Many are surprised by theUSDA’s planted acreage report out this morning that estimates the second largest corn crop since 1946 at 87.0 million acres, up 1 percent from last year. USDA grains analyst Jerry Norton says the number was much higher than the trade was expecting. “It’s a big number,” Norton says, especially considering the planting delays in Illinois and …
Algae Ethanol Plant Announced
When it comes to biofuels, algae is usually mentioned as a means to make biodiesel, but a new project will be using it to make ethanol. The Dow Chemical Company and Algenol Biofuels have announced plans for a algae-based biorefinery to convert CO2 into ethanol. The pilot facility will be located at Dow’s Freeport, Texas site. Dow CEO Andrew Liveris …
DF Cast: Charting the Future of Ethanol
Attendees of the recent Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo in Denver, Colorado heard something they most likely already knew: the past year was a rough one for the ethanol industry. While some folks such as Mike Bryan, CEO of BBI International point out that much of the green fuel’s woes were a concerted effort by those outside of the industry …
More Distillers Grains Heading North
Poor crop conditions and higher grain prices north of the border are causing an uptick in exports of the ethanol co-product dried distillers grains (DDGS) to Canada. According to the U.S. Grains Council, 350 cars containing approximately 31,500 metric tons of DDGS were purchased last week by Canada’s largest distiller’s grains importer, Rycom Trading Ltd. Ryan Slozka, senior trader at …
Ethanol Group Pleased with Passage of Climate Bill
The American Clean Energy and Security Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 219 to 212, with 44 Democrats voting against the bill and eight Republicans voting in favor. Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) spent an hour attempting to force his colleagues to read the 300 page amendment to the bill offered at 3 a.m. …
LSU Fans Choose Ethanol at College World Series
Ethanol is everywhere – even the College World Series. Each June, Omaha hosts the teams and fans who hope to go all the way. This year, fans were able to cheer in style with their “Choose Ethanol” koozies. The Renewable Fuels Association recently launched the “Flex-Fuel Challenge” Summer Photo Contest. All you have to do is take a picture of …
Phibro Ethanol Performance Group Knows FDA
For those of you not familiar with an FDA, Food Additive Petition (FAP), the folks at Phibro Chem’s Ethanol Performance Group can help you understand what it means to ethanol producers. They market the antimicrobial product, Lactrol. We normally think of the EPA when it comes to governmental regulations in this industry but FDA is getting more involved. That’s why …
Ethanol and Biodiesel Details in Climate Bill Compromise
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has provided more details about the compromise worked out this week on the climate change bill expected to come up for a vote in the House of Representatives on Friday. “Good faith negotiations and old fashioned horse sense led to a deal that achieves both our energy security and environmental goals,” said RFA President Bob …
Growth Energy CEO Optimistic About Ethanol Industry
The 25th annual Fuel Ethanol Workshop was the first for Growth Energy, the ethanol industry organization formed late last year, and CEO Tom Buis was impressed with the turnout at the conference despite current economic conditions. “I think everyone is really interested in moving forward,” Buis said. “Obviously we are going through some rough spots, economically, but I think people …