East Central South Dakota | Phil, we have simply done a terrible job at communicating the message---and not just ethanol, with all modern technologies as they relate to production agriculture. We just are not good at being advocates for our industry. We have all but lost the battle with GMO's which are probably the greatest gift to the planet and mankind in my farming career. Thousands of tons of pesticides taken out of the environment with the magic that is in the seed-----and yet GMO's are effectively demonized as "Franken Food". Worse yet, how we let the animal rights movement dictate animal husbandry and production policy into our cost structure. CAFO's continue to expand and independent livestock producers continue to contract.
Ethanol today is not the same ethanol as just five years ago. Five years ago we where in the bag phone stage and today somewhere between the flip phone and smart phone. That is how technology works in any industry as it matures out of the fire of the beginning forge. We are close to an "engineered high starch" line of hybrids that may or may not be GMO---which could push ethanol yields over 3 gallons a bushel. What a shame if their is no GMO or ethanol industry left to take advantage of mans ability to be innovative.
Great hearing from you Phil. Sure hope you guys pick up some moisture. I am bullish wheat with what is going on in Eastern Europe along the Russian border and cattle continue to show strength based on world demand for a premium product----people are focused on soybeans with the Argentine drought, but cattle are affected also. We just need some moisture in the Southern Plains so these producers can take advantage of some possible better pricing opportunities. |
Why do we need the rfs?
