Probably no other contestant at the 2017 Miss America pageant September 10 can say that they have pumped 10 percent ethanol fuel for bikers at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. But Miss South Dakota can. Miranda Mack is from Redfield, home to Redfield Energy and the South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association, (SDEPA) which is a big sponsor of Miss South Dakota. …
Iowa Farmer is 1st Woman to Chair USGC
Iowa farmer Deb Keller was elected as U.S. Grains Council (USGC) chairman at the organization’s 57th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Vancouver, Washington earlier this month. She is the first female selected for the role in the organization’s nearly 60 year history. Keller’s experience as a strong advocate for trade will amplify the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling …
RFA Chairman Pumps Fuel for Bikers
Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) chairman Mick Henderson was a long way from his old Kentucky home this week, pumping 93 octane 10 percent ethanol fuel for bikers at the Buffalo Chip Campground for the 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD. “Back in Kentucky you might say that bourbon is the place to put your corn, but we drink the …
USDA Forecast Optimistic Despite Conditions
U.S. farmers are expected to produce a record-high soybean crop this year, according to USDA’s August Crop Production report released Thursday. Soybean production is forecast at 4.38 billion bushels, up two percent from last year, while corn growers are expected to decrease their production by seven percent from last year, forecast at 14.2 billion bushels. Soybean yields are expected to …
PERC Announces New Propane Farm Incentive Program
If you’ve been thinking about switching to propane, now is the time, says Cinch Munson, director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The Propane Farm Incentive program has been newly revised, taking it from a two-step process to one-step where farmers receive their application packet from the dealer when they purchase a piece of …
RFA Sponsors Charitable Legends Ride
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Legends Ride celebrated 10 years of getting bikers together for a ride in the Black Hills while supporting the Black Hills Special Olympics and other charities, donating nearly half a million dollars in the past decade. The Renewable Fuels Association helped to sponsor this year’s anniversary ride, and also donated $500 of free fuel to Black …
Sturgis Bikers Have New E10 Fueling Station
For the first time this year, motorcycle enthusiasts staying at the Buffalo Chip Campground for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally have a place to buy 93 octane, 10 percent ethanol fuel as they head out for a ride in the Black Hills. “It’s like jet fuel for your bike,” said Buffalo Chip owner Rod Woodruff. “It’s on your way out of …
USDA Getting #BackToOurRoots
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has been on a five-state “Back to Our Roots” Tour to gather input on the 2018 Farm Bill, meeting with farmers, ranchers, foresters, producers, students, governors, USDA employees, and other stakeholders. This is the first of two RV tours the secretary will undertake this summer. This first RV Tour features stops in five states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, …
Minnesota Moves Forward with B20
In 2005, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to require all diesel fuel to have a blend of at least 2 percent biodiesel, known as B2. Minnesota will once again become a leader when it becomes the first state to implement B20 next year. “This state has been a leader in renewable fuels for the past 30 years,” …
Ethanol Report on EPA Hearing and Court Decision
Last week’s court decision on what EPA can consider when setting volume obligations for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard was still fresh in mind as the industry provided feedback on the agency’s most recent proposals for next year during a public hearing in Washington D.C. this week. In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association president …