(Illinois Soybean Association) Last month brought record cold temperatures to the entire country, and Central Illinois was not excepted. The common misconception of biodiesel is that cold weather limits performance, but in fact temperatures plunging as low as negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit were no trouble for a fleet of ADM trucks
Missouri
by John Steppe (The Gazette/SoutherMinn.com) Gov. Kim Reynolds is looking forward to “building those same relationships” with President Joe Biden and his Environmental Protection Agency staff that she had with the Trump administration to protect biofuels, Reynolds said during Tuesday’s virtual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. … “I will hold this
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Missouri, CoverCress Inc. and its university partners Illinois State University and the University of Minnesota were selected as the Start-up Inventor of the Year by the Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). This award reflects the use
by Cameron Gerber (Missouri Times) While other states have enacted biodiesel fuel minimums over the past few years, Missouri has yet to do so — despite being one of the largest producers in the country. A new bill filed in the upper chamber for 2021 would change that. SB 96, pre-filed
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) … Particularly for those feeling the heat when it comes reducing carbon footprints, interest in renewable natural gas (RNG) as an alternative vehicle fuel is an all-time high, and for good reason. Not only does it meet the most stringent emissions requirements, but for utilities
(Biofuels International) Growth Energy welcomed the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Programme (HBIIP). Growth Energy’s network of both large and small retail partners secured nearly $30 million (€25 million) in grants for over 290 sites selling more than 400 million gallons
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to
(Bioenergy Insight) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 12 organisations and projects to receive around $3 million (€2.55 million) in funding to help reduce food loss and waste and divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity in the US. The project types chosen for
(Houston Chronicle) Using current and past Census data, Stacker tracks the way the American farming industry has changed over the past century. Over the past century, American farming has changed dramatically. Crops with long histories like tobacco are still prevalent throughout the South, while many farmers across the country are now
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a five-year, $13 million grant to a nationwide research project to genetically strengthen Thlaspi arvense, commonly known as pennycress, for use in sustainable energy efforts. CoverCress is an unfunded co-participant in this work, and you can see CoverCress
(Anheuser Busch) Working alongside key suppliers, the country’s largest brewer is transitioning more than 180 trucks in its Houston and St. Louis fleets to renewable natural gas to help reduce its carbon footprint. — As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable logistics and reducing carbon emissions, Anheuser-Busch announced today that
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Anheuser-Busch says it will soon be deploying over 180 new trucks equipped with Agility Fuel Solutions‘ ProCab 175 natural gas systems, running the vehicles primarily on renewable natural gas. The fleet will obtain its RNG from U.S. Gain and American Natural Gas. In 2014 and 2015, Anheuser-Busch converted 160 diesel-fueled trucks
by Rachel Hatch (News Illinois State University) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a $13 million grant to a nationwide project led by Illinois State University. Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook will head up the project aimed to genetically strengthen a plant for use in sustainable energy efforts. “We’re
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed last week’s DigestConnect webinar, have no fear, the full deck is here! From 11 pathways on who’s doing what, how and with what, 21 projects and who’s running them and where, 13 fast emerging projects and who’s converting, constructing, planning and where,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects to receive approximately $1 million in funding to leverage the unique computational capabilities at DOE’s National Laboratories. The projects will address technical challenges in bioenergy feedstock handling and logistics, as well as catalyst design and development.
(Missouri Soybean Association) Applicants may receive up to 25 percent of the required cash match for federal funding. — Missouri soybean farmers are investing in the future for soy in Missouri through biodiesel with a new infrastructure grant program. A new commitment from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Missouri
by Rachel Hatch (Illinois State University News) … An ISU professor of genetics, (John) Sedbrook is devoted to integrated plant biology and bioenergy, meaning his research focuses on bringing out positive genetic traits in plants. “We’re making mutations that are good,” he said. “That is the whole story behind domestication,

Export Exchange allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. A joint statement from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, U.S. Grains
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Today (June 4, 2020), the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced the creation of the Biofuel Infrastructure Program (BIP) to increase the availability of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the Show-Me State. MASBDA partnered with the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri and the Missouri Corn Growers Association to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new technology that produces a doubling of overall biomass in algae and 40 percent in camelina has appeared on the horizon, and I’d like to draw your attention to this work in The Plant Journal and this one in Nature Research. If you’ve been a fan of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … ZeaKal, which announced that its multiyear field trials of its PhotoSeed technology – and their soybeans increased the per acre production of oil and protein by 18 percent and three percent respectively without any penalty to seed yield. It’s probably the only oil glut you
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition works to create economic benefits for the region through policy,
by Emily Holbrook (Environment & Energy Leader) Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) today announced a new plan to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and its energy intensity by 15% by 2035. The new goals follow on ADM’s original “15×20” plan, unveiled in 2011, in which the company committed to per-unit improvements in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste to landfill by 2020. After meeting those goals ahead of
(Bioenergy Insight) Smithfield Foods and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) have announced an additional $45 million (€41.5 million) investment in their Monarch Bioenergy joint venture. The project involves methane being captured from hog manure to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in Missouri, US. The latest investment will enable the companies to
(National Biodiesel Board) Wide range of organizations announce a partnership for validation project of biodiesel technology to demonstrate viability in real-world, high-mileage fleet applications — Innovative system allows for seamless 100 percent biodiesel use in all climates; Five ADM trucks to test Vector System, produced by Optimus Technologies, in real-world,
(Renewable Fuels Association) Policy obstacles—especially ongoing trade disputes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of RFS compliance waivers to dozens of small refineries —dampened the U.S. ethanol industry’s economic contributions in 2019, according to a new study released today at the Renewable Fuels Association’s 25th annual National Ethanol Conference. Still,
(Renewable Fuels Association) The 2020 season of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail begins later this week, with the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association signed on as co-title sponsors for the fourth consecutive year. The first tournament begins Friday, Jan. 31 at St. Johns River in Deland, Fla.
by Mariana Labatte (Innovations in Agriculture Missourian Extension) MU computer science professor Jianlin Cheng sees the future of energy in green algae. The small aquatic plants that add a layer of scum to ponds and pools have a beneficial side — green algae can convert sunlight into energy and store it in
(Solutions from the Land) As discussions on climate change, clean water, hunger, poverty and biodiversity grow both on the domestic and global stages, the role of agriculture in addressing these mega-challenges is filling a growing role at the policy table. Statewide efforts facilitated by Solutions from the Land (SfL) and
(Great Plains Institute) This Initiative is exploring a clean fuels policy, at the state or regional level, as a marketdriven approach to achieving our economic, energy security, climate, environmental, and public health goals. This white paper presents policy design considerations that are intended to inform further discussion of new and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iowa State University is working on fast pyrolysis, and Robert Brown, Director of the university’s Bioeconomy Institute looks at how their work is making us rethink thermochemical processing. By looking at autothermal pyrolysis, and more, Brown shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. READ
(Solutions from the Land) The global climate negotiating sessions in Madrid come to a close this week, and producer advocates remain gratified that delegates to the talks have demonstrated a growing acceptance of the agricultural sector’s role in addressing the climate crisis. As SfL steering committee member Ray Gaesser pointed
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) A meeting last June in Newburg, Md., represented a change for U.S. farmers, Pro’s Helena Bottemiller Evich reports . The event was hosted by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, a group made up of the heavyweights in American agriculture. It brought together three
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A group of United States senators asked President Donald Trump in a letter on Friday to make sure an EPA proposal to account for small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard will account for actual gallons waived. The letter is signed by Sens. Charles Grassley,
(Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island) Association rebrands to better reflect industry’s evolving heating fuels market — The Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island (OHIRI) has changed its name to the Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island (EMARI). The trade group’s board of directors voted in favor of the name change
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Iowa Senator Joni Ernst today said she’s talked directly with President Trump about the furor over proposed EPA rules which Ernst says do not fulfill the deal Trump struck in September on the renewable fuels standard. “I did visit with the president actually, again, two
(Bioenergy Insight) Eight biogas projects received awards from the American Biogas Council (ABC) for their ‘outstanding performance and contribution’ to the industry. The winners were announced at the Biogas Industry Awards and Dinner during the BioCycle REFOR19 event in Wisconsin, US on 29 October. Five projects received a 2019 Project
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) At its annual awards reception in Manhattan, N.Y., earlier this month, Energy Vision – a national nonprofit that promotes low-carbon energy and transportation fuels – honored government and business leaders for accelerating the adoption of renewable natural gas (RNG). The 2019 Energy Vision awardees include as follows: State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, D-N.Y., chair of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) …Couple of good trends to point to: 1. Lot more emphasis on farms and farming these days. It’s still an industry dominated by people in white coats, but there are some more overalls around the ABS than we’ve ever seen before. 2. A little more emphasis
(Hydrogen Digest) In Missouri, cold beer is being transported in hydrogen-powered zero-emission semi-trucks as Anheuser-Busch moves to more sustainable shipping. The company plans to buy up to 800 of Nikola Motor’s semi-trucks to meet its objectives of reducing CO2 emissions by 25% across its entire supply chain by 2025. Why important? Deploying hydrogen, the
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), has launched a major initiative to develop bioenergy crops through genomics-based research. Danforth Center Principal Investigator, Andrea Eveland, Ph.D., will lead a multi-institutional project under this initiative to deepen the understanding of sorghum, a
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Investors Business Daily) Discussions aimed at breaking logjam over biofuel plan; Friday deadline issued for ideas on potential compromise — Trump administration officials are squeezing biofuel and oil refining executives to agree to a plan to bolster corn-based ethanol and soy-based biodiesel. In
(University of Missouri College of Engineering) Mizzou Engineering’s Jianlin Cheng has put his world-class protein prediction skills to stellar use in the field of healthcare, and now, he’s part of a critical effort in bioenergy — one that could dramatically improve the prospects of biofuels as fossil fuel reserves dwindle. Cheng and James
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pumpkin spice everything is already appearing in stores across the U.S. and so is beer for Oktoberfest, but Anheuser-Busch’s beer will be delivered using zero-emission hydrogen beer trucks! Have some cheese with that beer as cheese waste is now being converted to biogas in the UK.
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The uncertainty of the federal Renewable Fuels Standard and political fights with the petroleum industry are giving more weight to the need for major biofuel states to consider their own low-carbon fuel standards. After years of pushing for a federal low-carbon fuels standard, the
(Univeristy of North Florida) Switchgrass—a Productive Native Species—Could Possibly Fuel Vehicles into the Future — Dr. Mike Aspinwall, an assistant professor of biology at the University of North Florida, was just awarded nearly half a million dollars from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture to study switchgrass as a viable
(Solutions from the Land) One of Solution from the Land’s (SfL) primary missions over the past decade has been to help and inspire agricultural and forestry sector leaders to become powerful voices in the broader discussion of climate change, including adaptation and mitigation. Towards this end, SfL has been building state,
Michael Bloomberg Announces Midwestern Collegiate Climate Summit — (Bloomberg Philanthropies) Washington University in St. Louis to Serve As Anchor University in Collaborating with Local and Regional Governments, Private Sector Leaders to Develop Innovative Climate Solutions — Ohio State University is a Founding Member St. Louis, MO – Today, Michael R. Bloomberg announced the
(Solutions from the Land) A hearing held this week by the Senate Agriculture Committee on the impact of climate change on the ag sector marks what is hoped will be the start of a serious effort by Congress to address the needs of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners as they face increasingly
(Smithfield Foods Inc./Biomass Magazine) Smithfield Foods Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy have formed a joint venture called Monarch Bioenergy to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) across Smithfield’s hog farms in Missouri. This partnership converts manure collected from Smithfield farms into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Once complete, all Smithfield
(Solutions from the Land) Last week marks the fifth anniversary of Solutions from the Land (SfL), a nonprofit organization that places farmers, ranchers and foresters at the forefront of resolving food system, energy, environmental and climate challenges and achieving global sustainable development goals. It is an important milestone that marks a
by Casey Leins (US News and World Report) The Midwest added more than 28,000 clean energy jobs in 2018, resulting in a 4 percent growth rate, according to a recent report released by national advocacy groups Clean Energy Trust and Environmental Entrepreneurs. The 12 Midwestern states employed more than 737,000 workers
by Kenneth Raphael, Jeffrey Bair and Wes Swift (S&P Global Platts) Portland, Oregon, rack gasoline has jumped more than 33 cents since March 12 on ethanol shortages tied to the recent “bomb cyclone” in the US Midwest that set off flooding and interrupted rail movement of ethanol, according to DTN data
by Mario Parker and Michael Hirtzer (Bloomberg) Midwest rail lines have washed out, delaying biofuel shipments; Gasoline futures rise to five-month high before peak season — Flood waters spilling across the U.S. Midwest have swamped ethanol shipments, disrupting refineries and threatening to push up gasoline pump prices ahead of the summer
(Urban Air Initiative) “Your prices are in the wrong order.” “Only flex fuel vehicles can use E15.” “What is E30?” Each of these quotes came from an auto mechanic at a recent training event attended by the Urban Air Initiative. The VISION Hi Tech Training and Expo attracted more than 3,500 mechanics and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Douglas B. Rivers, PhD,from Sunflwr Consulting and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview and more READ MORE
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) GROWMARK Energy is adding to the number terminals around the Midwest offering pre-blended E15, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, which has worked closely with the farmer-owned cooperative on related issues such as regulatory compliance and adoption of RFA’s Misfueling Mitigation Plan (MMP). GROWMARK will now offer pre-blended E15
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Retailers at the Renewable Fuels Association’s National Ethanol Conference told attendees that growing the market for ethanol comes down to education. Bryan Goforth, executive vice president of Home Service Oil Company, a fuel distributer and retail store operator in Missouri, said the company’s recent decision
(Solutions from the Land) Since its inception nearly a decade ago, Solutions from the Land (SfL) has gathered farmers, ranchers and forestland owners, as well as those who serve in their supply chain, in an ongoing conversation on how to meet society’s increasing appetite for food, feed, fiber, energy and environmental quality. This
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) … NGBS (Next Generation of Biodiesel Scientists) co-chair Jennifer Greenstein, North Carolina State University, moderated a panel of four young scientists from around the world during the recent National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego. Haixin Peng, Auburn University is from China; Shyam Paudel, Missouri University of Science
(National Biodiesel Board) In keeping with the spirit of the season, five biodiesel users have unveiled new vehicle “wraps” that are helping to share their stories of sustainability and emissions reductions with area residents from Maine to the Midwest. “Our annual biodiesel vehicle wrap program provides matching funds to help biodiesel

The AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo is a premier international science and business form on fats, oils proteins, surfactants and related materials. Known for its extensive technical program, the Annual Meeting features more than 650 oral and poster presentations within 12 interest areas. In addition to the three days of
(Smithfield Foods/CSR Wire) Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce, through the nationwide expansion of Smithfield Renewables, innovative projects designed to help meet its goal to reduce the company’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25 percent by 2025, which it set in concert with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). This month marks the
(Solutions from the Land) … SfL is facilitating farmer-led, multi-stakeholder adaptive management planning initiatives at the continental level through its North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance platform. SfL is also heavily engaged at the state level; for example, it facilitated the North Carolina Agriculture and Forestry Adaptation Work Group (NC-ADAPT), which explored the impacts of
(Solutions from the Land) Solutions from the Land (SfL) commends Missouri agriculture and forestry leaders who looked into the future, examined what science is telling them is coming from changing climatic conditions and extreme weather events, and explored opportunities to improve resiliency and ensure the economic viability of the state’s
by Charles Dunlap (The Mexico Ledger) … “The question is whether there will be a restraining order prohibiting the rules to go forward or not,” Murphy (Steve Murphy, POET general manager at the Laddonia refinery) said, adding the EPA is trying to apply the rule governing E10 to E15. “It has to
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In the U.S. ethanol industry, three plants are under construction, while a fourth makes its way through the permitting process. — In an industry with more than 200 existing plants, four new projects is a small figure. Greenfield ethanol plant development is in a lull,
by Don Onken (Lightning Performance Group/Lake Expo) I am responding to a September 21 piece that ran on the Lake Expo website taken from a BoatUS survey, Survey: Boaters Have Little Love for Ethanol, 83 Percent Would Choose E0 if Available. I have been involved in boating for over 40 years, and the
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) For the second year in a row, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sponsored team in the Crappie Masters National Championship helped a young angler win a $1000 scholarship. This is also the second year that RFA has been co-title sponsor of the tournament trail that helps fuel knowledge of
(National Biodiesel Board) Rowan University and Missouri University of Science and Technology students chosen as co-chairs — Shyam Paudel’s interest in energy comes from deep in his childhood, growing up in the mountains of Western Nepal. Children commonly studied by the light of kerosene lamps. “One summer, my father bought two solar
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Like a beautiful unicorn flying in the sky, biogas production is taking off in Denmark, accounting for almost 19% of the gas used in Denmark this July – an impressive 50% increase from last year! The Danish state company Energinet, which owns and runs the
by Andy Banker (KPLR11) Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill spent the primary election day visiting biofuel plants in Missouri. “Happy Primary Day,” McCaskill said while getting off her campaign bus to tour MidAmerica Biofuels in Mexico, Missouri. It was her last stop before heading to Columbia to thank supporters for their help
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are using neutrons to understand why certain hydrocarbons produced by blue-green algae are important to their biology, so new strains can be engineered to sustainably produce biofuels. Neutron scattering makes it possible to non-destructively see inside living algae at real
by Kelsey Quargnenti (Renewable Fuels Association) Last month, the Renewable Fuels Association custom E85 motorcycle from Paul Jr. Designs made its debut on “American Chopper.” It seems that most companies that commission a custom motorcycle from Paul Jr. Designs never register it, and never ride it. They become corporate lobby trophies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … We’ve organized the state of biodiesel into 10 areas of vital interest ranging from the development of markets to the entry of ancillary products and new feedstocks. #1 Tax & Trade Free trade vs fair trade: Dumping and tax credit issues continue to mezmerize the
by Alan Bjerga and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) EPA chief seen as betraying Trump’s promises on biofuels; Trade tensions put demand for agricultural goods at risk — Even as Donald Trump tweets his support for U.S. agriculture, farmer loyalty for the president looks like it’s starting to waver over moves that may undermine corn-based ethanol and
by Brian Hauswirth (MissouriNet) The Missouri Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee chairman is praising Governor Eric Greitens (R) for releasing the $4 million budget restriction on biodiesel. … Chairman Munzlinger tells Missourinet the governor’s announcement is big for his sprawling northeast Missouri district. “Whether you actually deliver to
(Associated Press/The Herald) Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens is releasing funding for biodiesel facilities that he had withheld because of concerns that state revenues could fall short of what’s needed to balance the budget. The $4 million announced Thursday is the final amount necessary to pay off a backlog of subsidies called
(The Missouri Soybean Association/Biodiesel Magazine) In the early 1990s, Missouri soybean farmers funded research into making renewable fuel from soybean oil. Initially called soy diesel, and now, biodiesel, the fuel has significantly lower emissions than petroleum-based diesel, is safer to store and transport, and contributes to energy independence. In late April,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Missouri, soybean farmers and biodiesel processors, distributors, and retailers have come together to launch a new partnership, the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, which aims to grow the use of the EPA-designated advanced biofuel. The Coalition partners will work to increase the availability of clean, renewable
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Technologies for feed coproducts are evolving, pumping out high-protein ingredient alternatives. Experts assure the market is ripe. — The pile of distillers grains at nearly a dozen plants is about to get smaller. Production of Fluid Quip Process Technologies LLC’s high-protein feed ingredient is expected
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Biodiesel Magazine) Scientists studying plant biochemistry at the U.S. DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered new details about biomolecules that put the brakes on oil production. The findings suggest that disabling these biomolecular brakes could push oil production into high gear—a possible pathway toward generating abundant biofuels and plant-derived
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association is excited to announce that E15 has debuted in the St. Louis area and will be available throughout the year. Home Service Oil Co. now offers both E15 and E85 at 1707 Hwy Z in Pevely, Missouri, just off Interstate 55. The
by Greg Thompson (White Energy/Renewable Fuels Association) This past weekend in Emory, Texas, about 75 miles from Dallas, fishermen and women from across the country descended upon Lake Fork for a stop on the Crappie Masters National Tournament Trail. The winners, the Ozark Rods Team of David Cox and Steve Hockett, took
(The Examiner) … Soybean farmers have been at the forefront of developing a homegrown renewable fuel that has resulted in a dramatic improvement of the air quality in the Gopher state. … You may be scratching your head and saying, “I don’t drive a diesel vehicle. Why should I care?” Well,
by Amy Mayer & Erica Hunzinger (Harvest Public Media) … Since 1980, the amount of land being farmed or grazed in the U.S. has dropped 13 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Much of it now is covered by housing subdivisions, big-box stores and computer-server farms. … “Everybody
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Missouri, researchers from Donald Danforth Plant Science Center studied the earliest stages the evolution of male and female sexes in a group of freshwater photosynthetic protists called volvocine green algae, which could have implications for breeding algae for biofuel applications. James Umen, Ph.D., a member of
(National Biodiesel Board) National Biodiesel Board releases field of “Elite Eight” — March Madness kicks off next week, showcasing the very best of college basketball. In that spirit, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has released its own bracket of colleges and universities upping their game with a different kind of prowess –
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) … So you have USDA saying ethanol demand has basically peaked. The Department of Energy is saying ethanol is really the only fuel that can provide the energy and market demands needed in the next 15 years — for roughly 9 billion more gallons
by Julia Evangelou Strait (The Source Washington University in St. Louis) Medical, engineering schools team up to create biofuels independent of food crops — Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have received a $3.9 million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop bacteria that manufacture renewable biofuels — energy
by Erika Ebsworth-Goold (Washington University in St. Louis/The Source) An engineering team at Washington University in St. Louis is using e. coli to manufacture biofuel. New research from the lab further refines the process. … Scientists have previously engineered metabolic pathways of microbes, making them tiny biofuel factories. Now, new research from an
(U.S. Grains Council) Three ethanol trade teams consisting of ministry and industry delegates traversed the U.S. ethanol value chain from the field to the pump ahead of the Ethanol Summit of the Americas. The three teams included representatives from 12 countries that explored the U.S. ethanol industry in Missouri, South Dakota
(National Biodiesel Board) “We Were Drawn to Your Explicit Promises to Our Farmers… But Now We Are Concerned” — Today four Republican Governors sent a letter to President Trump with concerns on the recently proposed changes to America’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), urging the president to keep his promises to rural America
by Keith Laing (Detroit News) U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, has introduced legislation that would allow automakers to apply credits for gas mileage improvements from model years as far back as 2009 to help comply with emission rules that require them to produce car and truck fleets that average more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweet sorghum stardom! In possibly one of the largest government grants given to anyone for research on a single feedstock, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is receiving a 5-year $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for research on the model grass green foxtail
by Peter Ehrhard (Missouri University of Science and Technology) The idea of recycling waste cooking oil into biodiesel fuel is nothing new. For years, researchers have studied the process and companies have recycled when possible. However, for many groups, cost is often the determining factor for making the effort to recycle.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced six grants totaling nearly $21.1 million to support the development of new jet fuel, biobased products and biomaterials from renewable sources. Funding is made through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI),
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (August 22, 2017), the Energy Department (DOE) announced $13.4 million in support of five new cost-shared, community-based projects focused on energy efficient mobility systems including connected and autonomous vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure including natural gas, propane, biofuels, hydrogen, and electricity. This Vehicle

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(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 16, the American Ethanol Mystic Powerboat took home “Top Gun” honors at the Grand Lake of the Cherokees Shootout with a 200-mph run. The American Ethanol Mystic Powerboat boat routinely finishes in the top of its field in competition, breaking its own record at
(National Biodiesel Board) Leading biodiesel association brings value to members through experience — The National Biodiesel Board has a staff team made up of experts in a wide range of fields with more than 180 years collectively at the organization, with even more experience directly involved in the biodiesel industry
by Bill Tiedje (Missouri Farmer Today) With U.S. ethanol plants churning out record-high production, new export markets will be key for demand to keep pace with supply, industry experts say. George Hayes, global ethanol trade coordinator with CHS, said first-quarter ethanol blending lagged last year’s pace, but the pace of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Where Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto joined the mayors of more than 175 cities in a rebel yell that has been heard nationwide since President Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords last Thursday. Peduto said: “As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you

(US Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) A Notice by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on 05/18/2017 We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is hosting a series of public meetings to provide the public with an opportunity to offer comments on proposed revisions
by Alex Lindley (Moberly Monitor) … “What attracted us to it was it a good crop to grow on ground that wasn’t really suitable for hay or for row crops,” said Fleming, who is one of a handful of Randolph County farmers currently growing the crop. “It was kind of fallow,
(Phys.Org) Cyanobacteria have attracted significant attention as potential biocatalysts for production of clean energy and green chemicals from sunlight and atmospheric CO2. A recent study investigated effects of altering large cellular complexes called phycobilisomes, which cyanobacteria use to efficiently capture light energy for photosynthesis, to guide development of optimal strategies
(Hannibal Courier-Post) The Missouri Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2017 Extended Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) grant program to accelerate the use and availability of higher blends of ethanol fuel as clean burning, renewable alternatives to conventional unleaded gasoline and, in turn, drive economic development in the state.
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association has scheduled a training course to help ethanol plants meet the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act. This class, scheduled for March 8–10 in downtown St. Louis, is designed for personnel overseeing a facility’s food safety plan. FDA finalized the
(Donald Danforth Plant Science Center) The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, one of the world’s largest independent plant science institutes, today announced a three-year $6.1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand and accelerate the development and deployment of advanced sorghum phenotyping and breeding technologies in
(Iowa State University) Iowa State University will bring its expertise in biorenewable technologies and pilot plant operations to the country’s 10th Manufacturing USA Institute. The recently announced advanced manufacturing institute is dedicated to improving the productivity and efficiency of chemical manufacturing. Those improvements could include combining processes such as mixing,
(University of Missouri) Switchgrass Can Improve Soil Quality on Eroded Farms, Study Finds — The loss of fertile topsoil from agricultural fields is an economic problem for modern farmers. When runoff water washes topsoil from agricultural fields in areas with claypan soils under the topsoil, including parts of Missouri, Iowa,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Proof positive on the “best is yet to come” — check out the Danforth Plant Science Center. It’s tucked away in the major agri-complex that built up around Monsanto and others in the St. Louis metro area. News of the establishment of an intriguing commercialization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Missouri, Benson Hill Biosystems, an agricultural technology company unlocking the genetic potential of plants, today announced a strategic partnership and grant from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Benson Hill’s CropOS platform empowers organizations of any size to innovate and provide growers choice, whether
by Beth Miller (Phys.Org) A computer scientist at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a way to coax cells to do natural things under unnatural circumstances, which could be useful for stem cell research, gene therapy and biofuel production. Michael Brent, the Henry Edwin Sever Professor of Engineering in
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Missouri soybean farmers will finally be receiving a portion of payments for their biodiesel under the Missouri Qualified Biodiesel Producer Incentive Fund. Governor Nixon has released $3 million to reduce the amount of $9.6 million currently owed to Missouri farmers who invested in biodiesel more than
(Donald Danforth Plant Science Center) James Umen, Ph.D., associate member at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and colleagues have discovered a way to make algae better oil producers without sacrificing growth. The findings were published September 6, in a paper titled, “Synergism between inositol polyphosphates and TOR kinase signaling
by LeRoy Deichman (Herald-Whig) Existing intellectual property and current production practices hold the promise to enable Missouri’s 5th District to produce enough biofuels to displace all of the gasoline currently purchased by our residents and all of the diesel fuel used to plant and harvest the corn and soybeans grown in
(Gevo/Globe Newswire) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO), announced today that it has completed production of the world’s first cellulosic renewable jet fuel that is specified for commercial flights. Gevo successfully adapted its patented technologies to convert cellulosic sugars derived from wood waste into renewable isobutanol, which was then further converted into Gevo’s
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Consumers will have the choice to purchase E15 at the pump again tomorrow, September 15, 2016. For drivers owning a 2001 or newer vehicle, E15 sales are restricted during summer months due to an arcane U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP).
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 13, the governors of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy asking her to remove the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) limit on E15. The letter explains the RVP is a significant
(Growth Energy) Last weekend, competitors from around the country participated in two major powerboat racing competitions, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in Missouri, and the Mentor Superboat Grand Prix in Mentor, Ohio. Many of the top performing boats at each event ran on high-ethanol blends, with over 30 performing
(The Gasconade County Republican) The Environmental Protection Agency apparently has postponed indefinitely a decision due whether or not to increase the allowable blend of ethanol in gasoline from 10 to 15 percent. More tests and studies are needed, the EPA said in pushing back its decision until next year. READ
by Sara Wyant (Agri-Pulse) Ask most boaters about ethanol and boats and you’ll likely hear that the two don’t go together. In fact, many gas stations surrounding some of the largest U.S. lakes will advertise “no ethanol in our fuel” as a way to attract customers. But the ethanol industry has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you were reading BBC’s coverage of the aviation biofuels space yesterday, you would have seen the provocative headline: Wood fuel plan to cut plane CO2 branded as ‘pipe dream’ Then would have looked in vain for the quoted reference to “pipe dream”…because there wasn’t
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Nationals shines a spotlight on high ethanol blends in inaugural street car race. — Larry Larson made history this summer when he won the Ethanol Nationals, the first street car drag race using high ethanol blends. The world-renowned street car racer and owner
by Erika Ebsworth-Goold (The Washington University) … Now, a team from the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a way to make the production of certain biofuels in E. coli much more efficient. Fuzhong Zhang, assistant professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental
(Hoosier Ag Today/NAFB News Service) The U.S. Grains Council says key members of Japan’s media traveled across the United States last week to learn about corn production, ethanol, and biotechnology. The members of Japan’s media came to learn how those topics fit into making U.S. farms sustainable. The tour started

Seven years ago we saw a need to establish a gathering of innovators, investors, and others in the ag-tech space. We are proud to report that since that time the Ag Innovation Showcase has established a loyal following and community. Beginning with the first Ag Innovation Showcase in 2009, we

What is InfoAg? InfoAg is the premier conference on the practical application of precision agriculture. It features an educational program that includes plenary and breakout sessions along with an extensive exhibit hall of leading hardware, software, and services vendors to precision agriculture. Who attends InfoAg? Last year InfoAg had over 1500
(Genetics Society of America/Biomass Magazine) The bioenergy crop sorghum holds great promise as a raw material for making environmentally friendly fuels and chemicals that offer alternatives to petroleum-based products. Sorghum can potentially yield more energy per area of land than other crops while requiring much less input in terms of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 24, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed S.B. 657. The new law will promote the installation of blender pumps within the state by ensuring that the liability insurance gas stations are already required to have will also provide coverage for the release of
by Ryan Rowden (Missouri Petroleum Council/Kansas City Star) … It’s good to be the world’s leading oil and natural gas producer. But an obsolete law passed before the U.S. energy resurgence could interfere. … The problem could be even worse in Missouri if Senate Bill 657 is implemented. This misguided policy
(Rubber & Plastics News) Kultevat Inc., a company devoted to the commercial development of high-quality rubber and co-products from the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz, or TKS), has received its first process patent. U.S. Patent No. 9,346,924 B2, issued May 24, covers dandelion, composition and products, according to the document. The
by Charlie Good (Des Moines Register/Good and Quick) … Today, due to a combination of a quirk in federal regulation and the heavy-handed tactics of the oil industry, I walk out to my fuel pumps and change a sticker so that E15 can no longer be sold to 80 percent of
by Kelly Moffitt (St. Louis Public Radio) … Toni Kutchan, Vice President for Research at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, said that sorghum, Camelina sativa and pennycress are non-agricultural crops that researchers are harvesting for oil and biomass to use for fuel. Pennycress, for example, is a “weed” that Missourians can
(Fuels America/The Auto Channel) Certified mechanics, engine performance experts, and professional fishermen are briefing lawmakers on Capitol Hill today about the importance of ethanol in protecting the environment, preserving America’s energy security, and providing a high-octane boost to marine engines. The briefing, hosted by Fuels America, provides an important opportunity
by Christina Couch (MIT Technology Review) Next month, a team of researchers will load one small aerial drone and two ground drones with sensors and release them on a field planted with hundreds of varieties of sorghum. In just one trip, the three drones, along with several stationary sensors, are
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the DOE’s ARPA-E TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology, and engineering communities to design and apply new tools for
by Beth Miller (Washington University) A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered a way to improve production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, materials and other useful chemicals by capitalizing on the work ethic of cells. The research team, led by Fuzhong Zhang, PhD, assistant professor of energy, environmental
(RPA News) Our top story this month is a blunt reminder of how deeply U.S. policy uncertainty cut down and yanked back the progress of commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol over the past few years. The U.S. EPA’s epic indecision and sometimes indifference toward the law that is the renewable fuel standard (RFS),
by Ann Purvis (Heartland Institute) … (A) new study from researchers at Strata Policy (SP) and the Institute of Political Economy (IPE) at Utah State University suggests RFS also harms the very farmers the ethanol mandate was designed to help. … According to the study by SP and IPE, the result
by Holly Jessen and Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Although there are challenges facing the second generation ethanol industry, progress is being made — U.S. EPA data shows 2.18 million cellulosic ethanol D3 RINs (renewable identification numbers) were generated in 2015. That news was one of three main highlights of 2015,
Whose Side Is Trump on? The Fight Continues…Corn Country and Oil Country Still Battling It out in Washington, DC
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … It’s a back and forth game of Trump’s promises to help farmers and agriculture and support ethanol and biofuels, EPA giving small refinery waivers to big oil companies, …. … (T)he latest responses from Midwest Senators, the American Coalition for Ethanol, how both