Tuesday September 6 Crop Progress + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending September 4, 2016, temperatures averaged two degrees below normal across the south and two degrees above normal in northern areas, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation of an inch was common across the southeast, with heavier amounts recorded in some southern counties. Central Nebraska remained mostly dry. Irrigation was winding down with soybeans being the main focus. Silage cutting was underway and the first fields of seed corn were being harvested. There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 9 percent very short, 29 short, 59 adequate, and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 8 percent very short, 30 short, 60 adequate, and 2 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 poor, 20 fair, 58 good, and 16 excellent. Corn dented was 76 percent, ahead of 70 last year, and near the five-year average of 73. Mature was 8 percent, near 9 last year, and behind 13 average.

Sorghum condition rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 16 fair, 64 good, and 20 excellent. Sorghum coloring was 89 percent, well ahead of 62 last year and 60 average. Mature was 12 percent, ahead of 2 last year and 1 average.

Soybeans condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 18 fair, 61 good, and 16 excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 16 percent, near 18 last year, but ahead of 9 average.

Winter wheat planted was 5 percent, near 1 last year, and equal to average.

Alfalfa condition rated 4 percent very poor, 3 poor, 18 fair, 62 good, and 13 excellent. Alfalfa third cutting was 96 percent, equal to last year, and near 92 average. Fourth cutting was 41 percent, near 38 last year, and ahead of 29 average.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 3 percent very poor, 9 poor, 24 fair, 55 good, and 9 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 12 short, 86 adequate, and 1 surplus.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION

Although spotty rains left some areas waterlogged, one of the driest weeks Iowa has seen this season allowed 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork across the State during the week ending September 4, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included chopping corn for silage, planting cover crops and cutting hay.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 86 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus.

Ninety-seven percent of the corn crop reached the dough stage or beyond, 8 days ahead of the five-year average, with 80 percent dented or beyond, 5 days ahead of both last year and normal. Fourteen percent of corn had reached maturity, 4 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind normal. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent.

Thirty-five percent of soybeans have started to turn color, 3 days ahead of last year’s pace. Five percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, one day ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 82 percent good to excellent, despite reports of sudden death (SDS) and white mold in scattered soybean fields.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 87 percent complete, two weeks ahead of last year. A fourth cutting of hay has been possible for some producers.

Pasture condition rated 63 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were reported as ideal in some areas.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

Eighteen percent of the nation's corn crop was mature as of Sep. 4 and 12% of the soybeans were dropping leaves, according to USDA's latest Crop Progress report released Tuesday due to Monday's Labor Day holiday. That's two percentage points behind the five-year average for corn and equal to average for soybeans.

Seventy six percent of the corn is in the dent stage, compared to 60% last week, 71% last year and a 69% average. Corn condition fell slightly to 74% good to excellent, compared to 75% last week.

Soybeans were 97% setting pods, compared to 94% last week, 95% last year and 97% for the five-year average. Soybean condition ratings held steady at 73% good to excellent.

Ninety-one percent of spring wheat has been harvested, compared to 81% last week, 92% last year and a 75% average. 

Thirty-three percent of cotton bolls were opening, compared to 23% last week, 28% last year and a 33% average. Cotton condition ratings were steady at 48% good to excellent.

Thirty-five percent of the rice crop was harvested, compared to 22% last week, 32% last year and a 30% average. Rice condition decreased to 58% good to excellent compared to 60% last week.

Sorghum was 74% coloring, compared to 62% last week, 67% last year and a 61% average. Thirty-eight percent of sorghum was mature, compared to 33% last week, 32% last year and a five-year average of 33%. Twenty percent of the crop is harvested, compared to 18% last week, 22% last year and a 25% average. Sorghum condition improved slightly to 66% good to excellent, compared 65% last week.



Prepare Grain Bins and Equipment For Harvest
Keith Jarvi - NE Extension Educator

With harvest approaching, it’s time to prepare grain bins and harvesting equipment to help ensure that grain going into storage will remain in good condition. Don't wait until the middle of harvest to discover that a bin foundation is severely cracked, or find even later that insects from grain that was left in the combine last fall have severely infested a bin of new grain. Proper bin and equipment preparation is a key to preserving stored grain quality.

The key to good grain storage is to put the highest quality grain into the bin, or bring it to the proper moisture condition as quickly as possible. Overall quality of stored grain always deteriorates, it is just a matter of how fast. Having a good marketing plan and selling as much as possible before the grain heats up next spring is the best way to have quality stored grain. It is never as good as the day it is put into the bin. Storing the grain longer than next spring requires much more vigilance in management.

Harvesting Equipment
Remove all traces of old grain from combines, truck beds, grain carts, augers, and any other equipment used for harvesting, transporting, and handling grain. Even small amounts of moldy or insect-infested grain left in equipment can contaminate a bin of new grain.

Adjust combines according to the manufacturer's specifications to minimize grain damage and to maximize removal of fines and other foreign material.

Bins and Other System Components
Check the bin site, and remove any items or debris that would interfere with safe, unobstructed movement around the bin. Remove any spilled grain and mow the site to reduce the chances of insect or rodent infestation. If necessary, re-grade the site so that water readily drains away from bin foundations.

Inspect bins and foundations for structural problems. Uneven settlement of foundations can cause gaps between the foundation and bottom edge of the bin. This can result in grain spills and provide entry points for water, insects, and rodents. If perforated floors are used, a gap between the foundation and bin will allow air that would normally be forced through the grain to escape from the bin. Small gaps can usually be filled with a high quality caulking compound. If deterioration is extensive, the mastic seal may need to be replaced. Be sure all anchor bolts are tight and not damaged.

Inspect the bin roof and sides, inside and out, for leaks, loose or sheared bolts, rust or other corrosion, etc. Check the roof vents and access hatch, and caulk any cracks at the roofline. Be sure the access ladder is complete and securely fastened to the bin. Repair or replace any deteriorated components.

Wiring for fans and other electrical components should be inspected for corrosion and cracked, frayed, or broken insulation. Exposed wiring should be run through waterproof, dust-tight conduit. Avoid kinking the conduit, and make sure all connections are secure.

Check fans, heaters, transitions, and ducts for corrosion and damage. Remove any accumulated dust and dirt that will reduce the operating efficiency. Be sure that all connections are tight.

Ensure Bins Are Clean
Remove any old grain with brooms and vacuum cleaners. Never put new grain on top of old. Also, clean bins not being used for storage this year to keep insects from migrating to other bins.
Apply Insecticides

If you think there is any chance you might hold grain in the bin into May or later, it would be prudent to apply residual insecticides to the empty bin after thoroughly cleaning it. You may also apply certain insecticides onto the grain as it is being augered into the bin. A surface application is often recommended to prevent Indian meal moths from infesting the top surface of the grain.

If the bin has a raised drying floor and was known to be infested with grain storage insects last season, consider hiring a professional pest control operator to fumigate the empty bin prior to filling with new grain.



NEBRASKA CATTLE PRODUCERS URGED TO PREPARE FOR NEW REGULATIONS

    Nebraska beef cattle producers should begin preparing for the Jan. 1, 2017, implementation of the Veterinary Feed Directive regulations, according to Rob Eirich, Nebraska beef quality assurance director with Nebraska Extension. The regulations will be implemented by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will require producers to work directly with their veterinarian when they use feed-grade antibiotics with all food-producing livestock.

    A Veterinary Feed Directive is a paper or electronic written order by a licensed veterinarian approving the use of a feed-grade antibiotic for the prevention, treatment or control of a diagnosed disease. The regulations will apply only to antibiotics in livestock feed and will not affect feed-use medications such as ionophores, coccidia, other parasite and insect control drugs, or reproductive control medications. They also will not apply to antibiotics administered by injection.

    "The first step producers should complete before January is to develop a valid Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship, which includes an operation site visit and discussion about herd health," Eirich said. "A complete herd health plan should be created for vaccination and treatment protocols during this discussion."

    Eirich said producers must look at their operation production calendar to determine what health risks they may encounter over the course of the year, how to prevent the risks through vaccinations and how to treat diagnosed diseases with antibiotics. This is an opportunity to look at alternatives to help reduce animal health risk, such as mineral programs or probiotic additives, he added.

    If a treatment protocol calls for using a feed-grade antibiotic, producers will be required to obtain a Veterinary Feed Directive from their veterinarian prior to purchasing and feeding the product. The veterinarian must provide signed written or electronic copies to the feed distributor and producer before the directive product is delivered to the producer. The directive must state what is being treated, the product used, rate of inclusion, duration of treatment, number of head being treated and at what location or operation. Each directive must also include an expiration date, which is the last date the product can be fed.

    Another key point for producers to understand, according to Eirich, is that the regulations allow no extra-label use of medicated feeds. These regulations will also be enforced more within the livestock industry, he said. Directive products can only be used for prevention, treatment or control of diseases indicated on the FDA Approved Labels.

    All feed manufacturers have submitted new labels removing all performance improvement claims and adding the new regulation requirements. The new labels will help veterinarians determine how directive products can be used and how the directive is to be implemented for that specific product. All labels will be approved by January 2017 for implementation of this new FDA regulation. A list of common beef cattle products can be found at http://bqa.unl.edu/veterinary-feed-directive.

    As with any federal regulation, the new regulations will involve documentation and record keeping, according to Eirich. Veterinarians will be required to keep a record of the diagnosis and the original directive document. Feed distributors will keep a copy of the directive with the purchase or delivery receipts. Producers also must hold a copy of the directive, purchase or delivery receipts, and feeding records. All documents must be filed and kept for two years from the directory issue date.

    "The Veterinary Feed Directive regulations will be a new way of doing business for everyone involved in the livestock industry, and there will be growing pains for everyone as the implementation takes place," Eirich said. "Producers can ensure that they are more prepared for final implementation by taking the first step of developing a valid (Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship) with their veterinarian through discussions on their herd health plan."

    For more information on Veterinary Feed Directive regulations, visit the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance website or contact Eirich at 308-632-1230 or reirich2@unl.edu.



Some Antibiotics in Animal Feed Will Require Veterinary Feed Directive Beginning Jan. 1

In an effort to protect human and animal health from the rise of antibiotic resistance, the Food and Drug Administration has issued new guidelines that will regulate medically important antibiotic use in animal feed.

Antibiotics in animal feedBeginning Jan. 1, 2017, veterinary oversight will be required when using medically important antibiotics for treatment, prevention and control through Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Antibiotics classified as non-medically important are not affected by the VFD.

Complete information on the Veterinary Feed Directive (AS 0011) is available online through the Extension Store.

“The VFD ensures that the veterinarian and producer are using antibiotics that are medically important for therapeutic purposes, and that they are necessary and warranted,” said Chris Rademacher, ISU Extension and Outreach swine veterinarian.

“Producers who want to continue to use a VFD drug must have a VFD from a licensed veterinarian that they have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship with. This will promote more veterinary-producer interactions that will guide the decisions to use medically important antibiotics for mass medication (feed or water).”

Producers are required to keep their VFDs on file for two years. In addition, veterinarians and feed manufacturers who do not abide by the VFD regulations could face fines or the revocation of their licenses.



Iowa Beef Checkoff Petition Complete

More than 500 cattle producers in Iowa have signed a petition for a referendum to reinstate the Iowa beef checkoff.

The state checkoff was in effect prior to the creation of the federal beef checkoff in 1986. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association members and leaders are interested in reinstating the checkoff, as a way to further invest in Iowa’s beef industry.

While the federal checkoff has remained steady at $1/head since 1986, several states have instituted state checkoffs. The federal checkoff funds, which are subject to federal government rules, are used to promote and research beef. The state checkoff would be assessed at $.50 on each head of Iowa cattle sold. The money could be used more flexibly than the federal checkoff, although its uses are limited to those outlined in Iowa Code Chapter 181.

Last fall, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association surveyed its members and used those results to align Chapter 181 with current beef industry needs. The priorities outlined in the survey results and the code include:
•    Marketing & promoting Iowa’s beef and beef products
•    Enhancing Iowa’s beef industry image
•    Production research
•    Expanding international trade relationships
•    Providing producer, consumer, and youth educational opportunities

If the referendum passes, specific decisions on the administration of the funds would be made by the Iowa Beef Industry Council officer team, which includes five elected cattle producers, the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University, a representative from the Livestock Market Association, and two ICA producer members. The funds will be administered by the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

A petition to vote on the state beef checkoff was delivered to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on September 2. The petition contains over 500 signatures of cattle producers in the state of Iowa who are interested in a referendum.

The referendum will take place later this fall. Producers will be able to request an absentee ballot from the Iowa Department of Agriculture beginning on October 10. Absentee ballots must be returned during the month of November, or producers may visit their county extension offices on Wednesday, November 30 to vote in person.

If the referendum passes, collection will begin March 1, 2017. The Iowa beef checkoff will be mandatory, but refunds will be available to interested producers.



ISU Extension and Outreach publication discusses crop rotations, composting and cover crops for organic production

Organic production and consumption continue to grow, with the industry generating nearly $40 billion annually. With over 5.4 million acres in organic production in the United States alone, producers want to be sure they are at the cutting edge of growing practices.

A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach titled ‘Crop Rotations, Composting and Cover Crops for Organic Vegetable Production’ (HORT 3052) provides detailed information on those three important aspects of organic production.

The publication is written by Kathleen Delate, professor and extension organic specialist in horticulture and agronomy, and Ajay Nair, assistant professor and extension vegetable specialist at Iowa State.

“With the increased interest in organic farming due to high premium prices and the use of environmentally-benign farming techniques," Delate said, "this publication answers key questions we typically receive from producers transitioning to organic farming: What is the best crop rotation to use, how can cover crops fit into the system and what are the advantages of compost over manure?”

The importance of crop rotation to the overall quality of an organic farming system is discussed in depth. The publication looks at its use in enhancing soil fertility, its effect on water quality and ways the rotation can be used to impact disease, insect and weed management. A four-year crop plan is also included.

“Crop rotations are required in organic production in order to build soil quality, help break up weed and disease cycles and increase biodiversity on the farm,” Delate said.

While crop rotations does its part in improving soil quality, the use of animal manure or compost provides additional nutrients.

“Manure and compost are the most common forms of applied fertility on organic farms, due to the requirement for no petroleum-based fertilizers,” Delate said. “By using manure or composted manure, farmers are recycling nutrients from livestock in their soils, saving money by using local sources of fertility, and practicing climate-smart agriculture by sequestering carbon and conserving soil moisture.”

A technique that is common on organic farms and is becoming more readily used in conventional farming systems is cover crops. Cover crops can help improve soil health, improve water-holding capacity, suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion. The publication highlights these benefits while also discussing organic no-till practices.

“Cover crops are required in organic production and provide many benefits,” Delate said. “Since they cover the soil they prevent soil erosion, sequester carbon, add nutrients, help mitigate nutrient leaching and improve water quality. Research in our organic transition plots at the ISU Neely-Kinyon Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm has shown less nitrate loading in plots with cover crops and greater soil respiration which is associated with higher numbers of soil microbial populations that increase nutrient cycling and hold nutrients in soil and the plant.”



USDA Deputy Under Secretary Taylor Leads Women in Agriculture Trade Mission to Hong Kong and Shanghai

Leaders from seven state departments of agriculture and 23 U.S. agribusinesses and organizations will accompany Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services Alexis Taylor on a trade mission to Hong Kong and Shanghai Sept. 7 to Sept. 15 to extend USDA's Women in Agriculture initiative abroad and expand export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products.

"USDA is committed to building opportunities for women to grow, learn from one another and lead within their industries," said Taylor. "Women in agriculture have a powerful story to tell – one of leadership, stewardship and resilience – from the combine, to the classroom, to the boardroom. This trade mission provides us an opportunity to discuss the impacts women in the United States and China are having on agriculture and to share our visions for the next generation. In addition, I look forward to joining U.S. agricultural leaders as we seek to enhance our trading opportunities in this region."

The United States has strong trading relations with both China and Hong Kong. Last year, China was the second-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports reaching $23.5 billion. Sustained high demand for bulk commodities such as soybeans and cotton continues, and demand for high-value food, meat and alcohol products is surging. Next year, China is projected to return as the United States' top export market.

In contrast to China, where more than 70 percent of U.S. exports are bulk commodities, more than 90 percent of U.S. exports to Hong Kong are high-value, consumer-oriented products. With a population of more than 7.2 million people packed into 426 square miles, Hong Kong relies on imports for more than 95 percent of its food supply. It is the United States' seventh-largest market, with top U.S. exports including tree nuts, beef, poultry and fresh fruit.

Mission participants come from across the United States and represent a range of agricultural products and commodities. They will meet with potential customers and host government representatives, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment.

Participating U.S. Organizations and Companies:
1. American Commodity Company, LLC, Williams, Calif.
2. Bridgepathway, LLC, Jericho, N.Y.
3. Cape Blanco Cranberries, Inc., Port Orford, Ore.
4. Dragonberry Produce, Inc., Canby, Ore.
5. Earthbound Farm, San Juan Bautista, Calif.
6. Green Plains, Inc., Omaha, Neb.
7. Halcyon Trading Company, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga.
8. Hidden Villa Ranch, Fullerton, Calif.
9. Katzen International, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio
10. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, Mich.
11. Midwest Trading, LLC, Bloomington, Minn.
12. Minxta, LLC, Miami Beach, Fla.
13. Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Jackson, Miss.
14. Momentum Feed and Energy, LLC, Houston, Texas
15. Moore Brothers Beef, Inc., Red Springs, N.C.
16. National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Centennial, Colo.
17. National Corn Growers Association, Chesterfield, Mo.
18. Ocean Spray International, Inc., Lakeville, Mass.
19. Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry, Oklahoma City, Okla.
20. Oregon Department of Agriculture, Salem, Ore.
21. Redbud Farm and Vineyard, Washington, Okla.
22. Southern United States Trade Association, New Orleans, La.
23. Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Nashville, Tenn.
24. TRC Trading Corporation, Roseville, Calif.
25. United Global Trading, Dallas, Texas
26. U.S. Grains Council, Washington, D.C.
27. U.S. International Foods, LLC, St. Louis, Mo.
28. U.S. Soybean Export Council, Chesterfield, Mo.
29. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Richmond, Va.
30. Washington State Department of Agriculture, Olympia, Wash.




Negotiations regarding Monsanto acquisition advance

Bayer confirms advanced negotiations with Monsanto concerning a proposed transaction. While key terms and conditions have not yet been agreed, Bayer would be prepared to provide a transaction consideration of USD 127.50 per Monsanto share only in connection with a negotiated transaction. There can be no assurance that the parties will enter into an agreement.

The proposed transaction would be subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The key conditions of a definitive transaction agreement must be approved by the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG.



Monsanto Confirms Updated Proposal from Bayer

Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) confirmed it has been engaged in constructive negotiations with Bayer AG, during which it has received an updated non-binding proposal for a potential acquisition of Monsanto for $127.50 per share in cash. Monsanto is continuing these conversations as it evaluates this proposal, as well as proposals from other parties and other strategic alternatives to enable its Board of Directors to determine if a transaction in the best interests of its shareowners can be realized.



NFU Says Farmers and Ranchers Stand to Lose Most from Bayer/Monsanto Deal

Today’s announcement that the proposal by Bayer AG to purchase Monsanto Co. is progressing towards an agreeable deal perpetuates the alarming trend of consolidation in agriculture. In response to the latest merger talks, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued the following statement:

“A Bayer/Monsanto deal represents the latest in a wave of consolidation in the agricultural inputs sector, including the recently approved acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina, and the proposed mergers between Dow and DuPont and Potash Corp. and Agrium. NFU will continue to express concern that these industry megadeals are being made to benefit the corporate boardroom at the expense of family farmers, ranchers, rural communities and consumers.

“Aggressive consolidation is changing the landscape for agriculture and rural communities. Specifically, the onslaught of consolidation in agricultural inputs can impair research and development efforts and create barriers for independent crop input companies as well as for independent producers at a time when low-commodity prices and high input costs are straining the farm economy. This, in turn, leads to fewer family farmers on the land, fewer innovators in the lab, and rural depopulation.

“We were pleased to see the U.S. Department of Justice file an antitrust lawsuit to prevent a proposed merger of John Deere and Precision Planting LLC., and we ask that they reject any pending and future deals that would further cripple marketplace competition.”



Application Deadline for Conservation Legacy Awards Extended to Sept. 15, 2016

Don’t miss the opportunity to share the story of conservation on your farm. Submit your application for a Conservation Legacy Award, and you could also win a trip to the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. The deadline to submit an application has just been extended until Sept. 15, 2016.

The Conservation Legacy Awards program showcases farm management practices of U.S. soybean producers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. Three regional winners and one national winner will be selected. All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to enter to win a Conservation Legacy Award. Entries are judged on soil management, water management, input management, farmstead protection and conservation and environmental management.

Winners will be selected from three regions – the Midwest, the Northeast and the South. One of these award recipients will be named the national winner during the American Soybean Association (ASA) Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic.

Award Winners Receive:
• An expense paid trip for two to Commodity Classic, March 2-4, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas
• Recognition at the ASA Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic
• A feature on your farm and conservation practices in Corn & Soybean Digest and a special online video

The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by the ASA, BASF, Corn & Soybean Digest, Monsanto, the United Soybean Board/soybean checkoff and Valent.



CWT Assists with 1.6 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 9 requests for export assistance from Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association, who have contracts to sell 1.296 million pounds (588 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 330,693 pounds (150 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from August 2016 through February 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 34.778 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 8.814 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 21.301 million pounds of whole milk powder to 21 countries on 5 continents. The sales are the equivalent of 674.815 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



Growth Energy Applauds New York’s Proposed Move to E15

The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets is proposing a rule to update the state’s fuel regulations to allow the sale of E15 – fuel mixed with 15 percent ethanol – for all vehicles model year 2001 and newer. If approved, New York retailers will have the opportunity to offer their customers a new, low-cost choice at the pump. The state of New York consumes more than 5.5 billion gallons of gasoline annually, making it the fourth largest gasoline market in the country.

Over the last two years, Growth Energy and POET have worked extensively with the state of New York to update this important regulation. Reacting to the news, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said:

“This proposal marks a major victory for consumers, who would gain access to cleaner, more affordable choices at the pump. Biofuel blends, like E15, are already used on the racetrack at Watkins Glen, and if the proposal is approved, drivers will be able to experience the same economic, environmental and performance-enhancing benefits. We appreciate the Department’s work on this regulation to reflect federal approval of E15 and we look forward to working with retailers across the Empire State to quickly get E15 into the market.”

Chief Financial Officer of Western New York Energy Timothy Winters noted, “E15 represents an exciting opportunity for New Yorkers to select affordable, clean-burning biofuels produced at plants like ours. Back in 2004, we set out with a mission to harness the power of Western New York’s renewable resources to provide consumers with a high-octane, earth-friendly option at the pump. With higher blends like E15 in the marketplace, we can continue to help drivers save money and improve the quality of the air we all breathe, all while creating jobs and growing our local economy.”

Skor added, “E15 is a 21st century fuel for 21st century vehicles and is approved for nearly 90 percent of the cars on the road today. By increasing biofuel blends, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions, and limit the need for toxic gasoline additives associated with cancer, water contamination and smog. New York state has long been a pioneer in clean energy, and this proposed regulation change is one more step toward sustainable economic growth for New York communities, farmers, and drivers, as well as a fair and open fuel marketplace.”