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
E15 policy could shape future corn demand outlook.
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.
President Trump issues a 60-day Jones Act waiver to ease fuel shipments amid Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets, while biofuel policy gains focus.
Acreage shifts could influence spring marketing decisions.
Corn and sorghum exports continue outperforming soybeans.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses ways families can approach changes in aging loved ones over the holiday season and manage care with compassion and empathy.
Laramie Sandquist discusses Nationwide Agribusiness’s commitment to grain bin safety initiatives, including providing life-saving equipment and training to fire departments across the country.