The lowly alfalfa crop could play a role in the future of cellulosic ethanol. Alfalfa is the nation’s most popular legume and actually our third most valuable crop, but it is often taken for granted and somewhat under valued. However, the many benefits of the crop could make it a potential frontrunner in the cellulosic ethanol race, especially if new …
Get Ready to FuelChat Again
Clear your calendar for a #FuelChat coming up next week on September 23 at 2:00 pm Eastern time. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is hosting this second open on-line Twitter chat to answer questions and offer information about all things ethanol. The first FuelChat was held in July during the evening hours but after some consultation and research, it was …
RFA Announces Flex Fuel Photo Winner
Snapping a photo of his daughter stopping to smell the flowers paid off for Rich Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska who has been named the winner of the Renewable Fuels Association Flex-Fuel Challenge Summer Photo Contest. Rich’s photo was judged based on creativity as well as quality out of more than 1,100 photos submitted in the contest this summer. As the …
Ethanol in the Classroom
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF) are partnering with teachers and the National FFA Organization to provide tens of thousands of high school students information about the opportunities available to them in the field of renewable fuels. “America’s energy future rests squarely in its high school classrooms today,” said Mike Jerke, chairman of the RFF …
Mascoma and Chevron Team for Cellulosic Ethanol
An agreement between Mascoma Corporation and Chevron Technology Ventures will provide feedstock for conversion to cellulosic ethanol and by-products. According to a press release, Mascoma has entered into a feedstock processing and lignin supply agreement with Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), a division of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Under terms of the agreement, CTV will provide various sources of lignocellulosic feedstock to …
Ethanol Report on USDA Crop Forecast
This edition of “The Ethanol Report” features comments from Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association on today’s increased corn crop forecast from USDA, how it disputes the indirect land use change theory and food versus fuel debate. Cooper also comments on the importance of ethanol to our national security as we remember the anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks …
More Corn for Ethanol
The U.S. Department of Agriculture increased the forecast for the nation’s corn crop by two percent in the September crop production report out Friday morning. The forecast is now an even 13 billion bushels, just 100 million bushels short of the 2007 record crop. The soybean crop, already expected to be the biggest ever, was boosted another one percent in …
Minnesota Ethanol Plant Grand Opening
After more than three years of planning and construction, Highwater Ethanol in Lamberton, Minnesota is ready to open the doors and celebrate. The plant was officially announced on June 7, 2006 and began grinding corn last month. The new 55 million gallon a year facility will hold its grand opening on September 11, the eighth anniversary of terrorist attacks on …
Dakar Rally Race to Debut Ethanol Category in 2010
The world’s largest rally competition will include an ethanol category for the first time next year. The new category was introduced by the Dakar Rally organizers at the request of Brazilian rally veteran and former rally winner Klever Kolberg, who will drive the first-ever flex-fuel vehicle to take part in the prestigious race next year – a Brazilian-made 2010 Mitsubishi …
Ethanol Report on RFA CEO at Farm Progress Show
This edition of “The Ethanol Report” features an interview with Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen during a visit to the 2009 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois on September 2. Dinneen discusses the need to increase the amount of ethanol allowed in gasoline above the current 10 percent, the Environmental Protection Agency rulemaking on the expanded Renewable …