Back by popular demand, Phibro Ethanol Performance Group, along with Fremont, Fermentis and Novozymes are hosting the second Process Optimization Seminar targeted for plant managers, operations managers, technical managers, lab managers and general managers. This interactive seminar is focused on helping ethanol plants increase their efficiency and profitability through learning about new technologies available for the fermentation process. This two …
Corn Grower President Stresses Ethanol Issues
Ethanol issues were in the spotlight when National Corn Growers Association president Darrin Ihnen of South Dakota took the stage at the Commodity Classic general session on Friday. Ihnen talked about the importance of using higher blends of ethanol in the fuel supply. “The EPA is studying the issue and everything they’ve indicated to this date looks very promising,” said …
Soybean President Wants Biodiesel Tax Credit Back
During the general session of the 2010 Commodity Classic, American Soybean Association president Rob Joslin, who stressed the importance of getting the biodiesel tax credit back in place. “We need it now,” Joslin said. “It’s costing U.S. soybean farmers 25 cents for every bushel. On my 500 acres of soybeans, that’s over $6000 a year. Couple that with all the …
Vilsack Anticipates Approval of E15
“I’m not troubled by getting it right as long as we get it right. And I think we’re headed in the right direction. I’m anticipating we’ll see some increase in the blend rate,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during a press conference at Commodity Classic when asked about EPA’s delaying the decision to increase the blend rate to E15. …
SolarCast: Solar Policy Stalling Development
We’re kicking off a new podcast series this week called SolarCast. As the name suggests, the bi-monthly audio feature will take an in-depth look at the solar industry. The inaugural podcast features some of the antiquated policies that are slowing home solar projects in California. I spoke with Dan Thompson, the CEO and founder of Newport Beach, California-based MasterCraft Homes …
Ethanol Pipeline No Longer Pipe Dream
Kinder Morgan is getting ethanol moving through the pipeline. Those attending the Renewable Fuels Association 15th annual National Ethanol Conference in Orlando last month had the opportunity to see the Kinder Morgan terminal in Orlando and hear about the first pipeline in the country to provide commercial ethanol deliveries. “We now have the capability of handling 100 percent of the …
Ethanol Issues Top Corn Grower Concerns
Ethanol related issues top the list of concerns for members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) preparing for their annual policy meeting ti be held this week in Anaheim as part of the 2010 Commodity Classic. NCGA president Darrin Ihnen, a corn grower from South Dakota, says among those concerns are the use of indirect land use change in …
IKA Bio Reactor For Algae Production
One of the exhibitors at the recent National Biodiesel Conference that I met with was Drew Harrison, Analytical Sales Manager for IKA Works, Inc. The company was displaying its new Bio Reactor, seen brightly lit in this photo. Drew says IKA is a hundred year old company. Working with a marine science center they helped them build a photo bio …
The Mcgyan Process
As we’ve reported before, Biodiesel Analytical Solutions is teaming up with Mcgyan Biodiesel. I learned more about this at the recent National Biodiesel Conference when I spoke with David Wendorf, Mcgyan Director of Marketing. He’s seen here in their booth. David says Mcgyan was formed about 6 months ago as the company to license their new biodiesel technology. It’s a …
New Holland Commitment to Biodiesel
When it comes to approval of biodiesel in farm machinery, New Holland is outstanding in the field. In both North America and Europe, New Holland has been a leader in recognizing the importance of biodiesel as a fuel source for agricultural equipment. The company was first to approve the use of biodiesel blends back in 2006 and has since moved …