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
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
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
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
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 …
Potential Propane Problems Should Prompt Producers to Plan Ahead
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is continuing to urge producers to take steps now to ensure they have adequate supplies of propane this winter, with reports of near-record prices and historically low stockpiles of the gas. NPPC is working with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) to monitor supplies, which are adequate but may be less plentiful in the Midwest, according …
Propane Prices Heading Higher
Liquid Propane (LP) prices in the U.S. could be heading higher based on current supply/demand factors. A Successful Farming article says that could mean higher corn drying costs for farmers this fall. Looking ahead to the LP market environment for grain drying in the fall, analysts are said to be using descriptions like “train wreck” and “tug-of-war.” The rising LP …
Groups Press for Higher Octane Fuel Standard
A coalition of farm and renewable fuel organizations urge the Biden administration to propose a higher octane fuel standard. In a letter to President Joe Biden this week, the coalition also requested the Environmental Protection Agency open a comment period on the role high octane low carbon fuels can play in advancing the administration’s climate objectives. The effort complements a …
NIFA Invests Over $5.4M in Bio-based Products Research
The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced $5.4 million in bioprocessing, bioengineering, biofuels and biobased products research investments through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). They recently awarded $4.8 million for 12 Bioprocessing and Bioengineering grants under NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and more than $600,000 for six Biofuels and Biobased Products grants under NIFA’s Small Business Innovation …
Supporting Ag Carbon Markets
The Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021, introduced in the U.S. Senate last week, basically creates a certification program and provides information and technical assistance to ag producers and forestry owners wanting to voluntarily participate in carbon markets. Tyron Spearman has the details.