Curtailing ethanol blending this year may have a moderate effect on near-term corn prices, while broader, long-term consequences loom. Observers think the EPA will ultimately set the RVO above 13 billion gallons. How far above 13 no one knows.
Corn's value has retreated, but the costs of fertilizer, seed, land and machinery remain high. Have inflated expenses reset the break even point for American growers?
The National Corn Growers Association's Ethanol Committee met last week in Detroit, Mich., to discuss everything from the latest research on ethanol use in small engines to growing opportunities for distiller's grains.
The Andersons Inc. has released financial results for the fourth quarter and full year results for 2013, reporting record operating income of $50.6 million for the company's ethanol group. In 2012, the group reported a $3.7 million loss.
The total U.S. corn supply is pegged at 14.781 billion bushels and demand at 13.150 billion bushels, creating ending stocks of 1.631 billion. The 12.4 percent carryout-to-use ratio is a very comfortable level that will limit upside movement in corn.
The days of distillers grains being 140 percent the value of corn are behind us, at least near-term. With the Chinese New Year upon us, it is not clear how quickly we will get a resolution on China's intentions. Whatever happens will impact 2014.
With no changes to production estimates, the USDA's monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report lowered feed grain ending stocks for the marketing year in progress based on a 150-million-bushel increase projected for corn exports.
The passage of the Farm Bill will positively impact the biomass industry and help to spur on additional development of renewable energy, according to several leading biomass companies and organizations that praised the long-awaited bill.
President Obama signed the 2014 Farm Bill into law during a Feb. 7 ceremony at Michigan State University. During his speech, Obama also announced the launch of a new "Made in Rural America" export and investment initiative.
Cropping systems that are profitable for farmers and balance societal needs for food, feed, fuel, energy and clean air and water are the focus and challenge of Iowa State University's Landscape Biomass Project.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials has announced that Greenwood Tree Farm Fund LP has become the first short rotation forest plantation worldwide to earn certification under the RSB.
According to new government data, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 621.5 million gallons in 2013, the third-highest annual total on record, while exports of distillers grains set a new record of 9.7 million metric tons.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. has reported fourth quarter 2013 adjusted earnings per share of 95 cents, up from 60 cents in the same period of 2012. The company indicated improved ethanol margins supported improved profits for its corn business.
On Feb. 4, the U.S. Senate approved the conference report for the 2014 Farm Bill by a vote of 67 to 32. The vote was the final legislative action needed before President Obama can sign the legislation into law.
he U.S. Farm Bill is a five-year piece of legislation that typically takes six years to develop and reach consensus among U.S. senators, representatives, and the president. Orchestrating this feat is nothing short of a miracle.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the conference report for the 2014 Farm Bill by a vote of 251 to 166. The farm bill conference committee approved the conference report for the bill on Jan. 27. A U.S. Senate vote is expected next week.
The agriculture committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate have announced a bipartisan agreement on a new five-year Farm Bill. The House is expected to vote on the measure on Jan. 29, with a Senate vote expected soon after.
Much of the consternation over corn ethanol, including the current debate on the renewable fuel standard, is rooted in America's ability to produce sufficient corn to meet the needs of food and fuel. This, of course, is dependent on weather.
The grains complex has been tiresome compared to the whirlwind proteins of late. A big carryout looms in corn, and demand from China has been in question.
While the baling of crop residues and forage crops is nothing new, the sheer volume that will be required to supply a commercial biorefinery makes developing a reliable, cost effective supply chain a challenge.
A report issued by the European Commission's Agricultural and Rural Development department predicts that the medium-term outlook for arable crops in the European Union is relatively positive. The biofuels market is the most dynamic demand factor.
Ottawa-based Iogen Corp. announced it has developed and patented a new method to make drop-in cellulosic biofuels from biogas using existing refinery assets and production operations.
Corn kernel fiber conversion technology holds great promise, but RIN integrity standards are paramount to the value and marketability of advanced ethanol derived from this exciting new pathway. Fortunately, quality assurance plan services are here.
Although expensive, fluorescent microscopy provides colorful insights on bacteria and yeast, the tiny organisms that impact ethanol production. Now, the arrival of budget-friendly models may put the technology in reach of more plant laboratories.
Novozymes has released its 2013 results, reporting that all financial targets for the year were met or exceeded. Overall organic sales growth was 7 percent. Sales to the bioenergy and household care industries were the biggest drivers of growth.
Ethanol producers are enjoying generous margins in recent weeks, even as uncertainty over the fate of the renewable fuels standard (RFS) weighs upon the long-term outlook. Late November saw the best ethanol margins since the height of the 2006 boom.
The costs of fertilizer, land rents and seed, along with the associated expense of machinery depreciation, have spiked dramatically over the past several years. Has it reset the breakeven point for American corn farming?
In December, logistics were the primary market driver in the DDGS market. Whether in railcar turn times, empty container availability or even truck availability to move the product, transportation is affecting prices.
Ethanol prices saw a wild price shift in December leading to additional uncertainty through the ethanol and corn markets. Lack of active support in the corn market has kept corn prices hovering between $4.15 to $4.30 per bushel in the futures market.
Using a plant-derived chemical known as gamma valerolactone, or GVL, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have developed a process for creating a concentrated stream of sugars that's ripe with possibility for biofuels.
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