A new study released today entitled “2012 Corn Ethanol: Emerging Plant Energy and Environmental Technologies” found that recent innovations in corn ethanol production have resulted in increased yield per bushel even as less energy is required for production. Thermal energy use at a typical dry mill ethanol plant has fallen 9% since 2008, the study found, meaning the carbon footprint of corn ethanol continues to shrink.

The authors, Steffen Mueller, PhD, of the University of Illinois at Chicago Energy Resources Center and John Kwik, PE, of Dominion Energy Services, LLC wrote in summary, “Our work includes an assessment of over 50% of operating dry grind corn ethanol plants. On average, 2012 dry grind plants produce ethanol at higher yields with lower energy inputs than 2008 corn ethanol.”

They continue, “Furthermore, significantly more corn oil is separated at the plants now, which combined with the higher ethanol yields results in a slight reduction in DDG production and a negligible increase in electricity consumption.”

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), commented on the new findings.

“Once again, the innovation and dedication of this industry is borne out in the science and data. Ethanol producers are constantly evolving, innovating, and improving the production process. As a result, today’s ethanol industry is using less energy and water than ever before and greatly reducing GHG emissions associated with the corn ethanol lifecycle. Today’s ethanol producers are conscientious stewards of this country’s precious resources and this country’s energy future. The ethanol industry is a classic example of American ingenuity driving success.”

Source: Renewable Fuels Association

Floor consideration of the Water Resources Development Act in the Senate has bee put off in favor of gun control and immigration, but there continues to be significant activity on the waterways infrastructure policy and issues, according the American Soybean Association. ASA says the delay in Senate floor consideration provides an opportunity to educate members on the importance of addressing the funding issues related to inland waterways infrastructure.

The WRDA that was passed by the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee has many positive aspects, but does not yet address the key revenue and financing issues that would enable progress on the ageing locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River.

EPW Committee leaders have indicated that there will be a manager’s amendment that will include federalization of Olmsted Lock & Dam, raising the federal general treasury contributions to major rehabilitation projects and inclusion of a user fee increase. However, it is not yet clear if there is sufficient support in the Senate to pass those provisions.

ASA Washington staff joined with representatives of the National Grain & Feed Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, and other agriculture industry partners in a series of meetings with Senate offices to reiterate the needs and priorities for U.S. agricultural commodities. ASA Washington staff will also meet with staff for Members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee offices in the coming week.

The House T&I Committee held a hearing on WRDA this week with representatives from the waterways industry serving on the panel of witnesses. In addition, the committee has held a “roundtable” discussion for Members and WRDA 101 briefings have been conducted for staff.

In his opening statement and the T&I Committee hearing, Chairman Bill Shuster relayed the importance of inland waterways to the soybean industry saying, “I was visiting with the soybean folks and they explained to me how it costs $85.19 to ship a metric ton of soybeans down the Mississippi from Davenport, Iowa, through Louisiana’s ports, and on to Shanghai, China. It costs Brazil $141.73 to ship the same amount of soybeans approximately the same distance. However, Brazil is planning to invest $26 billion to modernize its ports and has begun major investments in its waterways so that it can better compete with the United States.”

ASA Washington staff along with the Soy Transportation Coalition met with Chairman Shuster in March and provided the information that the Chairman has utilized frequently when talking about the importance of enacting a WRDA.

Source: ASA

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, in conjunction with the BIO International Convention, will host a Food Dialogues panel discussion on biotechnology next week in Chicago.

The April 22 USFRA program, “The Straight Story on Biotech in Agriculture: The Media and its Impact on Consumers,” will consist of a panel of experts from multiple disciplines, including farmers, media, industry and academia, who will answer some of the toughest questions surrounding GMOs. Panelists will also discuss what more can be done by all sides – including those who are not in favor of this technology – to give consumers access to information that matters.

National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson will be one member of the panel discussion.

GMOs are one area where we are seeing a lot of questions from consumers, and a lot of misinformation in the news media and newer social media,” Johnson said. “As a farmer, I see the value of crop technology every day in the field, and it’s important that we not only address concerns, but answer questions about how and why we do what we do on our farms.”

A second Food Dialogues event is scheduled for June 19, also taking place in Chicago, with the broader theme of transparency. Both events will stream live online at the Food Dialogues website.

Source: NCGA