Monday April 1 Ag News

Study Area Expanded for Growers Interested in Participating in Soybean Yield Gap Research
Laura Thompson - NE Extension Educator
Keith Glewen - NE Extension Educator

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is seeking 20 farmers to participate in a study of practices affecting the soybean yield gap. That's the difference between current farm yield and potential yield as determined by climate, soil, and genetics. An analysis of survey responses from over 2000 soybean producers indicated a 20%-30% yield gap for soybean. The analysis also revealed a number of agronomic practices that, for a given soil-climate context, could be fine-tuned to close the gap and improve profit from soybean.

In Nebraska, three practices have been identified as being important for improving yield and producer profit. These practices relate to planting date, seeding rate, and the use of foliar fungicides and insecticides.

The study is seeking 20 growers in eastern Nebraska to test "improved" practices versus "baseline" practices in 2019 and 20 again for 2020.

Participating growers will be provided some monetary compensation.

To participate, contact Nebraska Educators and NOFRN Co-coordinators Keith Glewen (402-624-8030, kglewen1@unl.edu) or Laura Thompson (402-245-2224, laura.thompson@unl.edu), or your local extension educator.

Further details on the research protocol for this study are available here... https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2019/soybean-growers-needed-for-research. 

Other studies are also available for the 2019 production season.



Groundwater Levels Recovering from 2012 Drought 
Shawna Richter-Ryerson - Communications Associate in the School of Natural Resources

Following another year of above-average precipitation, Nebraska groundwater levels continued to rise in the areas most affected by the 2012 drought, according to a new report from the Conservation and Survey Division at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Still, some portions of the state recorded levels below that of the pre-drought years.

The annual statewide report, part of a nation-leading groundwater-level monitoring program, examines short-term groundwater rises and declines measured in 5,365 regional wells from spring 2017 to spring 2018, but it also looks at long-term trends since monitoring began in the 1930s.

“The one-year change maps really aren’t the ones that are the most important,” said Aaron Young, CSD survey geologist and lead author on the annual report. “It’s the long-term trends that illustrate the lasting effects of both our conservation measures and our water use.”

The long-term trends show both the rises and declines in the groundwater levels when compared to pre-development records. The greatest declines of about 122 feet are recorded in western Nebraska in areas with high irrigation-well densities in aquifers that have little or no connection with surface water and where annual precipitation is limited, and the largest rises of up to 120 feet are recorded in counties in southcentral, central and western Nebraska where extensive canals and surface-water irrigation systems seep into the aquifer.

In addition to man-made changes that alter the water levels, natural changes in precipitation have an effect as well.

“Nebraska has an excellent system in place to monitor and react to groundwater-level trends and prevent problems,” Young said. It is just that system that helped portions of eastern and central Nebraska, which once had rapidly declining water levels, stabilize and in some cases begin recovery.

In-depth maps in the report give visual representations of all of these changes over time, providing the information in one-year, five-year, 10-year and since-pre-irrigation (about 1950) increments. The maps are based on information collected by the Conservation and Survey Division, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Nebraska Natural Resources Districts and Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, and are produced by CSD.

Authors of this year’s report are Aaron Young, survey geologist; Mark Burbach, environmental scientist; Leslie Howard, geographic information science and cartography manager; Michele Waszgis, research technician; Susan Lackey, research hydrogeologist; and Matt Joeckel, state geologist and associate director for CSD and the School of Natural Resources.

The report is available for $7 from the Nebraska Maps and More Store, 3310 Holdrege St., and also is available online at the Maps and More marketplace. Phone orders also are accepted at 402-472-3471, and a PDF of the report can be downloaded at go.unl.edu/groundwater.



Ricketts, Ethanol Board Urge Timely Approval of Year-Round E15

On Friday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts submitted testimony urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize modifications to fuel regulations to clear the way for year-round sales of E15.  In written testimony submitted to the EPA’s public hearing in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Governor Ricketts expressed hope that the EPA would wrap up the regulatory changes prior to the start of the summer driving season.

“The ethanol industry’s success is vital to the health of the Nebraska economy,” Governor Ricketts testified.  “Providing retailers the ability to sell E15 all year throughout the country will help strengthen and grow the ethanol market in the state, along with its economic and environmental benefits.”

Sarah Caswell, Administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, attended the hearing to offer additional testimony.

“Nebraska’s elected officials and ethanol industry stakeholders, including farmers, producers, retailers, and consumers were encouraged to hear President Trump announce last fall that he would direct EPA to move forward with the necessary rulemaking that would enable the nation’s retailers to sell E15 year round,” said Caswell.  “This market confidence is especially important now, as Nebraska farmers are already dealing with an ongoing downturn in the national agriculture economy, record local flooding issues, as well as unknowns with some of our global trading partners.”



Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics this April

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. The clinics offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, April 4
    Norfolk — Wednesday, April 10
    North Platte — Thursday, April 11
    Fairbury — Wednesday, April 17
    Lexington — Thursday, April 18
    Norfolk — Wednesday, April 24
    Valentine — Thursday, April 25

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



Free workshops scheduled for Latino beginning farmers

Latino beginning farmers are invited to three workshops on production, legal aspects of starting a business, and budgeting, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.

All three sessions are free and will be presented in both English and Spanish.

• “Legal Workshop: Starting a Farming Business,” Saturday, April 20—Find out about registering your farm and the difference between an LLC and a corporation. This course will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m., at Schuyler Public Library, 108 E. 18th St., in Schuyler, Nebraska.

• “Enterprise Budgeting,” Thursday, April 25—Learn the basics of how to create an enterprise budget and find out ways to find other possible financing to help you start your farming business. This workshop is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Centro Hispano of Nebraska, 3020 18th St., in Columbus, Nebraska.

• “Production 101,” Thursday, May 2—Learn the basics of vegetable or livestock production from experienced farmers. This session is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Centro Hispano of Nebraska, 3020 18th St., in Columbus, Nebraska.

“All three of these sessions will be beneficial to those thinking about starting a farm, or farmers in their first year,” said Lucia Schulz, project assistant with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Hear from experienced farmers and network with other beginning farmers.”

For more information, contact Schulz at 402.750.5727 or lucias@cfra.org.



NU's Annual Economic Impact Grows to $4.5 Billion

The teaching, research and outreach activities of the University of Nebraska grow the state's economy by $4.5 billion every year, according to a new, independent analysis of the university's significant and far-reaching impact on Nebraska's growth and prosperity.

The analysis, presented to the NU Board of Regents, was conducted by Tripp Umbach, a leading national consultant with expertise in economic impact studies. Tripp Umbach's findings, which for the first time detail NU's impact by region and legislative district, show that the University of Nebraska generates $7 for every $1 the state invests.

The University of Nebraska--Lincoln's direct annual economic impact also grew, expanding from $2 billion in 2016 to $2.2 billion today.

"The flagship, land-grant, research-intensive campus is the key driver in the University of Nebraska economic engine," Chancellor Ronnie Green said. "For 150 years, we have provided talent and expertise for all sectors of the Nebraska economy, and we spark innovation for increased dividends in the future. The number of Nebraskans who benefit continues to grow as we have set new records in number of graduates, research, and commercialization of technology."

Hank Bounds, NU president, said the report demonstrates the vital role the university campuses play in ensuring Nebraska's continued economic competitiveness. It is especially important as Nebraska aims to address a workforce crisis that includes 34,000 projected annual openings in high-skill, high-wage, high-demand jobs in the coming years, affordable, quality higher education will be essential to Nebraska's success, Bounds said.

"We know intuitively that the University of Nebraska is a major force for economic growth and personal well-being across our state," Bounds said. "This analysis confirms that Nebraska cannot be successful without its public university.

"From producing the workforce of the future, to expanding opportunities for young people, to sustaining vibrant communities in every county, the University of Nebraska serves as a change agent for Nebraska and its people."

Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the university's impact on the state economy as being remarkable.

"The university is central to building the workforce necessary to keep Nebraska's economy competitive, and its research capabilities help attract new-growth companies in strategic industries," Slone said. "Simply put, the University of Nebraska is a key partner for the private sector as we build our state's economic future."

Key findings in the Trupp Umbach report include:
- The university's $4.5 billion annual impact -- an increase from the $3.9 billion impact calculated in 2016 -- means that the activities of NU campuses, faculty, staff and students, along with the resulting ripple effects in communities across the state, add more than $12 million to Nebraska's economy every day.

- The University of Nebraska builds economically and socially vibrant communities, not just in cities where NU campuses are located, but in all 93 counties. Tripp Umbach broke down NU's impact by both region and legislative district and found significant returns across the state. For example, the university grows western Nebraska's economy by $230 million annually. Additionally, public-private partnerships like Nebraska Innovation Campus are growing economic activity and quality of life across regions.

- The University of Nebraska sustains a highly skilled workforce for the state, supporting one of every 26 jobs in Nebraska. The nearly 40,000 Nebraska jobs supported by the university include not just NU employees, but those who have jobs as a result of university activities.

- University graduates generate significant economic activity for the state. About 1 of every 7 working-age Nebraskans holds an NU degree, and 11,000 new NU graduates enter the workforce every year. The earnings and spending activities of each graduating class add $2.4 billion to the state's economy annually, above and beyond NU's baseline $4.5 billion impact.

- The university is giving students the opportunity to change their lives through education. Nebraska U campuses educate 52,000 students a year, including many who would not be able to pursue a university degree if not for affordable tuition rates. About 40 percent of university undergraduates are first-generation.

NU's growing research enterprise supports 2,600 jobs, and more importantly addresses key challenges facing Nebraska and the world. The university is a leader in research in agriculture, national defense, early childhood education, health care and other areas.

The well-being of the state is directly linked to the University of Nebraska. University employees annually provide $100 million in charitable donations and volunteer services, likes student-led service activities, free health screenings and scholarly lectures. The university's campuses also offer activities that enhance Nebraskans' cultural understanding and build connections among citizen through concerts, art exhibits and athletic events.

The university's annual economic impact by campus follows. Figures do not include Nebraska Medicine and its affiliates and partners; when those are factored in, the system's impact grows significantly.
- University of Nebraska--Lincoln: $2.2 billion
- University of Nebraska Medical Center: $1.2 billion
- University of Nebraska at Omaha: $716 million
- University of Nebraska at Kearney: $265 million
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture: $11.5 million

A full and detailed report from Tripp Umbach is being finalized and will be released to the public.



First Step in Recovering Flooded Pastures and Hay Ground

Flood waters are receding, but the challenges in recovery for farmers and livestock producers are just beginning. Beth Doran, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist, recommends producers get out in their fields as soon as possible.

“Beef producers should assess the damage to pastures and hay ground, then check out possible disaster assistance,” she said.

Doran advised cattlemen to look for three things in their assessment – debris, silt on the forage, and thinned or dead forage plants.

“Debris includes wire, metal and trash that may be injurious to animal health and is usually found along fence lines and in the corners of fields,” Doran said.

According to Brian Lang, extension field agronomist, silt on forage is a big issue because it is unpalatable and could carry microbes affecting animal health.

“Ironically, we need rain to wash off the silt. This early in the season, it is likely more rain will come," he said. "Otherwise, if the forage was tall enough, chop silted forage back onto the field to encourage clean regrowth. By the time farmers are able to run equipment on a pasture or hay field, visual assessment of forage species survival can be conducted and should be rather obvious.”

Whether the forage plants survived depends on three factors – plant species, time under water and how much of the plant was submerged. Some species, such as Smooth bromegrass, orchardgrass, fescue and ryegrass, should grow through a moderate silt deposit (less than 2 inches) and can withstand several days of flooding without injury. Reed canarygrass can stand longer submersion than other perennial grasses; whereas, Meadow bromegrass cannot tolerate any flooding.

Time under water affects the amount of oxygen available to the plant and is related to temperature, Lang said. Fortunately, during spring flooding, cooler temperatures allow plants to survive longer under water. Flash flooding – as opposed to standing water – increases survivability because the plants experience less oxygen depletion in moving water than still water conditions. Also, plants with more leaves above water are more likely to survive.

The USDA Farm Service Agency administers the Emergency Conservation Program, which provides funding and technical assistance for farmers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. Pastureland and hay ground are considered eligible land under ECP. Eligible practices pertaining to pastures and hay fields include debris removal (cleanup of woody material, sand, rock and trash on pastureland and hay fields) and restoring fences (livestock cross fences, boundary fences, and livestock gates.)

Producers with pasture damage or hay field damage are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency Office to report the damage and determine if they are eligible for assistance. If the requirements are met, a formal application will need to be completed.



FFAR Grant Improves Soil Health and Increases Farm Sustainability

Midwestern farms produce a quarter of the world’s corn and soybeans, yet this bounty drains nutrients from the soil, reducing future yields. The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) awarded a $746,204 Seeding Solutions Grant to Iowa State University to improve soil health through prairie strips. The FFAR grant has been matched with funding from Iowa State University, Roeslein Alternative Energy, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance and the Walton Family Foundation for a total $1.49 million investment.

Corn and soybean crops are crucial to supplying affordable and nutritious food. However, the nutrient depletion caused by corn and soybean production reduce future yields, which undermines long-term farm sustainability and profitability. In fact, soil erosion costs the agriculture industry about $44 billion annually and increases production costs by about 25 percent each year.

Dr. Cruse’s research aims to restore soil health by identifying how to integrate practices that provide continuous living cover on corn and soybean fields, including prairie strips and cover crops. Such practices ensure the presence of live roots in the ground throughout the entire year, which can stabilize soils, enhance soil health and improve farm-level economics.

“Prairie strips have been discussed in research circles for a decade,” said Dr. Richard Cruse, a professor in the Agronomy Department at Iowa State University and Director of the Iowa Water Center. “We’re looking at the environmental and economic impact of prairie strips over time.”

Farmers have expressed interest in prairie strips and cover crops; however, knowledge gaps and perceived obstacles stymie the widespread adoption of these practices. Not only will this grant identify the most effective practices, but the grant also aims to tackle barriers that prevent farmers from adopting these practices.

“Prairie strips haven’t been adopted as quickly as some other management practices,” said Cruse. “We want to look at possible obstacles to implementation, like the flexibility of converting strips back into farm ground and changes that impact soil health as well as economic factors. For a farmer to make a change it has to either be net positive or neutral at the very least.”

Farmers need more information about impacts on soil erosion, changes in soil properties, and the yield and financial benefits of improving soil health. Cruse’s team will develop a model to inform the integration of soil management practices, while simultaneously maintaining current cropping systems; their goal is to help farmers limit soil loss and improve soil health. 

“This research project has the potential to advance soil management practices that protect farm lands for generations to come, and help ensure that these farms remain profitable,” said FFAR’s Executive Director Sally Rockey. “The added benefit of this Seeding Solutions Grant is that it determines the best solution for our Midwestern corn and soybean farmers and helps them easily adopt these practices, so their farms can continue to thrive.”

FFAR’s Seeding Solutions grant program is an open call for bold ideas that address a pressing food and agriculture issues in one of the Foundation’s Challenge Areas. Iowa State’s research furthers FFAR’s 2018 Healthy Soils, Thriving Farms Challenge Area, now the Soil Health Challenge Area, which enriches soil by building knowledge, fueling innovation and enabling the adoption of soil management practices.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 4.88 million tons (163 million bushels) in February 2019, compared with 5.49 million tons (183 million bushels) in January 2019 and 4.95 million tons (165 million bushels) in February 2018. Crude oil produced was 1.90 billion pounds down 10 percent from January 2019 but up slightly from February 2018. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.29 billion pounds during February 2019 decreased 8 percent from January 2019 but increased 2 percent from February 2018.

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 449 million bushels in February 2019. Total corn consumption was down 9 percent from January 2019 and down 7 percent from February 2018. February 2019 usage included 91.7 percent for alcohol and 8.3 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 2.74 million bushels, down 4 percent from January 2019 but up 16 percent from February 2018. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 403 million bushels, was down 9 percent from January 2019 and down 7 percent from February 2018. Corn consumed in February 2019 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.2 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.69 million tons during February 2019, down 7 percent from January 2019 and down 8 percent from February 2018. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.21 million tons in February 2019, down 11 percent from January 2019 and down 4 percent from February 2018.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 250,857 tons during February 2019, down 5 percent from January 2019 and down 12 percent from February 2018. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 224,333 tons in February 2019, down 11 percent from January 2019 and down 12 percent from February 2018.



No April Fools Here - Cull Cow Prices are Up
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Cull cow prices are sharing in the Spring cattle price rally. Normally, cull cow prices increase from the Fall into late Spring, and that increase is well underway. Cow prices are climbing along with fed cattle prices.

Cow prices in the Southern Plains have increased about $13 per cwt, or 32 percent, from about $40 per cwt in January to $53 at the end of March. The meat market indicates higher values for the meat from cull cows. Ninety percent lean beef prices have climbed 10 percent to $218 per cwt since January. Over the same period the cow-beef cutout value is up 7.7 percent.

Cow Slaughter Historically Large
The rally in cow prices has come in the face of historically large slaughter. Dairy cow slaughter has exceeded 70,000 per week for that last 5 weeks. The 72,700 head sent to market the first week of March was the largest weekly dairy cow slaughter since 1986. Some readers might remember the Dairy Herd Buyout program that contributed to large dairy cow slaughter in 1986. Beef cow slaughter dropped below last year's levels by mid-March, 53,000 head compared to 56,000 head this time last year. Total beef and dairy cow slaughter is the most since drought forced movement in 2012-2013.

Some significantly higher cow prices than those in the Southern Plains have been reported in Northern markets. One of the results of the 2010-2012 Southern Plains drought has been a loss in regional cow packing capacity. New capacity in the Northwest has added value to cull cows further North.

Presumably, dairy cow marketings will decline later in the year as increased culling has an effect on milk production and prices. Some milk market recovery should lead to higher milk prices and slower culling rates. The slowing rate of growth of the beef cow herd should slow beef cow marketings. The combination of slowing culling, limiting the growth in supplies, should provide some price support.



NPPC CALLS FOR SWIFT U.S./JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATION

The National Pork Producers Council welcomed reports that the United States and Japan will commence trade negotiations on April 15, 2019 and urged the Trump administration to expeditiously complete and deliver for ratification to Congress a trade deal that puts U.S. pork producers back on a level playing field in Japan.

"U.S. pork producers are losing market share in Japan to international competitors that have recently negotiated more favorable trade terms in our most valuable market," said David Herring, NPPC's president and a pork producer from Lillington, North Carolina. "We are already seeing a decline in sales to Japan and will see market loss accelerate if we don't quickly secure competitive access to Japan."

Six countries – Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam – have implemented the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement of Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and gained more favorable access to Japan. These countries and other CPTPP implementing countries will see access to Japan steadily improve over the next ten years. Japan's recently implemented trade deal with the European Union effectively mirrors the CPTPP agreement.

According to Dr. Dermot Hayes, an economist at Iowa State University, U.S. pork will see exports to Japan grow from $1.6 billion in 2018 to more than $2.2 billion over the next 15 years if the United States quickly gains access on par with international competitors. Hayes reports that U.S. pork shipments to Japan will drop to $349 million if a trade deal on these terms is not quickly reached with Japan.

NPPC's director of international affairs, Maria Zieba, will address U.S. pork's position on the trade negotiation with Japan at the Washington International Trade Association's "Future of U.S.-Japan Trade" panel on April 3.



U.S. PORK CAN'T AFFORD LOSS OF MEXICAN MARKET

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today asked the Trump administration to carefully consider the fallout from cutting off trade between the United States and Mexico. U.S. pork producers and other American farmers are already facing mounting financial losses from retaliatory tariffs by Mexico and China. The following statement may be attributed to David Herring, president of the National Pork Producers Council and a pork producer from Lillington, North Carolina.

"A cloud of uncertainty and restricted access to our most important export markets have strained U.S. pork producers and their families for more than a year. The value of our exports to Mexico and China are down 28 percent and 32 percent, respectively, this year. We are at the breaking point and cannot afford a total loss of the Mexican market, one that accounted for more than 20 percent of total U.S. pork exports last year.

"While we recognize the importance of border security, we respectfully ask the Trump administration to proceed cautiously and consider the implications of cutting off trade with a market that is so vital for rural America. We urge the administration to end current trade disputes and to focus its efforts on the upcoming trade negotiation with Japan and the expansion of export markets for U.S. agriculture, an economic sector that reduces the U.S. trade deficit by producing some of America's most competitive export products." 



2018-2019 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report: Overall Good Quality for U.S. Corn

The quality of corn assembled for export early in the 2018-2019 marketing year was rated at U.S. grade No. 2 or better on all grade factors, based on the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, released this week.

“Corn quality information is important to foreign buyers and other industry stakeholders as they make decisions about purchase contracts and processing needs for corn for feed, food or industrial use,” said USGC Chairman Jim Stitzlein. “This report – along with its companion, the Corn Harvest Quality Report – has consistently created value for all stakeholders due to the familiarity of the information and the ability to evaluate year-to-year changes in the U.S. corn crop.”

Average test weight found by the analysis was the same as 2017/2018, indicating overall good quality. Chemical composition indicated similar protein, lower starch and slightly higher oil concentrations than the previous year. The exports had lower average stress cracks, higher average 100-kernal weight, slightly higher average kernel true density and higher average percent of whole kernels and horneous endosperm than in 2017/2018. All export samples tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for aflatoxins and below advisory levels for deoxynivalenol (DON) or vomitoxin.

The report is based on 436 export cargo samples collected from corn shipments undergoing federal inspection and grading processes at export terminals. It also provides information on grading, handling and how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.

The report is a companion to the 2018/2019 Corn Harvest Quality Report that provides information about the quality of the most recent U.S. corn crop at harvest as it enters the international merchandising channels.

The reports provide reliable information on U.S. corn quality from the farm to the customer based on transparent and consistent methodology. They each give an early view of grading factors established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), moisture content and other characteristics not reported elsewhere. Both reports identify any noticeable changes occurring between these two time periods.

The Council will roll out the new results in a series of crop quality seminars around the world beginning with one in Mexico the first week of April and more in Panama, El Salvador and Colombia in May. These outreach activities help establish clear expectations with buyers and end-users regarding the quality of corn this marketing year.

“The Council’s mission is one of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives,” said Stitzlein. “To help fulfill this mission, the Council offers this report as a service to our partners. We hope it continues in its role of providing information about the quality of the U.S. corn crop to our valued trade partners.”



E15 Expansion, Consumer Adoption Driving Terminal Growth

Growth Energy announced that consumers have surpassed 8 billion miles on E15, known to consumers as Unleaded 88, – a fuel blended with 15 percent renewable biofuel that is approved for all cars 2001 and newer. This milestone is a reflection of the growing popularity of the fuel made possible by rapid retail adoption and more terminal availability of the fuel across the nation.

“With a surge in retailer adoption and terminal availability, we’re seeing steady growth in consumer adoption as exemplified by consumers surpassing 8 billion miles on this cleaner-burning, engine-sound fuel,” said Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Mike O’Brien. “Supply of E15 into the fuel marketplace is a crucial step in further expansion, and our success with Prime the Pump has led to a steep growth in terminals offering E15 across the country. Our work with the nation’s leading independent retailers has put pressure on terminals to follow suit, causing a domino effect in their offering of E15 at their locations across most of the country.”

Consumer demand from retailers like Kwik Trip, RaceTrac, Casey’s, Cumberland Farms, and others has pushed open the doors to a ready supply of E15 at terminals. Working with Prime the Pump, Growth Energy has focused its efforts on establishing partnerships with the largest, independent players in the fuel space, which in turn has spurred a significant increase in E15 availability at terminals across the country – from five in 2017 to more than 100 today.