Oct. 12 is celebrated as National Farmers Day. Farmers are the lifeblood of our economy, providing food, fuel, and fiber for our nation and around the globe. On this day of recognition, the Renewable Fuels Association would like to thank and honor farmers for their service, especially USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, who grew up on a dairy and row crop farm in rural Georgia.
According to new monthly U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates issued today, America’s farmers are forecast to produce 14.28 billion bushels of corn for the 2017/2018 marketing year, up 96 million bushels from last month. Additionally, farmers are estimated to have a corn yield of 171.8 bushels per acre, up 1.9 bushels from the September forecast. If realized, these would be the second-highest U.S. corn production and yields on record.
Last year, the U.S. ethanol industry used 5.43 billion bushels of corn, valued at $18.8 billion, to make 15.3 billion gallons of ethanol and 42 million metric tons of animal feed. Ethanol and agriculture continue to work hand in hand, helping to fuel and feed the world.
“Ethanol provides a vital value-added market for corn and other commodities, providing an economic boost to rural America,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Meantime, ethanol is helping to clean the air, reduce our reliance on petroleum, boost local economies and lower prices at the pump. Tremendous increases in the productivity of U.S. farmers have ensured ample supplies of grain are available for food, feed, and fuel. Farmers touch every part of our lives and today, we give thanks for National Farmers Day.”