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 …
States Battle Over ‘Food Before Fuel’
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 …
Presidential Candidates Support RFS
Both President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney say they support maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard in answers to an American Farm Bureau Federation questionnaire on agricultural issues. “Our rural communities, farmers, and ranchers can increase our energy independence and boost the transition to a clean energy economy,” Obama responded to a question about energy security and agriculture. “U.S. …
New Grain Council Launched
A new Grain Council has been launched by AgGateway, a non-profit association comprised of agribusiness organizations with the goal expanding electronic business within the ag industry. The Grain Council will identify, develop and implement standards and guidelines to bring eBusiness efficiencies to grain, oilseed and renewable-fuel companies. “This marks an important expansion in the agriculture industry’s eBusiness efforts,” said AgGateway …
NASCAR Race Weekend in Chicago
At the NASCAR Fuel for Business Council® meeting in Chicago, New Holland became the Official Agricultural Equipment of NASCAR®. Here’s New Holland on display outside of Chicagoland Speedway for this weekend’s NASCAR races. I’ll be covering the Nationwide Series Dollar General 300. In fact, I’m out at the track working with Illinois Family Farmers and the Illinois Corn Growers. You …
Ag Energy Coalition Urges Passage of Farm Bill
The 2012 Farm Bill has been big news this week as the agricultural industry, along with dozens of other groups, call for Congress to pass the bill before it sunsets on September 30, 2012. Earlier this week the Farm Bill Now coalition held a rally in Washington, D.C. that included participation of all Iowa legislators. The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) …
Growth Energy Receiving Support From New Holland
New Holland proudly displayed its support for the ethanol industry during the 2012 Farm Progress Show as you can see on the side of the CR6090 Combine. They are the first major manufacturer of farm equipment to do so in this manner. As part of that initiative New Holland has become a partner with Growth Energy and American Ethanol. They …
Getting More Products From Soybeans
During the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society a new integrated soybean biorefinery was revealed. The technology is designed to create a wider portfolio of products from soybeans. “Mention soybeans to most people, and they immediately think of the oil,” said Ramani Narayan, Michigan State (MSU) University Distinguished Professor, who reported on the new biorefinery technology. “Soybean …
Organic Produce Company Harnesses Solar
Food producers and manufacturers continue to harness the sun. Watsonville Coast Produce, based in Watsonville, California, has just gone online with a 739.2 kW solar power system to generate all the electricity needed to power its agricultural distribution facility. The 44,000 square foot warehouse has nearly 450,000 cubic feet of refrigerated space to house its organic produce before being shipped …
Export Exchange 2012 Heads to Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota is the home of the Export Exchange 2012 on October 22-24, 2012. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Grain Council and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), past events have attracted nearly 400 people from more than 30 countries ranging from domestic industry leaders to international buyers. There will be many topics of discussion including a big picture overview of key …