A recently passed Energy Bill by Congress is expected to promote production of 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol in the United States by 2012. Ethanol currently utilizes about 10 percent of the U.S. corn crop. In the future, use is projected to climb to 18 to 20 percent of the total crop. That much corn used in ethanol would be close to the current annual exports and have a positive influence on the price per bushel that growers receive in the marketplace.

Ethanol is a clean-burning, renewable, domestic fuel produced through a fermentation and distillation process that converts the sugars in corn into alcohol. Ethanol greatly reduces tailpipe emissions, helps bolster the agricultural economy and directly displaces imported oil. All automobiles manufactured since the 1970s can burn up to 10 percent ethanol. The most common blend of ethanol in the Midwest is E10, a blend of 10 percent ethanol with 90 percent unleaded gasoline. Several metropolitan areas use reformulated gasoline, which might contain up to 10 percent ethanol. Another ethanol-blend called E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline. Numerous vehicles are able to burn E85. These automobiles, called Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV), can run on any combination of ethanol and gasoline. Approximately 5 million E85-capable FFVs are on the highways today.

In 2005, Missouri's three farmer-owned ethanol plants will produce over 115 million gallons of ethanol utilizing approximately 11 percent of the annual Missouri corn crop. That is an increase of 50 million gallons from 2004. Northeast Missouri Grain Processors, Macon, MO, processes over 16 million bushel of corn annually to produce over 45 million gallons of ethanol. NEMO started production in May 2000. Golden Triangle Energy Cooperative, Craig, MO, processes 9 million bushel of corn annually to produce over 25 million gallons of ethanol. GTEC started production in February 2001. Mid-Missouri Energy, Malta Bend, MO, will process over 16 million bushels of corn annually to produce over 48 million gallons of ethanol. MME started in February 2005.

According to a study by Dr. Donald VanDyne, MU professor emeritus, the direct and indirect benefits of five ethanol plants in Missouri would mean 8,890 jobs, $845 million in economic output and $87 million in tax revenues from over 17 million bushels of corn.

New scientific discoveries continue to influence what and how corn products are used by consumers. In 2006, we began four field corn experiments at the Delta Center comparing 58 varieties for Food grade, High Extractable Starch, Protein, and Nutri-Dense uses. The study is funded by the Missouri Corn Growers Association. At press time for this report, plots had not been harvested. But we plan to present yield results at the tour stop.

2006 Field Day Report