#Ethanol at Sturgis is a Good Deal

Cindy Zimmerman

RFA board members Chuck Woodside and Dana Lewis chat with bikers getting free 10% ethanol fuel

RFA board members Chuck Woodside and Dana Lewis chat with bikers getting free 10% ethanol fuel

As a past chairman and current board member of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Chuck Woodside of KAAPA Ethanol in Minden, Nebraska wants to make sure that the money the organization is well spent to serve the ethanol industry. After seeing the RFA presence promoting ethanol at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Buffalo Chip Campground, Woodside believes that fits the bill.

“The RFA has one of the longest sponsor relationships with the Buffalo Chip and I think that has paid off through the years,” said Woodside last week during the RFA-sponsored Free Fuel Happy Hours at The Chip. “Part of the promotion is we give a t-shirt away with the fill up and those have become very popular.” He notes that RFA has a presence on signage around the Chip and on the main stage jumbotron where top names in entertainment perform throughout the week.

In this interview, Woodside also talks about the importance of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the industry: Interview with Chuck Woodside, KAAPA Ethanol

RFA at Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2016 Photos

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Motorcycle, RFA, RFS, Sturgis

Collaboration Needed in Future of Ag Tech

Jamie Johansen

zp-nh1Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What will play the biggest role in the future of agriculture?”

During the 2016 InfoAg Conference, Jack Uldrich, acclaimed global futurist, speaker and best-selling author, shared thoughts on what the world may look like in just a few short years. Collaboration rose to the top and shows we need to keep all of the above in mind when talking about the future of agricultural technology.

Here are the poll results:

  • Big data – 18%
  • Social media – 0%
  • Robotics – 7%
  • Biotech – 17%
  • Nanotech – 3%
  • Artificial intelligence – 7%
  • Renewable energy – 13%
  • Precision tech – 14%
  • Collaboration – 21%

Our new ZimmPoll is live and asks the question, Is agriculture still relevant at state fairs?

State fairs are taking place across the country and were originally started with agriculture in mind. But fewer and fewer state fairs have focused their efforts on agriculture. With a growing population more discounted to agriculture than every before, shouldn’t our state fairs be agriculture centered? Is agriculture still relevant at state fairs? Let us know your thoughts.

ZimmPoll

Paul Dana Award Goes to @Sheetz

Cindy Zimmerman

Ron Lamberty, ACE with Mike Lorenz of Sheetz

Ron Lamberty, ACE with Mike Lorenz of Sheetz

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) last week presented Sheetz, Inc. with the 2016 Paul Dana Marketing Vision Award for leadership in marketing ethanol. The award was instituted in 2006 in memory of Indy Racing League IndyCar Series driver and biofuels advocate Paul Dana

Sheetz was recognized for their leadership in introducing E15 in 60 of the company’s stores in North Carolina, as well as being one of the first major chains to offer E85 in Pennsylvania and the five other eastern states where Sheetz operates convenience stores. ACE Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty says the retail chain, which has stores mainly in the East Coast and Atlantic based states, was a perfect fit for an award for “marketing vision.”

“I’ve often described the c-store industry as one where ‘everyone wants to be the first to be second.’ In a lot of cases, Sheetz is the company other convenience stores are watching to know what to do next” Lamberty said. “Sheetz is leading again with E15, as they did when they began offering E85 ten years ago, and when they were among the first to bring E10 to the Eastern states where they operate.

Sheetz Executive Vice President of Petroleum Supply Mike Lorenz accepted the award on behalf of the company during the ACE annual meeting in Minneapolis last week. He also participated in a retailer panel at the event.

In this interview, Lorenz talks about the decision to add more fuel choices to their “menu” and how Sheetz customers are responding: Interview with Mike Lorenz, Sheetz

2016 ACE Annual Ethanol Conference Photo Album

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, E15, E85, Ethanol News, Retailers

Record #Corn and #Ethanol Production Forecast

Cindy Zimmerman

USDAUSDA’s first crop production forecast based on actual field data is predicting a bin-busting corn crop this year while ethanol production is also on pace to be record high.

Corn production is forecast at a record 15.2 billion bushels, up 11 percent from last year with yields expected to average 175.1 bushels per acre, up 6.7 bushels from 2015. If realized, this will be the highest yield and production on record for the United States. Meanwhile, the U.S. ethanol industry is on pace to break production records this year, according to Department of Energy (DOE) projections released Tuesday. DOE projects 2016 ethanol production will average 980,000 barrels per day, or 15.1 billion gallons.

“This is shaping up to be an historic year,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Just a decade ago, visionary leaders in the corn and ethanol industries established a goal to produce 15 billion bushels of corn and 15 billion gallons of ethanol by 2015. Ten years later, our nation’s farmers and ethanol producers have made that bold vision into a reality.”

The August World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates Report, also released Friday showing corn ending stocks for the 2016/17 marketing year are expected to be the highest in 29 years at 2.4 billion bushels while corn prices are expected to average just $3.15 per bushel, the lowest in 10 years. National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling says these numbers should “be a wake-up call for both Presidential campaigns regarding the economic challenges facing farmers and rural America….We need real solutions that help us access markets, expand biofuel use, and ensure a more sustainable future.”

Both Dinneen and Bowling note that the record production numbers and low prices underscore the importance of continuing to implement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as intended by Congress while EPA’s proposal would reduce the 2017 RFS requirement for “renewable fuel” from 15.0 billion gallons to 14.8 billion gallons. “This is not the time to undermine demand for corn and tie the hands of the American farmer. Farmers and ethanol producers made investments and business decisions based on the 2007 law that expanded the RFS, and they expected EPA to follow Congress’ intent in implementing the program,” Dinneen said. “EPA’s proposal is limiting market opportunities for U.S. farmers at a time when the agricultural economy needs a boost.”

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA, RFA, RFS, USDA

#Ethanol Report from 2016 Sturgis

Cindy Zimmerman

ethanol-report-adThe Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) once again partnered with the Buffalo Chip Campground to host the 76th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Aug. 8–14 in Sturgis, South Dakota. RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White was joined at this year’s event by association board members Dana Siefkes-Lewis of Redfield Energy in South Dakota and Chuck Woodside of KAAPA Ethanol in Nebraska. In this Ethanol Report, they all talk about the importance of educating motorcyclists about using ethanol in their engines.

Listen to the Ethanol Report: Ethanol Report from 2016 Sturgis

RFA at 2016 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Motorcycle, RFA, Sturgis

Bobby Likis Features Robert White Live From Sturgis

Joanna Schroeder

On left, RFA's Robert White, a motorcyclist veteran shares ethanol's story with a biker during the 76th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

On left, RFA’s Robert White, a motorcyclist veteran, shares ethanol’s story with a biker during the 76th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

It’s been a great week for the 76th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and once again biker enthusiasts embraced E10 with free fuel (10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gas) and raved about their performance. Speaking of motorcycles, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) veteran motorcyclist and expert Robert White was at Sturgis once again. While there White will be a live guest on Bobby Likis Car Clinic, Saturday, August 13, 2016 beginning at 10:25 am ET / 8:25 am MT.

Said Likis, “Sturgis Rally is on my bucket list! Robert will be our eyes and ears there on Saturday, as we talk fun, motors and E10.”

During the show White will bring news of the Rally to Car Clinic listeners and viewers, including a recap of the RFA’s sponsored 9th annual Legends Ride where riders glide from Deadwood through the scenic Black Hills to the gates of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. White will also spotlight a most popular “happy hour” for riders: Free Fuel Happy Hour, where, compliments of RFA, bikers gas up with a free tank of 93 octane E10 for their rides. And wow do the bikers line up for E10!

21413-bobby-likis-car-clinic-300x149“I’ve been going to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the past eight years and it’s a great event to educate the motorcycle community on the benefits of ethanol,” said White. “E10 is a safe and reliable fuel blend and is covered under warranty by every major motorcycle manufacturer in the market. I look forward to this year’s event, to teaching riders about the advantages of ethanol blended fuel, and to sharing Sturgis news with Bobby’s listeners and viewers.”

White is not only a motorcyclist veteran, he is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and an official member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. To view White’s interview in its entirety, visit WatchBobbyLive.com on Saturday, August 13, 10:25a ET / 8:25a MT.

biofuels, Education, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Motorcycle, RFA, Sturgis

Jennings Offers #ACE16 Highlights, #Ethanol Next Steps

Joanna Schroeder

It came as no surprise that the 29th annual ACE Ethanol Conference was a huge hit with attendees this week. One comment that was often heard was how great the content was. Attendees were also pumped-up about the efforts of American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) to help get E15 at pumps across the country. After the conference concluded, I wace-16-jennings1as able to sit down with ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings to get his take on this year’s event.

I first asked him what he thought some of the highlights were this week. He said one, in his view, was the re-commitment that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is important, but that the industry needs to continue to build momentum for other ways to increase the use of ethanol. Some of these ways include exports and increasing octane. “I think there was a greater appreciation for the hurdles we’re going to have to clear if we’re going to actually use octane to drive demand,” said Jennings.

Out of the octane discussion, Jennings said there were some areas that were brought to light about where the industry needs to be more involved. One area is the industry needs to be more involved with ATSM.

(Left to right) Merle Anderson shares his thoughts on his namesake award while ACE's Brian Jennings looks on.

(Left to right) Merle Anderson shares his thoughts on his namesake award while ACE’s Brian Jennings looks on.

Jennings said he was very gratified about the Merle Anderson award, and the fact that Merle Anderson, at 85 years old, was able to come back to the ACE Conference. This year’s award was given to Lars Herseth who for many years has served on the ACE board. Jennings said the awards really highlight how great some of the people are in the industry.

So what’s on the horizon for ACE? Jennings said another big ad buy in Washington, D.C. is in the works to promote the Reid Vapor Pressure fix required to offer E15 across the country year round. Jennings said they are really going to need to get down in the weeds on the CAFE greenhouse gas rule making. “EPA doesn’t want this to be a pathway for higher octane fuels but the auto makers have an interest in enabling ethanol to be pathway for high octane fuels as do we,” he noted. In addition, ACE will continue to work with retailers to help them understand the math of E15 and flex fuels.

In closing, Jennings thanked his six staff members for their team effort as well as thanked the volunteer members who helped, which he said is really heartwarming. “They make me really proud,” he added.

Learn more about Brian’s thoughts on this year’s ACE Ethanol Conference here: Interview with Brian Jennings, ACE

2016 ACE Annual Ethanol Conference Photo Album

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Ethanol

#ACE2016 – Mo’ #E15 Gallons Please

Joanna Schroeder

Consumers and retailers are calling for “Mo’ Gallons” said Ron Lamberty, VP of Market Development during the opening session of the American Coalition for Ethanol’s 29th annual Ethanol Conference. During his opening remarks he focused on the need and movement to get more E15 and higher blend pumps across the country. The theme of his presentation was “Do the Math.” Why? Because when you do the math, you will see that offering consumers more choice in the form of E15, mid-level ethanol blends and ethanol blends such as E85, “they will come” and retailers will have a financial economic advantage over their competitors.

DSC_0855ACE’s market development efforts have always focused on expanding existing markets. When they go out and meet with marketers about expanding ethanol blend offerings, Lamberty said they tell them to do the math – Why this is a good deal for a marketer?  i.e. How you can make more money with ethanol? Back in 2008-2009 ACE partnered with the Renewable Fuels Association to launch the BYO campaign -Blend Your Own Ethanol. With programs such as this, Lamberty said the industry has been ahead of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in terms of expanding ethanol’s market.

Going forward, Lamberty said they have realized that the retailer is the customer, not the consumer, so they have been focusing their efforts on retailers. Last year they launched the Flex Fuel Forward site. Here retailers can learn more about the value proposition of ethanol. In addition, in an effort to do a better job of showing how to do the math, ACE launched an animation last year and during this year’s conference, unveiled their new publication, E15 and Flex Fuel Retailer Roadmap.

Lamberty thanked the ethanol industry along with retailers for all they have done in this arena and concluded, “I ask you to remember when you talk to marketers do the math, help them do the math, and if they don’t know the math, call me, I like to teach math at least at this level.”

Listen to Ron Lamberty’s presentation here: Ron Lamberty, ACE, Opening Remarks

2016 ACE Annual Ethanol Conference Photo Album

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, E15, E85, Ethanol, Retailers

Cattle Producer Talks DDGs at #ACE2016

Lizzy Schultz

ace-16-giese2 The growth of the ethanol industry and the use of dried distillers grains (DDGs), a co-product of ethanol production, as livestock feed have both harnessed significant controversy and skepticism from livestock producers through the years, and the use of distillers grains as livestock feed was a major topic of discussion at this year’s American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Conference, held this week in Minneapolis.

Al Giese, Co-Owner & Manager of Prarie Feed & Trucking (PFT), has worked as an agronomist, an animal nutrition expert, and is a cattle producer himself. Gives uses DDGs in his cattle’s rations, and he sat down to speak with AgWired’s Joanna Schroeder during the 2016 ACE Conference to discuss the benefits he has found through their use.

“In the early phases of the ethanol industry, there was a lot of confusion among livestock producers who felt that the ethanol industry was driving up their feed prices by increasing the price of corn, the value of ethanol co-products in the animal ration was not clearly understood,” said Giese in an interview during the 2016 ACE Conferece. “But now we’ve found that the ethanol industry is not dramatically affecting the price of corn at this point, given where the prices are right now, and now virtually every ration in a feedlot in dairies and ranches includes a dry distillers grain.”

Giese explained that the distillers grains offer a type of nutritional and economic efficiency that simply cannot be found in whole corn products.

“Distillers grains from ethanol allows the animal producer to achieve their least cost ration and optimum animal performance, which increases their profitability,” he said. “The reason this has worked to the benefit of the livestock producer is because the nutrient value of DDGs, pound for pound, is greater than corn. It’s the protein we’re after, we want to achieve the maximum protein level at minimum cost. I have not seen a ration in years where you could not least cost the ration because of the product’s nutritional value, primarily related to protein.”

Listen to Joanna’s full interview with Al here:
Interview with Al Giese, Prairie Feed & Trucking

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 ACE Ethanol Conference Photo Album

ACE Ethanol Conference, Ag group, Audio, Distillers Grains, livestock feed

Sen Ernst & IA Gov Branstad to Visit Quad County

Joanna Schroeder

Quad County logoQuad County Corn Processors will be hosting two special guests on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. The two are set to arrive at the ethanol biorefinery at 9:15 am CT.

Senator Ernst and Governor Branstad will tour Quad County’s state-of-the-art Cellerate process technology production facility and then meet with Quad County staff and board members to discuss cellulosic ethanol issues. Two specific items on the agenda include: the need to get high compression engines manufactured by auto companies to increase the ethanol market to be large enough to need cellulosic ethanol; and the need for an RVP waiver for E15.

Also in attendance will be Jack Bernens, Head of Enogen at Syngenta; Ponsi Trivisvavet, President of Syngenta Seeds, LLC; Jeff Sands, Manager, Federal Government Relations at Syngenta; and Monte Shaw, Executive Director, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

biofuels, Cellulosic, corn, Ethanol