Export Exchange 2018 in Minneapolis this week highlighted the importance of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for ethanol producers and the U.S. grains export market. Speakers including Tyson Foods poultry nutritionist Philip Smith, ProExporter senior analyst Bill Holbrook, Renewable Fuels Association Regulatory Affairs Vice President Kelly Davis and Distillers Grains Technology Council’s executive director Kurt Rosentrater covered topics such …
ExEx18 Keynote Stresses U.S. Trade Advantages
North America is a leader in both trade and increasing food production for the world, trade needs to grow to provide global food security, trade is already complex so we should work to eliminate unnecessary complexities, and we need to think long term when it comes to trade policy. Those were four key messages that Roger Watchorn, group leader at …
Export Exchange Furthers USGC Mission
The chairman of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is optimistic about the growth of export markets for grains and ethanol co-products such as distllers grains (DDGS). “In the 2017-18 marketing year, the U.S. set a new record for exports of feed grains and co-products for the second year in a row,” said USGC chair Jim Stitzlein, manager of market development …
National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Celebrates 15 Years
The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) is celebrating 15 years of biofuels research this month. The Illinois Corn Growers Association was instrumental in fostering development of the Center in 2003 and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has worked closely with NCERC since its inception and continues partnering on various projects. NCERC Executive Director John …
Export Exchange 2018 is Underway
More than 200 international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products from some 35 countries are in Minneapolis this week for Export Exchange 2018. The biennial educational and trade forum, co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), and Growth Energy, offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to meet and build relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, distillers …
Ace Ethanol Begins D3MAX Plant Construction
Construction of the first D3MAX facility at the Ace Ethanol facility in Stanley, Wisconsin has started, the companies announced this week. Ace Ethanol will be the first ethanol plant to integrate the patented D3MAX technology with its existing corn dry mill. Earlier this year, Ace Ethanol received approval from its board of directors and members to proceed with the design …
RFA Welcomes New Director of Government Affairs
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) officially welcomed Connor Hamburg to its staff this week as the Director of Government Affairs to focus on legislative and regulatory issues impacting the renewable fuel industry and rural America. “I am excited to join the RFA and look forward to advocating on behalf of the ethanol industry,” said Hamburg. “Ethanol producers—and the farmers who …
The Truth About E15 and Smog
The Trump Administration announcement last week that it will begin rulemaking to allow sales of 15% ethanol year-round generated quite a bit of mainstream media attention. Unfortunately, much of it suggested that the current restriction on summertime E15 sales stems from concerns that the fuel blend could result in “more pollution” and emissions that worsen smog. “In reality, E15 is …
RFA Offering Free E15 Webinar
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is holding a free webinar on Oct. 23 to discuss the recent proposal that will allow for year-round consumer access to 15% ethanol (E15). The one-hour webinar is designed to address some of the misinformation and confusion about what President Trump’s recent action means for fuel suppliers, retailers, and consumers. In addition to hearing from …
Export Exchange Pre-Tours Underway
The 2018 Export Exchange starts next week in Minneapolis, but many teams of international buyers are already here in the United States participating in pre-event tours around the Midwest. The tours include three teams from Mexico who will visit Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kentucky and Iowa to see U.S. corn, sorghum and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) production and supply …