After decades of advocacy, education, diligence and tenacity, the IL Corn Growers Association celebrates the groundbreaking of a brand-new 1,200-foot Lock 25 near Winfield, MO today, May 18, 2023. The important advancement would not be happening without the partnership of the Waterways Council, Inc, as well as the important coalition members who have joined corn farmers in pursuit of upgraded river infrastructure along the way. Many thanks to the MidAmerica Carpenters Regional Council for their tireless advocacy for the jobs this project will provide as well as the conservation groups that joined our voices asking for environmental restoration to accompany this project.
Legislation introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives would remove an outdated provision from the Renewable Fuels Standard that prevents corn starch ethanol from being categorized as an advanced biofuel. The legislation recognizes the progress made in cutting the carbon intensity of ethanol since the RFS was enacted. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and original cosponsors Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) and Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), would also require that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency use the more modern and accurate Argonne GREET model to assess the carbon reductions from biofuels under the RFS. IL Corn Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association support the legislation. “For years, Illinois corn farmers have asked for the opportunity for corn-based ethanol to compete with other fuels based simply on the performance of the fuel. This legislation allows that and would eliminate the barriers and artificial ceilings corn-based ethanol has been held to in the past. Finally, ethanol will be credited for cleaning the air and protecting the environment!” said Matt Rush, President of IL Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Fairfield, IL. Published analysis from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory concludes corn ethanol’s carbon intensity decreased 23 percent from 2005 to 2019 due to increased corn yield, reduced fertilizer intensity and improved ethanol production efficiency, with corn ethanol now between 44 and 52 percent lower in carbon intensity than the gasoline it replaces. “We applaud Rep. Miller-Meeks and the original cosponsors for introducing legislation that recognizes the declining carbon intensity of today’s low-carbon ethanol and helps level the playing field,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “Farmers are proud to contribute to lowering ethanol’s carbon footprint through our production practices, and this bill would ensure EPA uses the most recent science and data to accurately measure the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of biofuels.” Argonne’s analysis is consistent with recent research from Environmental Health and Engineering, with contributors from Harvard and Tufts Universities, that corn ethanol today is 46 percent lower in carbon intensity than gasoline, with the potential for further reductions from additional corn feedstock and production process improvements. Begun in 2005 and expanded in 2007, the RFS requires transportation fuel sold in the United States contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. Under the law, advanced biofuels must deliver a 50 percent or more reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline, a requirement today’s ethanol now meets.
Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-1) questioned witnesses about funding the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program during a House Agriculture Subcommittee hearing, today. The congressman asked Ambassador Gregg Doud (former Chief Agricultural Negotiator) if funding should be raised for the programs. “I would say that it has got some work to do,” said Doud. “If the return on that dollar that’s joint funded by farmer checkoff dollars and taxpayer dollars, if every dollar you spend you are getting twenty-five back in terms of exports, I think that’s a pretty good place to spend some money,” said Doud.
If you missed it, IL Corn put on a t-shirt contest in April boosting creativity while showing the love of farming throughout the state. Get to know the winners: First Place: Jordan Bidner Jordan Bidner grew up in Fisher, Illinois, which is in Central Illinois. His passion for art and drawing led him to Parkland College where he studied Graphic Design and was able to enter his art in several art shows. He currently works with digital printing and continues his love for art in the community and through his freelancing - Biddy’s Designs .
Spring is proving to be a busy time between corn planting and grower leaders taking full advantage of every opportunity to talk about our priorities for the farm bill. The farm bill, which governs many of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s agricultural and food programs, is set to expire at the end of September 2023, providing policymakers with an opportunity to review and update existing programs. NCGA, corn state associations and grower members are working closely with policymakers to ensure the bill addresses the current and future needs of corn growers.
