Colorado Corn
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News from September 2007
Pro or Con, Let’s Have a Real Discussion About Biofuels
Yet another so-called “study” about the impact of corn-based ethanol on the nation’s food supply has been issued. Like the others, its authors choose facts that support their opinion, and disregard everything else.
Once again we’re told ethanol has little impact on the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and is driving up food prices.
“Impact,” we guess, is a relative term. Ethanol is replacing 200 million barrels of imported oil per year. With the price of oil above $80 per barrel, ethanol’s impact on oil imports alone is more than $16 billion dollars.
Focus on Fuels
Week's Action an Anomaly
By Gary Wilhelmi
DTN's Man on the Floor of the CBOT, CME
We experienced a bit of a disconnect in the petroleum complex last week as crude bulled to new highs at over $84 per barrel while gas at the pump languished. But don't count on this oddity to become the new law of the trading jungle.
Study: Eliminate Ethanol Subsidy
By Todd Neeley
DTN Staff Reporter
OMAHA (DTN) -- The U.S. ethanol industry could continue to "thrive on its own, even without subsidies," according to a study released Wednesday by the National Turkey Association, the National Chicken Council and the American Meat Institute.
"Fuel Ethanol Subsidies: An Economic Perspective," by FarmEcon.com President Thomas Elam, said the 51-cent blenders' tax credit was created at a time when the ethanol industry was not profitable.
Focus Biofuels Research, NCGA Urges USDA
The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will focus its biofuels research efforts into a handful of key areas and coordinate its work – and funding – with other federal agencies.
NCGA Makes It Easier for Growers to “Share the Facts”
Confused about the impact of the proposed farm bill? Wondering about the true impact of ethanol on the environment and food prices? The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has taken a step to help growers and the general public learn more about some of agriculture’s “hot button” issues.
NCGA’s new “Share the Facts” portion of its Web site contains facts, figures and resources about agricultural issues in the public eye. Topics such as ethanol, sustainable agriculture and the proposed 2007 farm bill are addressed through fact sheets and background information.
Big Oil’s Big Stall on Ethanol
Even As It Pockets Billions In Subsidies It’s Trying to Keep E85 Out of Drivers’ Tanks
Business Week
By David Kiley
NCGA Video Tells Conservation from Viewpoint of Growers
ST. LOUIS, (September 19, 2007) --The connection between the nation’s corn growers and the land they farm is the subject of a new video from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
Titled “Growing for the Future,” the story includes reminiscences from corn growers about the farming practices they grew up with, and how they’ve been able to take advantage of new technology to protect soil from the continuing threat of water and wind erosion, reduce agricultural inputs and improve the long-term health of their fields.
Thornton Opens 36th E85 Fueling Station in Colorado
The Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) together with the Governor’s Biofuels Coalition, Regional Air Quality Council, Western Convenience Store and General Motors are partnering to celebrate the opening of a new E85 pump location at 9190 Huron Street in Thornton, Colorado.
E85 is an environmentally safe and renewable fuel made from corn. It contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Consumers who drive FFV’s can use any combination of E85 and gasoline.
Corn Not to Blame for Food Costs
By Todd Neeley
DTN Staff Reporter
OMAHA (DTN) -- A study released last week by a Washington, D.C.-based food interest group counters arguments made by segments of the food industry that say ethanol-induced increases in corn prices are leading to higher food costs for consumers.
"Retail Realities: Corn Prices Do Not Drive Grocery Inflation," published by Food and Water Watch said consumers face higher prices at the grocery store, "but there is little evidence that this grocery inflation can be blamed primarily on the cost of corn" derived from increased demand for ethanol.
FarmCast Radio Debuts
Linking consumers to production agriculture. That's the goal of a new venture called FarmCast Radio. Hosted by Jeremy Weathers, FarmCast Radio has started airing on 1310AM KFKA Greeley. This 1-hour radio program will discuss ag-related issues and how they effect consumers.
In addition to the radio program, FarmCast Radio is available online. Tune in Saturday mornings at 6AM on KFKA, or listen online at www.farmcastradio.com.
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