RFS Mandate Favorable to Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their finalized 2013 percentage standards for four fuel categories comprising the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) established by Congress last week. According to an EPA news release, the final 2013 overall volumes and standards require 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply, or a 9.74 percent blend. The new standard, which has been extended for compliance by four months until June 30, 2014, specifically requires 1.28 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel (1.13 percent), 2.75 billion gallons of advanced biofuels (1.62 percent) and six million gallons of cellulosic biofuels (.004 percent).

The requirements for conventional biofuels (14 billion gallons), such as corn-based ethanol, represent a cut from the original 18.15 billion gallon mandate for 2014. The mandate was credited with driving up the price of ethanol credits purchased by refiners in order to comply with the RFS edicts. “EPA’s decision represents a positive sign for consumers and should help to prevent unnecessary increases in gasoline prices,” said Jason Bornoff, director of Columbia University’s Center for Global Energy Policy.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) weighed in on the final RFS mandates for 2013, disagreeing with one of the rulings but praising the RFS and EPA, in an online Daily Update issued August 6.

“(ICGA) and Illinois Corn Marketing Board believe strongly that corn-kernel-starch ethanol should be considered part of the ‘advanced biofuels’ segment and remains committed to providing the data to support that position,” wrote Tricia Braid, ICGA communications director. “As you’re meeting with your Congressional representative during the August recess, be sure to share that this recent rulemaking demonstrates that the RFS continues to work and provides the necessary flexibility to meet the demands of the law. Because of this flexibility, no legislative changes are necessary.”

Survey: Wet Spring Affected Corn Crop

ST. CHARLES – Though a cold, wet spring delayed planting across the Midwest, Farm Futures’ first survey of 2013 production shows that record corn and soybean yields are still a possibility. According to the magazine producer’s survey, farmers could harvest 13.485 billion bushels of corn with yields averaging 155.9 bushels per acre nationwide. But the inhospitable spring weather cost farmers around one million acres in plantings compared to last year.

“Heavy rains washed out producers’ hopes in the northwest Corn Belt this spring,” reported Farm Futures senior editor and survey coordinator Bryce Knorr. “But our survey found yields consistent with estimates made from weekly crop ratings, which still show potential for a good crop. While our estimate is lower than many in the market, it still may not do much, if anything, for prices.” (For more info on the survey, visit www.FarmFutures.com.)

Corn Rootworm Emergence Delayed

URBANA – The development and emergence of corn rootworm is following the same course as crop development in 2013: late, thanks to above average precipitation throughout much of Illinois in the spring. This is according to Mike Gray, a professor and assistant dean for at University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences. Gray leads an annual survey tracking western corn rootworm emergence in research plots across Illinois.

“As we compare this year with last year it’s been a cooler, wetter summer. It’s an environmental effect of things being a little bit slower this year in crop development,” Gray said in a phone call on August 8, of the delay in corn rootworm emergence many farmers are reporting. “It’s fair to say the overall (rootworm) feeding, emergence pattern and injury to roots is much later this year. It’s not uncommon as you get into August to have some residual root feeding, to still have some lingering adult emergence.”

Though Gray wasn’t ready to talk rootworm population density numbers yet, he hopes to begin releasing more definitive information from the survey on the U of I bulletin website (www.bulletin.ipm.illinois.edu/) as early as this week.

“We just finished our digs, washings and root rating process. We haven’t really had a chance to look at the numbers, but my hope is that we will be able to get a preliminary release of some of the information for the four main rootworm studies on the website soon,” he said.

New Pork App Has State Fair Coupon

SPRINGFIELD – A new communications application for smart phones offered by the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is designed to help consumers connect with the state’s pork industry through links to Illinois Farm Families, pork recipes, cooking tips, contests and special promotions. In addition, those who activate the app can download a special food coupon for a pork product cooked at the Illinois State Fair, which runs through the end of this week.

“IPPA will begin promoting the app to consumers at various events such as the Fair,” said Erin Cleary, IPPA director of marketing and education. “This app is focused on consumers and is another avenue for us to share information with consumers about promoting the great taste and versatility of pork. Pork app subscribers will be able to download a Pork Patio coupon and also enter to win a State Fair Pork gift package valued at $80.”

The IPPA Pork Patio will again be located in the Illinois Commodities Pavillion directly across from the Grandstand at the corner of Grandstand Avenue and the Avenue of Flags. Attendees can stop by the Pork Patio to scan a QR code to download the app. (IPPA news release)

Illinois Farm Fact

Corn silked in Illinois was measured at 95 percent as of August 4– the exact percentage of the historic five-year average. (USDA-NASS Illinois Weather & Crops Report)

(Tim Alexander is a freelance reporter who writes agriculture, news and feature articles for the News Bulletin, Farm World and many other publications.)