Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture believe spring canola could be a good crop for biodiesel for producers in the drier parts of the Great Plains. This news release from the Agricultural Research Service says ARS agronomist David Nielsen and others are finding ways to stretch scarce water supplies and increase crop returns in that part of the country. …
Surplus US Sugar Sold to Ethanol Makers
In an effort to get rid of surplus sugar and produce green fuel, the US Department of Agriculture has sold a large block of the sweetener to ethanol makers. This article from Ethanol Producer Magazine says the government sold the sugar rather than just forfeiting it under the Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers. The program requires the USDA to …
Rural Areas to REAP Benefits of Energy Projects
Farmers, ranchers and small businesses in rural areas of 22 states will benefit from projects designed to use renewable energy, as well as conserve power. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the latest round of grants and loans being made available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). “REAP continues to help farmers and rural businesses reduce their …
USDA Announces Support for Advanced Biofuel Producers
USDA announced Thursday that the agency is making nearly $15.5 million in payments to support the production of advanced biofuel. At the National Advanced Biofuels Conference in Omaha, USDA Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Doug O’Brien said 188 producers will received payments through the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program. “Producing advanced biofuels is a major component of the drive to take …
USDA Increases Corn Crop Forecast
Despite a slowly maturing corn crop impacted by late summer heat, USDA upped its production forecast for the crop this year by a little bit instead of lowering it. Corn production is forecast at 13.8 billion bushels, up less than 1 percent from the August forecast and up 28 percent from 2012. If realized, this will be a new record …
Record Corn Crop Forecast
Despite a wet spring causing a challenging start to the season, the 2013 corn crop is still looking to break new ground this year, according to the latest USDA production estimate out today. Corn production is forecast at 13.8 billion bushels, up 28 percent from 2012. If realized, this will be a new record production for the United States. Based …
Senate Ag Committee Approves USDA Nominees
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee this week unanimously approved the nominations of Krysta Harden to serve as deputy secretary of agriculture and Robert Bonnie to serve as under secretary for natural resources and the environment. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) congratulated Harden on her confirmation. “Krysta Harden is the right person for the job,” said Bob Dinneen, President …
House Subcommittee RFS Hearing
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing Wednesday on the
USDA Report Increases Corn for Ethanol Use
The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from USDA lowers forecast corn production for the U.S. this year but increases corn for ethanol use estimates. Stressing right up front that because planting is still underway projections are “highly tentative,” the report lowers the projected corn production number due to delayed plantings by 135 million bushels to 14.0 …
USDA: $98.6 Mil Available for Advanced Biofuels
The USDA is making available up to $98.6 million to support the production of advanced biofuels. This news release from the agency says it will be an opportunity for eligible producers to submit applications and strengthen the rural economy: “The United States is on the path to a cleaner, more secure energy future,” [Agriculture Secretary Tom] Vilsack said. “By helping …