22 March 27, 2014 2014 LOGAN COUNTY FARM OUTLOOK MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com
year I produced an average of 160 bushels of corn
per acre, and my prices based on December futures
are around $4, which is below my cost of production.
Why now, when I have a record yield and the USDA
predicts bushels and bushels of corn to spare, would
we consider reducing the ethanol requirement,
resulting in a massive surplus of corn and one less
market for my crop?”
Taylor also said that the fortunate part in all of this
discussion is that the legislation is only a proposal
and not officially a law as of this time. Any legislative
reforms to the Renewable Fuel Standard likely will not
come until the end of the year.
Illinois is one of the top biodiesel producing states in
the country. In other words, the EPA’s approach to the
matter is an attempt to reduce what they believe will
be a surplus of biofuels created as a result of Illinois’
growing corn crop.
“Illinois needs to show up with a good number of
people voicing their opinion against the EPA plan,”
said Gary Hudson, current ICGA president. “We’re
hearing from D.C. that we really need to be seen on
the EPA docket and heard with phone calls into our
congressional offices. Numbers matter on this issue.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Enyart, from the 12th Congressional
District in Illinois, voiced his opinion Jan. 17 on
the proposal to reduce the amount of renewable
fuels, after receiving calls from those opposed to the
proposed legislation.
“Corn prices are already falling due to a record
harvest, and reducing the renewable fuel levels will
cause prices to fall even further, hurting our southern
Illinois farmers,” said Enyart. “This proposal also
sends the message that the U.S. is backing off its
commitment to biofuels as a pivotal component of our
national energy policy. I urged the EPA administrator
to reconsider this proposal and recommit to the
support of biofuels research and production.”
Currently, Illinois has 14 ethanol plants online and is
one of the top five producers of corn-based ethanol in
the country. The state ranks second in corn production.
In total figures, the Illinois ethanol industry equates to
$76.5 million in revenue and over 4,000 jobs. Should
the proposed legislation become law, those numbers
will drop significantly.
The ICGA and the NCGA are urging people who feel
strongly about the issue to get in contact with their
representatives in government.
By Derek Hurley
[Bibliography can be found on page 44]
