Thank a Farmer Today

Joanna Schroeder

Today is National Agriculture Day. People around America are taking time today to learn something about ag, and many are also taking an opportunity to thank the farmers who produce our food, feed and fuel. “American farmers are to be admired. They are stewards of the land who ensure sustainability for future generations. They are innovative, dedicated and produce an …

Agribusiness, Clean Energy, Growth Energy, Renewable Energy

Syngenta Ups Ethanol Output, Growers’ Profits

John Davis

Agribusiness company Syngenta is working with ethanol producers to have a variety of corn that produces more ethanol at the refinery and makes more profit for the feedstock growers. The company says that growers of its Enogen variety of corn, specifically engineered to increase ethanol production, will receive some more incentives to grow the grain. According to Chris Tingle, head …

Agribusiness, corn, Enogen, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Syngenta

USDA Gives Biomass Energy Development $8.7 Mil Boost

John Davis

Up to $8.7 million in federal funding is being made available for next-generation bioenergy development in biomass. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funding the bioenergy research and education efforts and will be publishing the final rule for a program that provides incentives for farmers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. “USDA’s support …

Agribusiness, biofuels, biomass, Government, USDA

Clean Energy Nets North Carolina $4.8 Billion

John Davis

The clean energy industry in North Carolina is netting the state $4.8 billion. The NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) says the sector is a key driver in the state’s economy, growing by about 25 percent since 2012 – outpacing the growth of other industries in the state. “This year’s Census not only reveals good news for the clean energy industry; …

Agribusiness, Alternative energy, Government, Waste-to-Energy

The Andersons Grain Group Head to Retire

Cindy Zimmerman

The Andersons, Inc. Grain Group President Denny Addis has announced plans to retire in May. According to the company, Ethanol Group president Neill C. McKinstray will assume leadership over both groups at that time. “Denny has a stellar 43-year record with The Andersons and during his tenure has exhibited faithful service and exceptional leadership,” says Hal Reed, Chief Operating Officer. …

Agribusiness, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Calgren Ethanol Biodigester Off and Digesting

Joanna Schroeder

The Calgren Ethanol Biodigester is off and digesting waste from dairy farms into ethanol. The ethanol will be used by consumers in California’s Central Valley. The Two-Stage Mixed Plug Flow Digester was designed by DVO, Inc. and built by Regenis. The partners said it is the first California digester to use agricultural waste to create renewable natural gas to power …

Agribusiness, Alternative energy, biodigester, biogas, Ethanol

American Coalition for Ethanol Elects New Officers

John Davis

The American Coalition for Ethanol has elected its board officers for 2015: * President – Ron Alverson, representing Dakota Ethanol, LLC * Vice President – Duane Kristensen, representing Chief Ethanol Fuels Inc. * Secretary – Dave Sovereign, representing Golden Grain Energy, LLC * Treasurer – Owen Jones, representing Full Circle Ag Cooperative Alverson is a corn and soybean farmer and …

ACE, Ag group, Agribusiness, Ethanol, Ethanol News

REAP Funds Still Available

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting funds for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP).  The funding notice releases mandatory funding for both FY2014 and FY2015, as well as discretionary funding recently made available in the “Cromnibus.” The program provides grants and loan guarantees to rural small businesses, farmers and others in the ag community. However, some new …

Agribusiness, Electricity, Energy, Renewable Energy, Wind

CH2M Hill Involved In Seawater Bioenergy Facility

Joanna Schroeder

A pilot-scale bioenergy facility that will use seawater irrigated desert land to produce both bioenergy and food in the water is under development in Masdar City. The Integrated Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (ISEAS) involves a complete seawater agricultural system that will serve as a research and development facility for Masdar Institute (MI) of Science and Technology and the Sustainable …

advanced biofuels, Agribusiness, bioenergy, water

Illinois Soybean Growers Launch 20% Biodiesel Club

John Davis

Soybean growers in Illinois are recognizing fleets in the state that run on a 20 percent blend of biodiesel, B20. This news release from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) says the group has partnered with the American Lung Association in Illinois to launch the B20 Club. “B20 offers economic and environmental benefits to the fleets that use it, so we …

Ag group, Agribusiness, Biodiesel, Soybeans