The U.S. EPA is seeking comments on the proposed rule for corn kernel fiber as a cellulosic ethanol feedstock.
MIT chemical engineers have devised a cheaper way to synthesize a key biofuel component, which could make its industrial production much more cost-effective. The compound, known as gamma-valerolactone (GVL), is attractive because of its versatility.
Scientists are investigating the unique properties of crystalline cellulose nanofibers to develop novel chemical pretreatments and designer enzymes for biofuel production from cellulosic, or non-food, plant derived biomass.
The black locust tree is being evaluated by researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute at the University of Illinois to determine its potential for biofuel production. The tree features high biomass production and rapid growth rates.
The Biofuels Center of North Carolina recently completed a statewide woody biomass assessment in cooperation with Gelbert, Fullbright & Randolph Forestry Consultants and North Carolina's seven economic development regions.
A recent FarmDocDaily post shows increased ethanol prices over the past three months has moderated the impact of high corn prices and put the ethanol industry into positive margins again.
A group of researchers from Oklahoma State University have published an analysis of a genome they say has great potential for the cost-effective production of biofuel. The team has described multiple unique features within the genome of rumen fungus.
The Energy Biosciences Institute was granted its first patent since the public-private research partnership was established in 2007. It focuses on a method to convert C5 and C6 sugars into biofuel.The institute also published its annual report.
The USDA has released the June 12 edition of its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. The outlook for 2013/14 corn supplies is lowered 135 million bushels to 14 billion with the average yield projected at 156.5 bushels per acre.
The benefits of Enogen trait technology from Syngenta Corp. are piquing the interest of ethanol plants now more than ever. Interest is also expanding among farmers, with nearly 300 growers contracted to grow more than 64,000 acres this season.
The U.S. Senate passed its version of a new Farm Bill, leaving the ag energy industry satisfied with the inclusion of mandatory funding for energy title programs. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on its version of the bill soon.
Novozymes has announced the launch of new enzyme technology that can increase ethanol yield from corn by up to 5 percent. The technology also increases corn oil extraction by 13 percent, while saving 8 percent energy.
Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits and Mascoma Corp. have announced the introduction of their next generation advanced yeast product, TransFerm Yield+, a bioengineered drop-in substitute for conventional fermenting yeast.
All chefs know that "you have to break some eggs to make an omelet," and that includes engineers at Iowa State University who are using high-frequency sound waves to break down plant materials in order to cook up a better batch of biofuel.
The Renewable Fuels Association has spoken out to criticize a study published by Rice University and the University of California-Davis that claims climate change will increase irrigation costs for corn while reducing yields.
The 29th annual International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, the ethanol industry's largest and longest-running conference, will take place June 10-13 in St. Louis. The conference will feature more than 140 speakers and four program tracks.
Among existing innovations of the Vermeer Tier 4i HG6000 and HG6000TX horizontal grinder is the all-new chip drum, which allows the grinder to produce a consistent sized chip necessary for many applications, including biofuel chip production.
The University of Illinois-Urbana will begin construction this fall on a new bioprocessing laboratory to research biomass-derived biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol.
The current period of prosperity in U.S. agriculture is unfolding much differently than 30 years ago: planted acres are not expanding at the same rate, farm income is steadily improving and farm debt is declining.
The sugarcane crush in Brazil's South Central region from the start of the 2013/14 season through April 30 totaled 41.01 million tons, compared to 14.13 million tons processed during the same period last year.
The USDA has announced $14 million payments to advanced biofuel 162 producers in 38 states under the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. More than a dozen ethanol producers will receive payments under the latest round of funding.
Two University of Illinois scientists have developed an environmentally friendly and more economical way of pretreating miscanthus in the biofuel production process. The technique uses butadiene sulfone, which can be recovered.
The U.S. Grains Council, along with the National Corn Growers Association, MAIZAR, representing Argentina producers and the maize supply chain and ABRAMILHO (Brazilian Association of Corn Producers) have formed an alliance.
Corn Report
One of the most interesting things about my job is the chance to talk to ethanol producers. I've met some really interesting characters—from Midwesterners that remind me of my farming roots to people with an international flair.
A University of Illinois professor of energy and environmental law says standards are needed so farmers, ethanol producers, and others in the biofuels industry will all be on the same page here in the United States as well as in Europe and Brazil.
USDA dropped its corn yield projections to 158 bushels per acre due to the late spring season, but still projects record U.S. feed grain supplies and ample world corn stocks.
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