USDA’s latest crop production forecast calls for a U.S. corn crop of 11-billion bushels this year. While that’s seven-percent below 2004, it’s still an increase of two-percent from October and is on track to be the second largest corn crop on record – despite many major production states having drought conditions during a critical point in the growing season this year. This month’s outlook for 2005/06 U.S. corn is for increased production, higher domestic consumption, larger stocks, and lower prices. The good news is that more corn is going into ethanol production
NEVC at NAFB
Getting more E-85 fueling stations and more flex-fuel vehicles on the road are goals of the National Ethanol Vehicle Association, based in Jefferson City, the beautiful capitol city of Missouri.
RFA at NAFB
There are lots of organizations that are involved in some aspect of domestic fuels. I had the opportunity to talk with two of them this week in Kansas City at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters meeting. The first is the Renewable Fuels Association.
Ethanol Changing Grain Marketing
It has been noted that ethanol production is changing the way grain is marketed… now someone is doing something about it. It’s called the Dynamic Pricing Platform
ETHANOL IN THE LAND DOWN UNDER
Australia is getting into the ethanol business. Dalby Bio-Refinery Limited has announced it will commence Stage One construction of an ethanol plant, worth $54 million, near Dalby during the first half of 2006.
ETHANOL IN THE BOOTHEEL
On Monday, November 7, the farmer-leaders of southeast Missouri announced Bootheel Agri-Energy, a pioneering effort to build an innovative 100 million gallon, coal-fired ethanol plant.
Ford Driving To Increase E85
Ford Motor Co. announced on Friday a tie-up with VeraSun Energy Corp., a renewable energy company, aimed at expanding support for vehicles capable of running on up to 85 percent ethanol, known as E85.
The partnership will concentrate on growing the ethanol infrastructure in 2006 and converting existing fuel pumps to VeraSun’s branded E85 in existing retail outlets. A consumer awareness campaign will also be launched.
IOWA ETHANOL NEWS
An ethanol plant is coming to Sioux City, IA. Mayor Karen Van de Steeg and the city council proudly made the announcement this morning that an $80 million plant will be built near Sioux Gateway airport.
Breaking New Ground
Groundbreaking ceremonies are being held within the next few days in two states for two new ethanol plants.
Bio Town, USA
A small “one stoplight” town in Indiana is trying to make a new name for itself – Bio Town, USA. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels recently announced his ambitious plan to make Reynolds, IN the first community in the country that gets all of its energy from biorenewable sources. “BioTown , USA is an aggressive plan that I believe will become …