Thursday June 29 Ag News

NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY DOWN 1 PERCENT

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2017, was 3.45 million head, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was down 1 percent from June 1, 2016, but up 3 percent from March 1, 2017.

Breeding hog inventory, at 420,000 head, was down 1 percent from June 1, 2016, but up 1 percent from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.03 million head, was down 1 percent from last year, but up 3 percent from last quarter.

The March – May 2017 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.12 million head, was up slightly from previous year. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 185,000 head, unchanged from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.45 for the March – May period, compared to 11.40 last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 190,000 sows during the June – August 2017 quarter, up 3 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for September – November 2017 quarter are 190,000 sows, up 6 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period the previous year.



IOWA HOGS & PIGS REPORT

On June 1, 2017, there were 22.2 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. The June 1 inventory was up 2 percent from the previous quarter and up 7 percent from the previous year. 

The March-May 2017 quarterly pig crop was 5.91 million head, up 4 percent from the previous quarter and 8 percent above last year. A total of 540,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 10.95 for the March- May quarter, up from 10.75 the previous quarter. 

As of June 1, producers planned to farrow 540,000 sows and gilts in the June-August quarter and 540,000 head during the September-November quarter.



United States Hog Inventory Up 3 Percent

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2017 was 71.7 million head. This was up 3 percent from June 1, 2016, and up 1 percent from March 1, 2017. This is the highest June 1 inventory of all hogs and pigs since estimates began in 1964.

Breeding inventory, at 6.07 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up slightly from the previous quarter.  Market hog inventory, at 65.6 million head, was up 4 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. This is the highest June 1 market hog inventory since estimates began in 1964.

The March-May 2017 pig crop, at 32.3 million head, was up 4 percent from 2016. This is the second largest March-May pig crop since since estimates began in 1970. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 3.06 million head, up 3 percent from 2016. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 50 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 10.55 for the March-May period, compared to 10.48 last year. Pigs saved per litter by size of operation ranged from 7.70 for operations with 1-99 hogs and pigs to 10.60 for operations with more than 5,000 hogs and pigs.

United States hog producers intend to have 3.06 million sows farrow during the June-August 2017 quarter, up slightly from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2016, and up 2 percent from 2015. Intended farrowings for September-November 2017, at 3.06 million sows, are up slightly from 2016, and up 4 percent from 2015.

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 48 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up from 47 percent the previous year.



Cuming County FSA Reminds Producers of Upcoming Acreage Reporting Date

Cuming County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Sarah Beck is reminding area producers that accurate and timely reporting of acres for all crops and land uses, including failed and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits. The next acreage reporting deadline that producers should pay close attention to is July 17, 2017, for all spring-seeded crops and Conservation Reserve Program acres.

“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Cuming County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the July 17 deadline,” said Beck.

Beck also noted that an FSA office visit is necessary even if farmers and ranchers have filed crop acreage reports with their insurance provider. The USDA Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) allows FSA and participating insurance providers approved by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to share common acreage reporting information electronically between offices. Once a producer files at one location, data that’s important to both FSA and RMA will be securely and electronically shared with the other location, avoiding redundant and duplicative reporting. However, producers must still visit both locations to validate and sign acreage reports, complete maps or provide program specific information.

The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting date:

·    If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

·    If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

·    If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing” or “seed,” then the acreage must be reported by July 17.

According to Beck, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the date listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, or to schedule an appointment to complete acreage certification, please contact the Cuming County FSA office at (402) 372-2451.



Nebraska Teachers Focus on Agriculture at National Conference

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation sent eight Nebraska K-12 teachers to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, June 19-23 in Kansas City, MO.

The annual conference uses workshops, awards ceremonies, and tours of agricultural operation to show general K-12 education teachers as how agriculture can be used effectively in formal classroom instruction.

Brandi Lambert, a first-grade teacher in Waverly, is one of the Nebraska teachers that attended the three-day conference. “The whole conference was so inspiring and reaffirmed my belief of the importance of agriculture in the classroom,” she said. “I would encourage other teachers to attend the conference because of the wealth of ideas, resources, and connections that you walk away with.”

“I want the students in my classroom to take away a new appreciation for all that farmers do to feed the world.” Said Jane Gundvaldson, who received the trip in conjunction with receiving one of the Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Awards. “We have great farming happening in our area, but students just don’t have the opportunity to learn about it. I want to make a difference in their lives and have them learn about agriculture in Nebraska, not just the Gretna area, but the entire state. I can do this when teaching Nebraska history, math, science, or even writing!”

Teachers from across Nebraska attended, including teachers from Omaha, Gretna, Lincoln, Sidney, Minatare, Waverly, and North Bend. Three teachers were recognized on stage at the conference – Matthew Koth and Jane Gundvaldson as Nebraska’s Teacher of the Year Award recipients, and Judi Roach and Jane Gundvaldson as recipients of the CHS Conference Scholarship.

Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, says supporting teachers is a smart investment. “We are thrilled to partner with teachers who recognize the benefits of incorporating agriculture into their classrooms. The impact of attending this conference will multiply as they share the knowledge and resources gained with their students and fellow teachers,” she said.



NAYI EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE

The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) is a Nebraska tradition and a unique opportunity for students to increase their knowledge and appreciation of agriculture.  Nearly 200 Nebraska high school juniors and seniors will serve as delegates at this year’s 46th annual NAYI, July 10-14, in Lincoln. NAYI is sponsored in part by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

“NAYI is a meaningful and memorable experience for students interested in agriculture,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “It’s also an investment in Nebraska as NAYI delegates learn about potential career paths available in the agricultural industry.”

During the five-day Institute held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, delegates participate in agriculture policy and group discussions as well as career development activities. Motivational speakers and a farm management program help delegates grow their leadership potential and strengthen their pride in Nebraska agriculture. The week also provides delegates an opportunity to network with industry leaders, top-notch speakers and ag representatives.

Since its start in 1971, NAYI has shared the importance of agriculture with nearly 6,000 youth from across the state. Delegates apply for and are selected to attend the Institute free of charge due to numerous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations.

“I’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support of NAYI,” said Ibach. “Their generous contributions have helped make NAYI the incredible program that it is, and the longest running one of its kind in the nation.”

NAYI events and additional youth learning opportunities throughout the year are organized by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). NDA selects Council members who are passionate about agriculture and who want to teach young Nebraskans about the state’s leading industry. This year’s Council is comprised of 21 college-age men and women from across the state.

To learn more about NAYC or NAYI, visit the NAYI website at www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/. Or, follow NAYI activities on Facebook and Twitter by searching and liking the Nebraska Ag Youth Institute or by following #NAYI17.



Developing a Marketing Plan in 5 Steps

Having a plan is one of the most important ingredients for marketing both old and new crop corn and soybeans. That plan creates both a purpose and accountability for a farmer to market grain in a more timely fashion.

The reasons a marketing plan is so important and factors to consider when creating a plan is the focus of the Ag Decision Maker article “Developing a crop marketing plan.” The article is written by Steve Johnson, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and is available in the June issue of Ag Decision Maker.

“Farmers need to have an actual marketing plan to overcome the emotion and procrastination that comes with marketing grain,” Johnson said. “In the early summer months, some Iowa farmers are holding their largest amount of unpriced old crop corn bushels in more than 20 years.”

The article spells out five primary steps farmers should keep in mind while developing a marketing plan.

Cost of production, along with how much it will cost to store the grain after harvest and before a sale, must be known so a farmer can determine a good sales price.

Price objectives that reflect both the futures price and cash price received.

Time objectives that mark when that crop will be sold. Uncertainty about the level of that season’s production elevates futures prices in the spring or early summer months, making it an ideal time to sell off portions of an upcoming crop.

Employing a variety of marketing tools can spread risk and attempt to capture futures when prices are high or when basis (the gap between futures price and cash price) narrows.

Write down the marketing plan and note the reason for using a particular strategy or tool. This provides purpose for why a decision was made and can reduce second-guessing when marketing grain.

“Farmers often feel that prices are going to go higher, especially in the spring when the greatest uncertainty in production occurs and prices rally,” Johnson said. “Having a plan, writing it down and sticking to it can help farmers overcome the struggles they have around emotion and procrastination.”

The components of a crop marketing plan are also contained in the Marketing Tools Workbook section of the Iowa Commodity Challenge website.

“ISU Extension and Outreach, in partnership with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, have created a one-stop shop for marketing strategies, tools and market planning that features a variety of learning activities, videos, workbooks and access to a crop marketing simulation game,” said Johnson.



Four Prairie Strips Workshops to be Held this Summer

Four workshops will be held this summer and fall to help Technical Service Providers (TSPs), Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) and other advisors who work directly with farmers and landowners achieve their certification in prairie strip design, establishment and monitoring.

The full-day workshops will cover field mapping, prairie plant identification, seed mixtures, maintenance, determining costs, ‘AgSolver applications’ and more. Attendance at the workshop is the first step of a three-part certification program to become a prairie strips consultant.

The workshops are free for all attendees. A limited number of qualified attendees will receive a $250 stipend for attending the workshop and a $1,000 bonus after successful installation of prairie strips on a client’s field. Program participants will create a communications piece to support their business credentials in prairie strips.

All workshops will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be run by faculty and extension staff from Iowa State University. The four dates and locations for training workshops are:
    July 12, The Wallace Learning Center, Lewis
    August 3, Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, Calmar
    September 11, Northeast Iowa Community College Clock Tower Business Center, Dubuque
    September 28, Iowa State University Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, Sutherland

An online registration form and additional information about the workshops are available. Completed registration forms and questions should be submitted to rachaelw@iastate.edu.

The workshops are sponsored by the McKnight Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.



USGC Talks Crop Quality, Supply Directly With Customers In Japan, South Korea

Exports are brokered across continents, but customers still appreciate the opportunity to talk face-to-face with their suppliers – particularly U.S. farmers.

Michael Fritch, who farms in central Iowa, traveled this month with U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Senior Director of Global Programs Cary Sifferath to facilitate discussions on crop progress, quality and marketing in two of the largest and most stable markets for U.S. feed grains, Japan and South Korea.

Japan is traditionally a top market for U.S. feed grains, coming in as the second largest buyer of U.S. corn, following Mexico, in 2015/2016. Japan was also the second largest buyer of U.S. barley and the third largest buyer of U.S. sorghum in 2015/2016.

This far in the marketing year (September-April), Japan purchased 8.92 million tons (351 million bushels) of U.S. corn, a 71 percent increase year-over year. The country has bought more U.S. sorghum in the current marketing year (nearly 137,000 tons, or 5.4 million bushels) than overall purchases for the past four marketing years. Japan has also been a strong buyer of U.S. co-products in recent months, purchasing 62 percent more U.S. DDGS compared to last year at this time, more than 275,000 tons.

The Japanese market was built over decades through an open and honest exchange of information on crop quality, emerging technology and supply availability between members of the U.S. agriculture value chain and Japanese buyers and end-users. Missions like the one this month are critical to maintaining this loyalty to U.S. feed grains and co-products.

“Japan is a very important long-term buyer of U.S. corn and other feed grains,” Sifferath said. “We have to assure them of the stability of a long-term supply of U.S. corn and that we are continuing to produce good quality corn to meet the demands of the Japanese feed industry as well as other global markets.”

More than 110 Japanese customers and feed millers attended the crop seminars in Japan, including members of the Japanese Feed Manufacturers Association (JFMA) and JA Zen-Noh, the most influential agricultural cooperative and the largest importer of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubes (DDGS).

During these meetings, Sifferath presented on the results of U.S. crop quality. Fritch, as a fifth generation farmer, provided a from-the-farm update on crop progress and conditions as well as an explanation of the latest farming practices and technologies utilized on his farm in central Iowa.

“Our customers appreciate corn farmers like Mr. Fritch coming from thousands of miles away to Japan to present on their farming practices and to talk with customers directly,” said Tommy Hamamoto, USGC director in Japan. “Doing so gives customers trust and credibility in U.S. corn and the Council can show the transparency and openness of the U.S. grain marketing system.”

The pair also traveled to the northern part of Japan, visiting a feed mill and large beef operation that uses imported U.S. corn as well as the port expansion at Kushiro Port, which will allow the intake of Super Post-Panamax vessels.

The pair next took their crop quality information to the third largest market for U.S. corn and DDGS, South Korea.

South Korea has purchased 4.12 million tons (162 million bushels) of U.S. corn thus far in the marketing year (September-April), up significantly year-over-year. South Korean purchases of DDGS are also up 27 percent year-over-year, at more than 677,000 tons. The country is a top market for U.S. ethanol, with more than 27.1 million gallons in purchases this marketing year.

Sifferath and Fritch met with the Korean Feed Association (KFA), which accounts for 70 percent of the nation’s total mixed feed production, as well as Nonghyup Feed Inc., the feed business unit of the National Agricultural Cooperatives Federation, the world’s eighth largest cooperative. The pair also visited the new grain port in Pyeongtaek and Cargill’s newest and largest animal feed mill in their global feed operations, Cargill Agri Purina.

“The seminar held in Seoul was a very timely and beneficial opportunity for the feed grain industry in Korea to get information on the new crop corn and the current supply and demand situation as corn planting has almost been finished," said Haksoo Kim, USGC director in Korea.

In both countries, the clear message was that U.S. farmers and agribusiness value these steady North Asian markets and are willing to go the distance – literally – to keep buyers and end-users informed.

“We appreciate Japan's and South Korea’s loyalty as top customers for U.S. feed grains,” Sifferath said. “The U.S. corn industry is committed to ensuring a stable supply of quality grains to their markets and the rest of the world.”



IGC Raises 2016-17 Grain Production Forecast, Cuts 2017-18 Estimate

The International Grains Council said Thursday that it still sees global grain production breaching the 2.1 billion metric ton barrier to reach the highest ever volume, with forecasts for southern hemisphere maize production moving ever higher.

The IGC nudged its monthly output forecast for 2016-17 up to 2,124 million tons in June, from its adjusted estimate of 2,120 million tons given at the end of May. This represents a more-than 5% year-on-year increase.

The grains body also updated its estimates for global grain production in 2017-18, slightly cutting its forecast to 2,049 million tons from the 2,053 million ton projection it released in May. That would constitute a 4% year-on-year drop in global grain production.

Forecasts of huge harvests across several grain-producing regions has seen the IGC raise its production forecast in 12 of its last 13 reports.

Of the expected 34 million ton production increase on-the-year, the IGC says wheat and maize will account for 16 million tons and 19 million tons of that increase, respectively.

The IGC upgraded its corn production forecast to 1,069 million tons from 1,065 million tons and its soybean forecast to 351 million tons. The body forecast wheat production at 754 million tons, cutting its forecasts for a rise to a 0% growth at 484 million tons.

Strong maize production in Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa is one of the drivers behind the IGC's production forecast hike.

The report also highlighted an upward revision to soybeans based on Argentinian and Brazilian production.

The council said the downward revision for 2017/18 comes after adverse weather conditions in the northern hemisphere over recent weeks.



NAWG Commends Senate Agriculture Committee for Holding a Hearing to Examine the Farm Bill Conservation Programs

Today, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a Full Committee hearing on “Conservation and Forestry: Perspectives on the Past and Future Direction for the 2018 Farm Bill”. Members heard testimony from several USDA representatives including Mr. Tom Tidwell, Chief of the Forest Service; Mr. Jimmy Bramblett, Deputy Chief of Programs at the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Ms. Misty Jones, Director, Conservation and Environmental Programs Division at the Farm Service Agency.

NAWG President David Schemm submitted written testimony for the record and made the following statement:

“Cropping systems, climate, and soils vary across the country for wheat farmers. Accordingly, conservation programs need to provide farmers the flexibility they need to efficiently manage their resources.

“NAWG has prioritized working lands conservation programs in our discussions about the next Farm Bill and support the continuation of voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs.

"Working lands programs, such as CSP and EQIP, are the most beneficial in helping grower manage their operations to address natural resource concerns and maintain a viable crop. These programs should be balanced with CRP which can also play an integral part of a conservation plan on a farmer’s operation.

“Wheat growers are focused on managing our operations for long term success. Without a successful crop each year and long term financial stability, we cannot purchase new equipment, test new practices and experiment with new cropping systems. Farm Bill Conservation programs provide a backstop that allows us to make investments in pioneering technology and try new conservation practices.

“NAWG members are very supportive of Farm Bill Conservation Program and we encourage the committee to retain the variety of conservation program the Farm Bill offers. We are also looking forward to working with Committee on the 2018 Farm Bill reauthorization.”

During the second panel, members heard testimony from Mr. Steven Horning, Horning Farms in Watertown, S.D.; Mr. Paul D. Dees, Chairman, Delta Wildlife in Stoneville, MS; Ms. Barb Downey, Downey Ranch in Wamego, KS; Mr. Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; Dr. Salem Saloom, Tree Farmer and Owner, Saloom Properties in Brewton, AL; Mr. Chuck Roady, Vice President and General Manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company; and Dr. Christopher Topik, Director of North America Forest Restoration, North America Region of the The Nature Conservancy.



American Ethanol Revs Up NASCAR and RCR Partnerships for Coke Zero 400, Unveils Patriotic Paint Scheme on Austin Dillon’s No. 3

This Sunday’s Coke Zero 400 at the Daytona International Speedway is the “final lap” for the NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola program – the sport’s official thank-you to the men and women who serve our nation in the armed forces.

American Ethanol is proud to announce that retired Four Star General, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Growth Energy Board member Wesley Clark will serve as the Grand Marshal of the race.

Employees from Growth Energy member companies who have served our country in the military and their spouses will accompany General Clark at the track – and root for Austin Dillon’s No. 3 car, which will be decked out in a patriotic American Ethanol paint scheme that NASCAR unveiled Wednesday.

“At Growth Energy, honoring our military members is a strong tradition, and this July 1 we’re proud to work with NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing partners to thank and honor our veteran members at the race,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.

NASCAR has surpassed 10 million miles on Sunoco Green E15, made with American ethanol – a homegrown biofuel. Biofuels are a win for America as they solidify our energy security, promote a healthy environment, and allow us to invest back into our local communities instead of abroad.

“Our partnership with NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing goes beyond sponsorship agreements. We share many of the same ideals, which makes being a part of the sport such an enriching experience for Growth Energy and American Ethanol,” said Skor. “We are working to make sure that every NASCAR fan in America is a fan of ethanol. We are confident that more and more NASCAR fans will come to value our industry as one that embodies the values they hold dear.”



Syngenta joins Produce Marketing Association Gold Circle Campaign for Food Safety

Syngenta is reinforcing its commitment to food safety through the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Gold Circle Campaign for Food Safety. By participating in this campaign, Syngenta joins more than 300 fresh produce suppliers and buyers – from growers and distributors to retailers, foodservice operators and solutions providers.

“We are excited to partner with PMA and support its membership through participation in the Gold Circle Campaign,” said Lisa Moricle, Head, Vegetable Seeds Marketing at Syngenta, North America. “Participation in this and numerous other food safety initiatives around the world is just one example of our Good Growth Plan commitment to improve the sustainability of agriculture in action.”

PMA, a global trade organization representing companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain, founded the Gold Circle Campaign to address the industry’s challenge of increasing food production with fewer resources, while bolstering confidence in the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables. In particular, the campaign funds critical research and education delivered by dozens of research-based organizations, including the Center for Produce Safety (CPS). CPS focuses on prevention research that provides real-world solutions applicable to the entire produce supply chain.



Made in the USA Biodiesel Supports Jobs, Fourth of July Values

As the nation celebrates its independence, American-made biodiesel is powering fleets across the country and supporting more than 64,000 jobs throughout the supply chain.

“Biodiesel showcases the heart of July 4th – American independence. We are proud to deliver a renewable energy source made in the USA that supports thousands of domestic, green energy jobs,” said Donnell Rehagen, National Biodiesel Board CEO. “Our industry is an American success story driving economic activity and independence throughout the supply chain.”

There are countless real-life examples of the power of biodiesel supporting America’s economic independence and jobs throughout the supply chain. Here are a few:

Feedstocks:  Biodiesel is made from easily accessible fats and oils. Resources are diverse and readily available. They include recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, animal fats, and more.

    Farmers - Robert Stobaugh farms 6,000 acres of soybeans, corn, rice and wheat in the Arkansas River valley, while at the same time powering his farm equipment with biodiesel. Soy protein feeds the world, while the surplus oil used in biodiesel fuels U.S. energy independence. “The thing I like best about using biodiesel is it powers the equipment that's used to grow the largest feedstock supply used to make biodiesel,” explains Stobaugh, an NBB Governing Board member. “I call it full-circle production. Biodiesel creates American jobs and literally drives the American economy as well as the farm economy.”

    Restaurants – Asheville, N.C.-based Blue Ridge Biofuels collects over 700,000 gallons of used cooking oil annually from nearly 1,500 restaurants in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. They use this waste oil to produce clean-burning, renewable biodiesel. “We not only produce and deliver biodiesel, we use it to power our own diesel fleet and many of our employees use it too” said General Manager Woody Eaton.

    Biodiesel Producers:  There are nearly 90 NBB-member biodiesel plants across the country, collectively producing more than 1.8 billion gallons of biodiesel annually (2016). Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG), the largest biodiesel producer in the U.S., employs 690 people in the U.S. alone and indirectly supports thousands of other jobs. In 2016, REG produced 513 million gallons of biomass-based diesel in 12 plants, located in eight states. REG’s biodiesel production involved 46,616 truckloads across 43 states, 4,995 railcars, and 87 marine vessels.

    Quality Control Experts: Judy Elliott’s job is key to the biodiesel industry’s commitment to fuel quality.  Elliott is one of seven independent auditors contracted with the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission. Based in Crown Point, Indiana, Elliott audits biodiesel producers, marketers, and laboratories seeking BQ-9000 Producer or Marketer status under the industry’s strict quality assurance program.  America is home to 13 labs and eight consulting companies that assist companies that are seeking BQ-9000 certification.

    Fuel Suppliers/Marketers: AMERIgreen is an energy wholesaler in the Mid-Atlantic and New England markets that provides biodiesel and Bioheat® through 35 distributors in the region. They also supply fuel to 13 biodiesel retail pumps. AMERIgreen supports over 30 jobs organizationally and dozens more through distribution partnerships. “AMERIgreen works diligently every day to support American jobs, and to deliver the highest quality biodiesel to all of our distribution partners,” said Jason Lawrence, Vice President of Operations for AMERIgreen. “We are proud to support our industry this way and we look forward to its continued growth.”

These are just a few examples of the dedicated commitment to renewable energy across the biodiesel supply chain.

Hundreds of fleets across the country are powering their vehicles with cleaner-burning, domestically produced biodiesel. Biodiesel users and advocates include the City of New York, Kettle Chips, Method Home Products, Disney, Harvard University, the Super Bowl, the U.S. military, Enterprise Rental Car, Clif Bar, and many others.