Ethanol Production Boosts Demand For Corn

The USDA released a report Jan. 12 stating that corn crops will be the tightest than ever before, Mike Krueger, host of the “Money Farm” told farmers attending the 2011 Ag Days. “The single biggest thing that has changed the corn market worldwide and certainly our market is ethanol,” said Krueger. Ethanol production has increased

U.S. Ethanol Sector Contemplates Subsidy Cuts

Mark Marquis had planned to double the size of his Illinois ethanol plant in 2011, and was considering expanding a Wisconsin facility his family-run firm bought into last July. But those plans are now on hold, as Marquis and other ethanol producers brace for the possible end of $6 billion a year in U.S. subsidies


Renewable Fuels Association Wants 10 Per Cent Biofuel

Canada’s renewable fuels industry is pressing the federal government to double the percentage of renewable fuels it will require in gasoline and diesel, the head of the industry association said Nov. 29. The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association wants Ottawa to raise the ethanol-in-gasoline mandate from five per cent to 10 per cent and the still-to-be-implemented

Crop Use In Biofuel Production Near Peak

New technologies for producing ethanol and biodiesel should put an end to the food-versus-fuel debate, the Renewable Fuels Summit has heard. But farmers won’t lose their connection to the alternate fuel industry because crop residues and other farm wastes will be in demand as feedstock for the new production processes, says Sam Kanes, an analyst


Ethanol Plants Accepting More Wheat

Western Canadian wheat producers have seen an increase in demand from ethanol plants, thanks to more feed wheat in the commercial system. Jake Davidson, executive manager of Winter Cereals Canada in Minnedosa, said ethanol plants have been much more willing to take wheat this year. “I’m seeing an increase in usage in Manitoba,” Davidson said.

How High Will Corn Prices Go Before Usage Is Rationed?

The national average corn yield was the main focus of cash and futures market traders in the Oct. 8, 2010, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. Many market analysts consider this report a “game changer.” The resulting price rally in crop markets has people beginning to ask if this could be a repeat


Food Groups Sue U.S. For Ethanol Boost In Gasoline

Livestock producers and food industry groups filed a suit on Nov. 9 seeking to overturn a U.S. decision to allow higher levels of ethanol in gasoline, saying it could push up food prices. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, the National Meat Association and other groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency, saying regulators overstepped their authority when

U.S. Election Means A Pinch On Farm Funds

U.S. lawmakers will face increasing pressure to constrain spending on farm subsidy programs, possibly as part of government-wide austerity, in the wake of large Republican gains in the midterm elections. At its most extreme, the budget cutting could push millions of acres back into production by slashing long-term reserves that idle 10 per cent of


U. S. Ethanol Makers Seek Renewal Of Tax Breaks

Attacked as subsidy addicts, U. S. ethanol makers may need help from friends in high places, including the White House, to hold on to lucrative tax breaks set to expire at the end of the year. The industry says it is ready to discuss revisions in the incentives, worth $6 billion a year. An amalgam

Vilsack Says E15 Decision Underscores U. S. Support

U. S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Oct. 13 the government’s decision to boost the amount of ethanol allowed in U. S. gasoline was a strong signal the Obama administration will establish a strong U. S. ethanol industry. “Today’s announcement on E15 for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond is a positive signal that we