. The genetic data is available on-line at maizesequence.org.
The accomplishment, which was announced at the 50th Annual Maize Genetics Conference, is the result of a $30 million project initiated in 2005 and funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Richard K. Wilson, Ph.D., director of Washington University’s Genome Sequencing Center, says this is the first comprehensive glimpse at the blueprint for the corn plant. “Scientists now will be able to accurately and efficiently probe the corn genome to find ways to improve breeding and subsequently increase crop yields and resistance to drought and disease,” he said.
According to plant biologist Ralph S. Quatrano, Ph.D., chair of Washington University’s Department of Biology, “The genome will help unravel the basic biology of corn. That information can be used to look for genes that make corn more nutritious or more efficient for ethanol production, for example.”
According to the National Corn Growers Association, valuable data provided by Ceres, Inc., Monsanto Company and DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred over the last several years was made available to researchers through NCGA’s MaizeSeq program.
“The completion of a maize draft sequence is the first step in determining the function of all the genes in corn, which in turn, will allow corn growers to plant corn hybrids that are better able to withstand drought and other stresses and are better suited to market and environmental needs,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer. “Consumers will benefit from a more nutritious, abundant and sustainable food supply.”
The federal government will invest a total of $18.4 million over three years for 21 new biomass research and development and demonstration projects. 
The Sioux Falls location is the newest Enterprise branch to receive the E85/FlexFuel designation as part of a nationwide effort to promote the expanded availability and use of E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Enterprise will commit to fueling its Sioux Falls FlexFuel vehicles with VeraSun’s branded E85, VE85™.
The 
Nuernberg says when she decided to make a career move she was looking for an exciting new industry with lots of potential.
Ed Hegland is a farmer from Minnesota and currently serving as Chairman of the 
I couldn’t resist this story when I ran across it.
The National Biodiesel Board is looking for people to serve on its new Sustainability Task Force. You might remember from 
“On behalf of the EPIC board and staff we are excited to have Toni as the new executive director,” said Tom Branhan, EPIC Board President and CEO and President of Glacial Lakes Energy. “Toni is joining a very strong team and will be taking EPIC to new heights as the industry rapidly advances.”
According to year-end figures released by the Energy Information Administration, U.S. ethanol production averaged 423,000 barrels per day, totaling 6.48 billion gallons for the year. That is an increase of 108,000 barrels per day over 2006.