By Hembree Brandon, Farm Press Editorial Staff
If the U.S. is to reach the government-mandated target of producing 36 billion gallons of biofuels annually by 2022, “We will need to change the way we do business,” says a USDA official....
The use of alternative energy sources doubled to 11 percent since Rabobank’s last bi-annual Farm and Ranch Survey was released in April....
By Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
A cold, October rain did not slow the harvesting and roller milling of about 8,000 pounds of sweet sorghum during a development trial conducted in rural west Tennessee by BioDimensions, a Memphis-based firm that is coordinating efforts to build a bioeconomy in the Mid-South. ...
A new economic study conducted by the University of Tennessee’s Bio-Based Energy Analysis Group has determined that there are significant market opportunities for agriculture if Congress enacts a national renewable energy standard (RES) policy....
By Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
If a Mid-South bioeconomy grows into a mature industry, you might see more winter crops being grown, a reduction in pastureland, small changes in crop mix during the summer season and quite a number of biorefineries dotting the rural landscape....
By Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
“Low-hanging fruit” for Mid-South farmers wanting to invest in the budding bioeconomy include ethanol from sweet sorghum; ligno-cellulosic-based ethanol; oilseed crops and crushing facilities; and the production of co-firing biomass used in coal-fired power plants, a new study shows....
By Karen Templeton, MSU Ag Communications
Biodiesel production has created a new market for soybean oil, and although the demands for this alternative fuel fluctuate, the industry remains strong....
By Troy Hornbeck
For those who believe in the future of biodiesel in Arkansas, a recent front page of the Wall Street Journal may have brought some scowls and tears. ...
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation
Changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would impede the growth of the U.S. biofuels industry, limit opportunity for American farmers and ranchers to grow their businesses and hinder American energy independence, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation....
By Forrest Laws, Farm Press Editorial Staff
Three Midwest senators have introduced legislation that would prevent EPA from penalizing U.S. corn and soybean growers for land use changes or potential land clearing for increased biofuel production in other countries....
Source: National Corn Growers Association
The National Corn Growers Association is urging growers to contact the Environmental Protection Agency with their comments on the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard regulations, known as RFS II. ...
U.S. soybean farmers received an additional $2.5 billion in net returns over the last four years due to the biodiesel industry’s demand for soybean oil, a new study funded by the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff shows....
By Forrest Laws, Farm Press Editorial Staff
While much of the nation busied itself with other events, residents along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf coasts noted another anniversary of the arrival of Hurricane Katrina (on Aug. 29)....
By Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
How’s this for a college graduation present — a road trip across the United States with a dozen or so of your classmates on a tricked-out bus with computers, Internet access, comfortable couches, kitchen, bamboo flooring and LCD televisions with surround sound. ...
By Forrest Laws, Farm Press Editorial Staff
U.S. soybean farmers have much to lose and little to gain from the current language in the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule on the implementation of the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard....
By Forrest Laws, Farm Press Editorial Staff
Is the Environmental Protection Agency deliberately trying to “stack the deck” against ethanol and other biofuels?...
By Ron Smith, Farm Press Editorial Staff
The issues of renewable fuels and climate change cannot be separated, says Barry Flinchbaugh, professor of agricultural economics and farm policy at Kansas State University....
By Bruce Schultz, LSU AgCenter
The potential and problems of converting forest and agricultural products into biofuels was the focus of the third Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium held this summer....
From the USDA
Biomass conversion facilities can begin signing up to participate in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, which will help increase production of renewable energy, according to Jonathan Coppess, USDA Farm Service Agency administrator....
In a wood near you, powerful microbes quicken the decay of fallen tree branches. These adroit decomposers perform that essential role by producing specialized enzymes....
The potential and problems of converting forest and agricultural products into biofuels was the focus of the third Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium July 16-17....
By Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
West Tennessee farmers are taking the first steps toward identifying switchgrass varieties suited for the Mid-South....
By Hembree Brandon, Farm Press Editorial Staff
Without fail, when we write about alternative energy for vehicles — whether it be ethanol, hydrogen, electric, natural gas, whatever — we get e-mails (1) congratulating us on our insight and astuteness and predicting that oil’s ready for the scrap heap of history, or (2) telling us that, however distasteful, we’re going to be shackled to imported oil for a long time to come....
With their sweet, refreshing juices and succulent interior, watermelons are a favorite summertime treat, especially around July 4th. ...
By David Bennett
Farm Press Editorial Staff
A few hours after brokering a deal on the House climate bill, Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, explained why compromise was necessary, how the controversial indirect land use provisions will be handled and repeatedly commented on the mutual distrust between agriculture and the EPA....
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