Energy Issues

Efficient energy use and opportunities with biofuel production are increasingly important issues for farmers and ranchers. Stories will discuss the opportunities available for biofuel production as well as providing management tips on conserving energy.

Feb. 8, 2012

Article

Soybean growers troubled by market losses in European Union

As United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk moves to consider ways to improve the nation’s trade relationship with the European Union (EU) as part of the recently-formed U.S.-EU High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, the American Soybean Association (ASA) submitted formal comments reminding the ambassador the EU’s heavy-handed policies on biotech soybeans, as well as inaccurate characterization of biodiesel by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), have contributed to a 70 percent drop in total soybean export quantity and a 44 percent decrease in soybean export value to the EU over the last 14 years....More
Feb. 7, 2012

Article

Biodiesel production surpasses requirements, increases optimism

Biodiesel became a one-billion gallon industry, setting an all-time production record last year....More
Jan. 25, 2012

Article

Corn growers ready to help provide energy independence

National Corn Growers Association Chairman Bart Schott released the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union address:...More
Jan. 18, 2012

Article

New study reveals higher octane in ethanol

As auto makers retool engines to maximize gas mileage while minimizing emissions to meet future Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards, a new study reveals that ethanol provides the higher-octane these high-efficiency engines require while remaining both affordable and environmentally friendly....More
Jan. 11, 2012

Article

Florida dedicates ethanol production facility

Many building dedications feature a ribbon-cutting; this one included a front-end loader ceremoniously dumping a scoopful of pulverized sugarcane stalks....More
Jan. 9, 2012

Article

South Carolina grower wins Conservation Legacy Award

When the new director of the South Carolina Soybean Board suggested Dillon, S.C., grower Cullen Bryant compete for the American Soybean Growers Association’s prestigious Conservation Legacy Award, the long-time grower didn’t think much about it....More
Jan. 6, 2012

Article

EPA finalizes 2012 renewable fuel standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the 2012 volume requirements and percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2)....More
Dec. 30, 2011

Article

Soybean growers found success in 2011

American Soybean Association (ASA) farmer-leaders recently reviewed some of the key accomplishments from a year that saw ASA serve soybean farmers by protecting and increasing the market value and opportunities for U.S. soybeans....More
Dec. 22, 2011

Article

Ethanol growth not leading to cropland expansion

An in-depth analysis of U.S. land use patterns released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows total cropland decreased by 34 million acres from 2002 to 2007, the lowest level since USDA began collecting this data 1945....More
Dec. 21, 2011

Article

Biodiesel tax credit will likely lapse

As the end of the year approaches and acrimony among Congress increases, it is unlikely they will address a tax extenders package or the biodiesel tax credit before both expire on Dec. 31....More