Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who has been in office for eight years, made his last appearance at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention this week in Kansas City, Missouri. “First of all, I want to thank the broadcasters here today,” Vilsack began to a standing room only crowd. “I think all of you have done and continue to …
Trump Leading Farm Country in Agri-Pulse Poll
A new nationwide poll commissioned by Agri-Pulse reveals that a majority of farmers and ranchers favor Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said they support Republican Trump while 18 percent indicated they support Democrat Clinton. Only 2 percent plan to vote for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and just 1 percent for …
RaceTrac Expands E15 Access for Customers
RaceTrac announced that it has expanded E15 sales to four locations in Florida, giving consumers access to a higher biofuel blend. RaceTrac recently joined a list of major retailers as part of the Prime the Pump initiative, which works in collaboration with Growth Energy to expand consumer choice for higher blends of ethanol, like E15, to Americans across the nation. …
Absolute Energy Celebrates 1 Billion Gallons of Ethanol
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recognized Absolute Energy for producing its one billionth gallon of cleaner-burning, homegrown ethanol this month. “Congratulations to Absolute Energy for reaching this incredible milestone,” said IRFA Director Monte Shaw. “The ethanol produced by this locally-owned plant not only benefits the local economy but also increases our nation’s energy independence and reduces polluting emissions across …
Gevo Produces 1st Cellulosic Renewable Jet Fuel
Gevo, Inc. announced it has completed production of the world’s first cellulosic renewable jet fuel that is specified for commercial flights. Gevo has adapted its patented technologies to convert cellulosic sugars derived from wood waste into renewable isobutanol, which was then further converted into Gevo’s Alcohol-to-Jet fuel (ATJ) fuel. This ATJ meets the ASTM D7566 specification allowing it to be …
GROWMARK Excited for What’s “Next”
The 2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting and Agribusiness Symposium was held this week in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s event theme was “Next,” with a focus centered on the innovations and ideas that will lead the future of agriculture and ensure its success. Jim Spradlin, CEO of GROWMARK, sat down for an interview during the Annual Meeting. He discussed the company’s vision …
GROWMARK Talks Ethanol Tax Credits
The upcoming Presidential election, and the potential changes to funding and regulation that the changing administration may bring, is a concern for many within the agriculture industry, and it was a major talking point during the 2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting & Agribusiness Symposium. Chuck Spencer, Executive Director for Government Affairs at GROWMARK, is using the upcoming elections as an opportunity …
NEB Unveils Spill Prevention Plan
The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) has partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Engineering’s Partners in Pollution Prevention program to develop a new Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plan for agriculture producers who maintain their own fuel storage. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fuels are hazardous materials, and as such, handling or storing them improperly can …
AI Bio Funds $13M for #Biomass-Based Bioproducts
Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions (AI Bio) has announced the funding for 61 projects to develop bioproducts from biomass resources. Totaling nearly $13 million, the monies will help support Alberta agriculture through the development of local feedstocks, such as forestry waste, to develop renewable products including replacements for fossil-fuel derived materials. The funds are also helping to diversify and strengthen the …
USDA Seeks Applications for Biobased Funds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications for funding to help support the development of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products. Funding is being provided through the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program. The program provides loan guarantees of up to $250 million to develop, construct and …