There were a thousand and one reasons to attend the last session of the National Ethanol Conference Wednesday, and one of them was learning about the potential for expanding the global market for ethanol. Exports of U.S. ethanol hit record highs last year and are booming as countries around the world recognize the economic and environmental benefits of American-made renewable …
RFA Honors Rick Schwarck with Industry Award
The Renewable Fuels Association honored ethanol industry pioneer Rick Schwarck with the 2025 Industry Award at the National Ethanol Conference in Nashville. “Since co-founding Absolute Energy twenty years ago, Rick Schwarck has demonstrated remarkable leadership in advocating for ethanol, defending the policies that have helped our industry grow, and advancing ethanol’s scientific underpinnings,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said. …
Rep. Feenstra Champions Ethanol at #RFANEC
One of ethanol’s champions in Congress visited the National Ethanol Conference Tuesday to chat with members of the industry and Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper about many issues, including his strong support of nationwide, year-round E15. Feenstra said it was frustrating to get so close with the inclusion of the provision in the Continuing Resolution in December …
Annual Ethanol Economic Analysis from RFA
The latest economic impact analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association shows the ethanol industry’s contribution to the U.S. economy remained “robust” last year, as record-setting production offset the impact of lower commodity prices. “2024 was another very good year following on the heels of 2023,” said RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman. “In terms of helping out in terms of what …
RFA CEO on the State of the Ethanol Industry
As is tradition, the 30th annual National Ethanol Conference kicked off with the State of the Industry address from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, who highlighted the industry’s pivotal role in American agriculture and outlined how ethanol can once again help the farm sector thrive in the face of current economic challenges. Cooper reflected on the industry’s …
2025 Marks 30th National Ethanol Conference
The ethanol industry will be getting “Back to Our Roots” in 2025 with the Renewable Fuels Association’s 30th annual National Ethanol Conference, taking place in Nashville February 17–19. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the theme “Back to Our Roots” was chosen to reflect the ethanol industry’s humble beginnings, its incredible growth, and its enduring ties to American agriculture. …
Eight Scholarships Awarded for 30th NEC
The Renewable Fuels Foundation awarded eight young people the opportunity to attended the 2025 National Ethanol Conference with the Robert Sather Memorial Scholarship. The event takes place February 17-19 in Nashville and is the nation’s most widely attended executive-level conference for the ethanol industry. Recipients are a mix of college students and members of RFA’s Young Professionals Network: Paige Madison …
Apply Now for National Ethanol Conference Scholarships
Applications are now being accepted by the Renewable Fuels Foundation for scholarships to attend the annual National Ethanol Conference, taking place Feb. 17-19 in Nashville, Tenn. College students and members of RFA’s Young Professionals Network are eligible for the scholarships that cover the convention registration fee, hotel, and up to $500 in airfare. Now in its 16th year, the program …
Registration Open for 30th National Ethanol Conference
The ethanol industry will be getting “Back to Our Roots” in 2025 with the Renewable Fuels Association’s 30th annual National Ethanol Conference, taking place in Nashville February 17–19. The milestone event is themed “Back to Our Roots” to reflect the ethanol industry’s humble beginnings, its incredible growth, and its enduring ties to American agriculture, according to RFA Board Chairman Jeff …
Defenbaugh Carries on Family Tradition
Nicholas Defenbaugh, a senior at Orion Technical College and a maintenance technician at Big River Resources, was one of eight students and young professionals who attended the recent 2024 National Ethanol Conference under the Robert Sather Memorial Scholarship program. Nicholas is carrying on a family tradition working at the plant in Burlington, Iowa which was started by his grandfather Ray …