University of Florida Researchers Focus on Biofuel Crop?

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Florida, Research, Specialty Crops

(NSF/Tallahassee, FL/April 11, 2022) — Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are studying ways to scale up production of a crop that can be used for things such as renewable jet fuel. Carinata is an oilseed crop that is closely related to the mustard family of plants. The crop is not used to …

Lawmakers, Biofuel Groups Turn Up Heat for E15

Clint Thompson Biofuels/Energy

Farm State lawmakers and biofuel groups are turning up the heat on the White House to approve year-round E15 sales amid the U.S. embargo of Russian oil and soaring gas prices. Gas prices are at historic highs as the war in Ukraine continues and that the U.S. imposed a ban on importing Russian oil. The crisis has sparked a fierce …

Clean Fuels Alliance Asks Administration to Support RFS

Clint Thompson Biofuels/Energy

The Clean Fuels Alliance sent a letter to President Biden last week telling the administration the group is ready to help maintain homegrown fuel supplies, mitigate pain at the pump and support a clean energy future. The letter asks the administration to get the Renewable Fuel Standard back on track as a key driver of America’s energy independence. “America’s biodiesel, …

Iowa Senators: Time to Unleash Biofuels

Clint Thompson Biofuels/Energy, Legislative

With gas prices hitting all-time highs, Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are asking the president to “unleash biofuels” immediately. They want Biden’s support on their bipartisan plan to replace Russian oil with clean-burning, American-made renewable fuels that are available right now. The new bill is called the Home Front Energy Independence Act and would put the ban on …

Ukraine-Russia Inflation Shocks Already Felt in Grain, Energy Sectors

Dan Biofuels/Energy

Inflation shocks from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are already being felt in the grain and energy sectors and could soon affect US growers and consumers. Oil and gas prices are rising, while grain prices are rising to multi-year highs. With Black Sea shipping blocked, the war is likely to prevent plantings in Ukraine or embargo Russian crops. U.S. farmers and …

Gas Prices Rising Over Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Renewables an Obvious Answer

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Corn, Energy, Soybeans

Gas prices just hit an eight-year record as the Russia-Ukraine conflict agitates energy markets, but the biofuels industry argues renewables from corn and soybeans remain a viable solution. U.S. sanctions and the Russian oil and natural gas export limits are all fueling higher gas prices up 20-cents in a month, 88-cents from a year ago. Here is President Joe Biden. …

Gas, Ethanol Prices to Soar Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Economy

Gas and biofuel prices will go even higher amid conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but biofuel leaders argue that corn ethanol will still be cheaper than gasoline and able to meet demand. There’s no arguing that fuel prices go up during war.  “If oil stocks and gasoline stocks tighten as a result of a conflict, yeah, that’s going to pull …

Corn, Biofuel Groups Testify to EPA on RFS

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Corn, Environment

Corn and biofuel groups Tuesday made comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its Renewable Fuel Standard proposal. EPA proposes Renewable Volume Obligations that Growth Energy says would undercut blending requirements for biofuel in 2021, and retroactively waive 2.96 billion gallons from 2020 RVOs finalized almost two years ago. Under the proposal, 2022 volumes return to statutory levels, and the …

Combatting Heating Fuel Concerns for Poultry Growers

Dan Alabama, Biofuels/Energy, Poultry

Propane and natural gas are the primary heating fuels used by commercial poultry growers across Alabama and the southeastern broiler belt. Heating fuel is often a significant portion of the farm’s variable expenses, and we’ve been hearing reports about the expectations of higher prices this winter. So, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) encourages poultry producers to pay attention to price changes and …

Ethanol Output Back to Pre-COVID Levels

Dan Biofuels/Energy

Bloomberg says U.S. ethanol production reached its highest level since COVID-19 lockdowns brought the industry to a basic standstill. The ethanol industry reached production it hadn’t seen since June 2019. Gasoline demand on a four-week rolling average hit the highest point since 2007 for this time of year. The revival comes as corn is readily available at a relatively cheap …