Farmers are calling for higher ethanol blends in today’s fuel

An ethanol group out of Nebraska says year-round sales of E15 could turn numbers around. They are calling on the Administration to change the Clean Air Act, saying it is long overdue.

“By not allowing that 20–30 years ago in the thinking, we ended up in the situation where we are now. Of course, with the petroleum competitor, who does not want to lose that five percent market share, and they want to fight tooth and nail for that, which I understand. If I were a CEO of Exxon, I’d feel the same way. But I’m not CEO of Exxon. I’m a corn farmer from Nebraska, and my concern lies with my friends and my neighbors, and how we can keep more young farmers in business,” said Janten Bensel with the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

Regular unleaded gas, like most cars use today, is an E10 blend. The group argues that if that went up to 12, it could help consume an extra billion bushels of grain each year. Other renewable fuel groups are calling on Congress to write into law year-round sales of E15. It is an issue they could tackle when returning to Washington next month.

Related Stories
Sponsored
Matt Dolch with Syngenta discusses rootworm pressure, the latest trait technologies, and how corn growers can plan for 2027.
Tidal Grow’s Align-N system delivers urea nitrogen directly to leaves, improving nutrient efficiency and boosting crop yields for farmers.
Coal-based ethanol could weaken long-term export demand for corn-based fuels.
Strong corn and China-driven demand support the pace of U.S. grain exports. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses Canada-China agricultural trade talks.
Seth Tucker of Tucker Farms, a first-generation Arkansas farmer, says rising input costs are forcing changes to his operation, including stepping away from rice this season.
Rich Nelson with Allendale joined us to break down early planting progress, market expectations, and what producers should keep an eye on as the season moves forward.