World Grain Buyers Get US Producer Perspectives

Jamie Johansen

Grain buyers from around the world in attendance at the 2012 Export Exchange had the opportunity to embrace the US producers perspective on the 2012 crop through a producer panel during the opening general session. Key panelists were Ron Gray, Illinois farmer and Secretary/Treasurer of the US Grains Council, and John Mages, Minnesota farmer and Chairman of the Minnesota Corn …

Agribusiness, Audio, conferences, corn, Distillers Grains, Education, Export Exchange, Exports, Farming, sorghum, Soybeans, USGC

Export Exchange: Bringing Buyers & Sellers Together

Jamie Johansen

The key purpose for the 2012 Export Exchange was for buyers and sellers to meet and establish important relationships. The event sponsored by the US Grain Council and Renewable Fuels Association focused on getting answers, making contacts and building business. During the conference I had the opportunity to talk with Tom Sleight, President & CEO of the US Grains Council, …

Agribusiness, Audio, conferences, corn, Distillers Grains, Export Exchange, Exports, RFA, USGC

Geoff Cooper Addresses Attendees at Export Exchange

Jamie Johansen

Attendees for the 2012 Export Exchange were the audience for Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Cooper, who serves as RFA’s Vice President for Research and Analysis, spoke to over 500 of the worlds feed producers, marketers and buyers. He explained that distillers grains and other ethanol co-products have become a tremendously important component of the global animal …

Agribusiness, Audio, conferences, Export Exchange, Exports, RFA, USGC

Governors Decline Iowa Hospitality

Joanna Schroeder

Despite planned trips to Iowa, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell declined invitations to visit an Iowa ethanol plant and cattle operation from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). Both governors were part of a group that filed for waivers of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) for 2012 and 2013. At this time, the Environmental Protection Agency …

Agribusiness, Alternative energy, biofuels, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

USDA Funds 244 Agribusiness Projects

Joanna Schroeder

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the funding for 244 projects across the United States that are focused on helping agricultural producers and rural small businesses. The projects will help to lower energy consumption and costs using renewable technologies. The funding is part of USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). “As part of President Obama’s “all of the above” energy strategy, …

Agribusiness, Alternative energy, biomethane, dairy, Electricity, Energy, energy efficiency, Renewable Energy, Solar, Wind

Ethanol Industry Pumps $5B Into MN State Economy

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new report from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the state’s ethanol industry generated more than $5 billion in total economic activity in 2011. In addition, the ethanol industry supported more than 12,600 jobs. The state is 5th nationwide in ethanol production with 21 ethanol biorefineries. According to the MDA report, ethanol added $912 million to the …

Agribusiness, biofuels, corn, Ethanol

Report: Distillers Grains Enhance Cattle Diet

Joanna Schroeder

According to research conducted by a team from the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska, cattle feed of treated corn stover mixed with distillers grains (DDGS) from ethanol plants can reduce feed costs for cattle feeders. The goal of the research is to continue to provide livestock feeders with options for optimizing feeding efficiency. The current project …

Agribusiness, corn, Distillers Grains, Ethanol

Iowa Bioenergy Tour Huge Success

Joanna Schroeder

The 4th Annual Biofuels: Science and Sustainability Tour took place recently hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The three-day tour brought several Washington, D.C. policymakers and regulators to Iowa for a inside and hands on look at the renewable fuels and agricultural industry in the state.  Participants had the opportunity to talk with many renewable fuels experts, agriculture leaders …

advanced biofuels, Agribusiness, Biodiesel, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

States Battle Over ‘Food Before Fuel’

Joanna Schroeder

According to an analysis by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), “food before fuel” is a fight between states. After reviewing eight waiver requests from governors submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a common argument was farmers in other states have to provide their states’ livestock industries corn. The waivers request a halt, or lowering, of the amount of …

Agribusiness, BIO, biofuels, corn, Ethanol, food and fuel, Opinion, RFS