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Teachers fueling Hoosier Horsepower
Industry Update: Renewable Fuels Standards
Ears alive!
Announcements
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| Teachers fueling Hoosier Horsepower |
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More than 350 teachers are already fueling greater awareness of our state’s production and use of biofuels through our Hoosier Horsepower program. With free, downloadable lessons, we’re helping teachers in grades K-12 use creative and interesting ways to demonstrate the importance of biofuels to the environment, the economy and our country’s energy independence. High school, middle school, and all elementary lesson plans are NOW available to download at www.colts.com/hoosierhorsepower.
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Biofuels contest
To encourage participation, we are holding grade-level contests where students have to communicate the benefits of ethanol and biodiesel through various mediums:
- High School (Grades 9-12): Video Contest
- Middle School (Grades 6-8): Radio Spot Contest
- Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5): Poster Contest
Lower Elementary (Grades K-2) can submit coloring sheets from their lesson plans for possible display and are entered to win prizes for participating in the lesson plans.
Prizes vary depending on grade level. High school students are vying for $1,000 - $1,500 scholarships. Plus, grand prize winners will have their work showcased on the Colts and ISA/ICMC websites, as well as at Fan Fest tours and Fan Zone events. Other prizes include:
- Hoosier Horsepower posters and fan cards featuring Dallas Clark
- Tour of Lucas Oil Stadium
- Autographed footballs
- Pizza parties
- Pep rally with Colts Mascot Blue
More information? www.indianabiofuels.com or www.colts.com/hoosierhorsepower
Know an educator who may be interested in this program? Be sure to tell them about www.colts.com/hoosierhorsepower.
The program has received a lot of fanfare with Colts tight end Dallas Clark serving as spokesperson. A native of Iowa’s farming community, Clark understands how a strong agricultural industry can ignite the economy, feed communities nationwide and provide cleaner, more environmentally-friendly fuel sources.
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| Industry Update: Renewable Fuels Standards |
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently revised its Renewable Fuel Standards to include new renewable fuel categories and eligibility requirements, as well as the first mandatory greenhouse gas reduction thresholds for the various categories of fuels.
These thresholds ensure that the GHG emissions of a qualifying renewable fuel are less than the GHG emissions of the 2005 average gasoline or diesel fuel that it replaces.
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How did corn ethanol and soy biodiesel fare?
With the new standards, corn ethanol and soy biodiesel are both above the reduction threshold—good news for the biofuel industry and even better news for the environment.
- Corn ethanol: According to the EPA, corn ethanol achieves a 21 percent greenhouse gas reduction compared to gasoline.
- Soy biodiesel: The EPA reports that all soy biodiesel exceeds the 50 percent reduction threshold.
The National Corn Growers Association says the new standards demonstrate that the EPA recognizes that ethanol [and other renewable fuels] provides a distinct environmental advantage over conventional gasoline.
Tax credit extension predicted for 2010
The $1/gallon tax credit for blenders of biodiesel was not extended at the end of 2009. However, many industry experts believe Congress will pass an extension this year.
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| Ears alive! |
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2009 produced a record corn yield of 165.2 bushels per acre! The record – which is more than 11 bushels higher than 2008 and nearly 15 bushels higher than 2007 – was achieved despite having seven million fewer acres and enduring what the National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen calls “one of the worst growing seasons in generations.” Most importantly, the increase in corn production – totaling 13.2 billion bushels – means there is more than enough corn grown nationally for feed, food, fuel and foreign export.
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Corn wasn’t alone in its growth spurt. According to the United Soybean Board, soybeans experienced a boost as well. The 2009 soybean production totaled 3.36 billion bushels, up 13 percent from 2008 and up 5 percent from the previous record set in 2006. The average yield per acre is 44 bushels, up .9 bushels from the previous record set in 2005. Again, more than keeping pace with the demands of the biodiesel industry.
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Announcements |
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ISA, ICMC reps Hoosier farmers at conferences |
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The Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council will be representing Indiana farmers and business people at several important conferences early this year. Conferences include the National Biodiesel Board, National Ethanol Conference (Renewable Fuel Association) and the Commodity Classic. We participate in these conferences to learn about regional or national industry programs supporting ethanol and biodiesel growth, as well as to share best practices and trade innovative ideas with other state ag associations.
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On the road again |
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The Biofuels Mobile Learning Center (BMLC) has road-tripped all over the state, from top to bottom and everywhere in between. In 2009, the BMLC visited nearly 60 venues, including the Indiana State Fair, numerous county fairs, farm and agriculture shows, and community events. More than 38,000 people walked through and learned about how biofuels are made, the many co-products of ethanol and biodiesel production, and where to buy E85 and biodiesel in the Hoosier state. Featuring educational displays, fun interactive touchscreens, videos and more, the traveling exhibit is designed to appeal to all ages.
The Biofuels Mobile Learning Center is offered at no cost, courtesy of Indiana corn and soybean farmers. You can submit an online request to bring the mobile unit to your community event online.
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