Corn 2015 by Telegraph Webmaster

CORN 2015

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Most of corn produced locally remains in area Ethanol plants offer value-added products By LIZ MCCUE liz.mccue@nptelegraph.com

Liz McCue / The North Platte Telegraph

Corn cake is one of the by-products produced by Midwest Renewable Energy and other ethanol producers. The product is used in animal feed. Trampas Osborne, production manager at the plant, said the product is approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit as it leaves the conveyer.

For the most part, corn produced locally will stay local, according to several companies that create products such as ethanol and cattle feed in the area. Companies keep the market competitive that way, said Keith Brooks, grain merchandiser at Nebraska Corn Processing, an ethanol and grain trading company in Cambridge. Because the company creates a value-added product from the corn, it can pay more to encourage delivery direct to the ethanol plant versus using a co-op as a middleman. Brooks said earlier this week, for example, the Chicago Board of Trade closed at $3.85 per bushel on corn. NCP was offering $3.75 per bushel and Ag Valley Co-op offered $3.53. A lot of his job, he said, is researching markets in the area to remain competitive. “With low prices, the toughest [part of the job] is getting these guys to sell,” Brooks said. In Madrid, it’s beneficial for farmers in the area to sell to Mid America Agri Products/ Wheatland, another ethanol producer. CEO Robert Lundeen said the company is possibly one of few, or the only one in the country that produces biodiesel alongside ethanol. Many of the farmers

Liz McCue / The North Platte Telegraph

Trampas Osborne, production manager at Midwest Renewable Energy, stands in front of several of the ethanol plants’ distilling tanks. The plant grinds 23-27 thousand bushels of corn per day to create ethanol, as wellA s as byproducts used in animal feed. a f who sell to the company Feed Center, said most are shareholders, as are of the corn used there is t

nearby feedlots. Lundeen said the plant uses close to 16 million bushels of corn each year, all from within a 50-mile radius of the company. Many end-users, like area ethanol plants, would rather use local producers than bring in corn from elsewhere. “We’re blessed with good ground, good soil and great producers,” said Terry Tinney, commodities manager at Midwest Renewable Energy in Sutherland. Tinney said MRE uses as much corn as possible from nearby. Each day, he said, the plant grinds between 23,000-27,000 bushels of corn to produce ethanol. The by-products of ethanol, such as distillers grain and solubles, have the consistency of a liquid corn milkshake, Tinney said, and can also be used locally for cattle feed and feed production. Tracy O’Connor, manager at the North Platte

purchased from farms around North Platte and Hershey. She guessed that approximately 80 percent of what is produced in the area goes to local ethanol plants, co-ops and feed B producers. But further west of Sutherland, she m said more grains head to n the front range, for dairy farms in Colorado. t Demand can change g based on the year. Brooks said this year, there was h a greater demand in i western Kansas because i drought was more severe a there than in Nebraska. n “Because of drought over the last few years [in s Nebraska], we have had toa transport more corn from s elsewhere,” Brooks said. O NCP is more than an s ethanol plant because it h also has a grain trading o license, Brooks said. w “I definitely think in years like this,” he said, u referring to the downturn c in corn prices, “the best t bids are going to be your f end users.” t

Nebraska’s golden triangle

• USED CHRYSLER/ DODGE CARS •

14 Dodge Charger R/T AWD, Phantom Black, Hemi, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr memory heat/cool leather (rear heat), Beats 522-watt 10-speaker w/ sub, Sunroof, Navigation, Adaptive cruise, Pwr tilt/telescope, Back camera, Remote start, ALL OPTIONS DECKED EXEC!!! 13k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31785 14 Chrysler 300C AWD, v6, 8-auto, 2-auto temp, Pwr tilt/telescope, 2-pwr heat/cool leather memory seats (rear heat), Panoramic sunroof, Heat strg wheel, Navigation, Premium sound, Back camera, Remote start, Keyless-go, Pwr sunshade, HO headlamps, PREMIUM UNIT!!! 16k mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28865 14 Chrysler 300 AWD, v6, 8-auto, 2-auto temp, Pwr leather heat seat, Sirius, Blue-tooth, Keyless-go, HO lights, Auto dim mirror, Polished wheels, SHARP!! 5k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$26985 14 Dodge Challenger R/T, V8 Hemi, Auto temp, Pwr heat leather buckets, Remote start, Premium sound, Blue-tooth, Keyless-go, Park assist, SHARP!! 12k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28785 14 Chrysler 300 Uptown, v6, 8-auto, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr heat leather, Panoramic sunroof, Remote start, Navigation, Back camera, Loaded w/ Extras/ Sharp!!! 1200 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23785 14 Dodge Charger SE, 3.6v6, 2-zone a/c, Pwr seat, Auto lamps, CD, Touchscreen, Keyless-go, Travel computer, Alum wheels, Nice equipment, 15k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19800 14 Chrysler 200 Touring, 2.4Fi4, Auto temp, Pwr leather heat seat, Remote start, Sirius, HO headlamps, Travel comp, Garage door opener, Well equipped, 10k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17900 14 Dodge Dart SXT, 2.4L4, 6-autostick, Full pwr, CD, Bluetooth, 2-seat risers, HO headlamps, Auto dim mirror, Alum wheels, Strg wheel audio controls, Sharp unit!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16785 14 Chrysler 200 LX, 2.4Fi4, Full pwr, Strg wheel audio cont, Key-less entry, HO headlamps, Traction cont, Seat riser, Nice equip/ Value/ Economy, 2-choice, 11-12k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16700 14 Dodge Avenger SE, 2.4Fi4, Full pwr, Strg wheel audio cont, Key-less entry, Halogen headlamps, Traction cont, Seat riser, Nice equip, Excellent buy!! 9k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15985 13 Chrysler 300 AWD, 3.6v6, 8-auto, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr leather heated seats, Navigation, Remote comfort start, Back camera, Keyless-go, Loaded Executive, 14k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$26985 13 Dodge Avenger SXT, 3.6v6, 6-autostick, Auto temp, Pwr seat, Sunroof, Sirius, Deluxe travel comp, Fog lamps, Alum mags, Sharp unit/ well loaded, 20k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17800 13 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye, 2.0i4,Remote start, 8.4 screen, Back camera, Bluetooth, Sirius, 6-way seat, Projector lamps, Auto dim mirror, LOADED/ Sharp!! 3k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16800 13 Chrysler 200 Touring, Auto temp, Pwr seat, Key-less entry, CD, Sirius, Projector headlamps, Prog travel comp, Alum wheels, Mich tires, Well equipped, Sharp!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14440 12 Chrysler 200 Touring, v6, Auto temp, Pwr seat, Sunroof, Sirius, Deluxe travel comp, Leather wheel, Alum wheels, Loaded/ nice, Only 18k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16900 10 Chrysler 300C V8 Hemi, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr heated leather seats, Sunroof, Navigation, Boston sound, Keyless-go, Rainsense wipers, Projector headlamps, DECKED, 41k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23785 09 Chrysler 300 Touring AWD, v6, 2-auto temp, 2-Pwr leather heat seats/pedals/Sunroof, Navigation, Auto dim mirror, Chrome wheels, A Must SEE!!! 49k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17700 09 Dodge Charger SRT -8, 6.1 Hemi, Kicker surround sound, Navigation, HID lights, Sunroof, Rear video, Remote start, All the toys! Sharp/ Fast!! 28k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28888 04 Dodge Stratus ES 4dr, v6, Pwr seat, Keyless entry, CD, Travel comp (comp/temp), Auto dim mirror, Chrome/alum wheels, Loaded/ Cared for local trade!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3650

• USED CARS - OTHER BRANDS •

13 Ford Taurus Limited, 3.5v6, 2-pwr heat/cool leather seats, Sony 12-spkr sound, Remote start, Navigation, Blind spot detect, Back camera, LOADED!!! $37395 New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22885 12 Honda Civic LX, Fi4, Full power, 5-auto, 160-watt CD sound w/ strg wheel cont., Travel comp, A/C, Tilt/cruise/telescope, New tires, MPG's/ A Steal!! 34k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13995 11 Chevy Malibu LTZ, 3.6v6, Auto temp, 2-pwr leather heat seats, Sunroof, Remote start, Bose sound CD, Alum mags, Loaded/ Sharp/ Head turner color!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14745 06 Lincoln Town Car Signature, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr leather seats, Key-pad entry, Park assist, Auto dim mirror, PREMIU UNIT, 29k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A MUST SEE!!! 05 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, 3.8v6, Pwr heat leather seat/ Sunroof, Prog travel comp, Strg wheel audio controls, Polished mag wheels, Nice local trade, 87k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8885 00 Olds Intrigue GL, 3.5v6, 2-auto temp, Pwr seat, Sunroof, Key-less entry, Leather wrap strg wheel, Dual illum vanity, Alum wheels, Runs out very well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1800

• USED PICKUPS •

14 GMC 1500 Crew cab SLT Z714x4, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr heat leather bkts, Bose sound, Back camera, Value + pkg, Many extras, A MUST SEE UNIT!! 11k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39880 14 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Big Horn SB 4x4, 3.6v6, 8-auto, Pwr bucket seat, Possi, Back camera, 5.0 Bluetooth, Spray liner, 20" chrome mags, Sharp, 23 mpg, 7k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31985 13 Ram 3500 Crew Cab SLT Flatbed 4x4, Cummins, 6-autostick Aisin, Katzkin pwr heat leather 40/20/40 seat, 5.0 Touchscreen bluetooth, HD flatbed, Super puller, 39k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JUST IN 13 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Outdoorsman SB 4x4, Hemi, 8-spd auto, Navigation, Remote start, Luxury group, Tubes, Possi, Tow pkg, Loaded, 17k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$33785 13 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT SB 4x4, Hemi, Pwr seat, All auto dim mrs, Bluetooth, Travel comp, Spray liner, Alum mags, Premium Executive unit, 8k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31400 13 Ram 1500 Quad cab Outdoorsman SB 4x4, Hemi, Pwr heat seat, Heat strg wheel, Navigation, Back camera, 3.92 possi, Spray liner, Tubes, Loaded w/ extras, 22k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28900 12 Ram 2500 Crew Cab Laramie SB 4x4, Cummins, 6-autostick 2-auto temp, 2-pwr leather heat/cool buckets, Remote start, Navigation, Back camera, Tubes, DECKED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$41785 12 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Big Horn SB 4x4, Hemi, Pwr seat, Auto lamps, Keyless entry, Sirius, Fog lamps, Tow pkg, Polished alum wheels, Very sharp local trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27700 12 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT SB 4x4, Hemi, Leather, Keyless, 6-autostick, Tow pkg, Pwr slide window, 3.55 gears, Alum wheels, Runs strong, Solid, 32k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24900 11 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Longhorn Rambox 4x4, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr heat/cool leather buckets, Navigation, Rear video, Remote start, Back camera, All the toys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$34900

10 Chevy 1500 Ext Cab 4dr LTZ SB 4x4, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr heated leather w/ memory, Sunroof, Bose sound, Remote start, Chrome pkg, Sharp/ Decked!!!.. 56k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27700 08 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab Laramie LB 4x4, Cummins, 6-auto, 2-pwr heat leather seats, 2-zone a/c, Sunroof, Premium sound, 3.73 possi, Loaded, Nice!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27785 07 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab LT SB 4x4, 5.3v8, Full power, Remote entry, Auto dim mr, Comp/temp, Spray liner, Tow pkg, Ali-arc alum grille guard, Solid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15900 06 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab Laramie 8' box 2WD, 5.9 HO Cummins, Leather, Pwr heat seat/ pedals, Fiberglass boards, 5th wheel ball, Loaded local unit/ Sharp!! 93k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24750 05 Dodge 1500 Quad cab SLT Sport SB 4x4, 5.7 Hemi, Pwr seat, Keyless entry, Fold flat storage, Box liner, Receiver hitch, Alum mags, OWL tires, Solid unit, Runs nice!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9850 03 Ford Ranger Ext cab 4dr FX4 4x4, 4.0v6, Level II pkg, Full pwr, CD/cass, Fog lamps, Skid plates, Hitch, Alum wheels, Near new tires, Very good shape!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8950 00 Dodge 1500 Reg Cab SLT 8' box 4x4, 5.9v8, Full pwr, Tow pkg, HD cooling, 3.55 gears, Alum wheels, 35 gal fuel tank, Box liner, Solid/ Run out good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5950

• USED S.U.V & CROSS-OVER VEHICLE •

14 Dodge Durango SSV AWD, 5.7L Hemi, 8-autostick, 3-auto temp, Pwr seat, 5.0 Touchscreen bluetooth, Keyless-go, Back camera, Tow pkg, Mags, Loaded, 1k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$32965 14 Dodge Journey Limited AWD, 3-zone auto temp, Pwr heat seat, Heat steering wheel, Remote start, Back camera, Flex seating, Key-less go, Well loaded, 12k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$26700 13 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD, Hemi, 2nd row buckets, Navigation, Rear video, Sunroof, 4-heated seats/ cooled front, Premium sound, Back camera, Adaptive Cruise, Fully Decked Executives, All Options, (3) choices, 16 - 26k mi, Starting . . .$38785 13 Dodge Durango R/T AWD, Hemi, 3-auto temp, 2-pwr heated leather, 2nd row heat, Remote start, Navigation, HID lights, Back camera, Decked eye catcher, 20k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$36785 13 Dodge Journey SXT Hero AWD, 7-pass flex seating, 3-zone a/c, Pwr seat, Keyless-go, Proximity sensor, Alum wheels, Well equipped sharp unit!!! 25k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22900 12 Dodge Journey R/T Heat AWD, 2-auto temp, Pwr leather heated seat, Premium sound, Back camera, Keyless-go, Bluetooth, Remote start, Loaded Executive/ Sharp!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22500 12 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4, 3.6v6, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr heat leather buckets, 506-watt sound, Navigation, Keyless-go, Loaded/ Sharp/ Nice/ New shoes, 46k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25775 11 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4, Hemi, Navigation, Panoramic sunroof, 4-heated leather, Air suspension, Fully Decked Unit!!!, 37k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$33785 10 Dodge Nitro SXT 4x4, 4.0v6, Pwr seat, Remote start, 6-CD premium sound, Sirius, Bluetooth, Park assist, Tow pkg, Chrome 20 wheels, LOADED/SHARP!!!, 40k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18900 10 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4 8-pass, Power seat, Rear heat & a/c, Remote entry, Auto dim mirror, Fog lamps, Boards, Tow pkg, Mags, New tires, Local trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14900 09 Ford Escape Limited 4x4, V6, Leather, Pwr seat, Sunroof, 6-CD, Bluetooth sync, Auto dim mirror, Hitch, Mags, Extremely sharp local trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14785 04 Chevy Tahoe Z71 4x4, 3-auto temp, 2-pwr leather memory buckets/ pedals, Rear buckets, Rear video, Sunroof, Bose sound, Solid/ Clean/ Sharp local trade!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9945 04 Chevy Trailblazer LT 4x4, 2-auto temp, 2-pwr heat leather seats/ pedals, CD/cass Bose sound, Moulded boards, Alum mags, New tires, Loaded/ Premium unit, SHARP!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7985 00 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4, 4.0LFiI6, Pwr leather seat, Key-less entry, CD/Cass, Fog lamps, Travel comp, Hitch, Alum wheels, Very nice, Excellent condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5750

• USED MINI-VANS •

14 Chrysler Town/Country L, 3-auto temp, 2-pwr leather seats/pedals, 4-heat seats, Heat strg wheel, Remote start, Rear video, Keyless-go, Safety tec, Back camera, Loaded!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28700 14 Chrysler Town/Country Touring, 3-auto temp, Pwr leather seat, Navigation, Rear video, Back camera, Blue-tooth, Sharp/ Low mile/ Extras, 8k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27765 14 Chrysler Town/Country Touring, 3-auto temp, Pwr leather seat, Rear video, Back camera, Auto dim mirror, Blue-toooth, Alum wheels, Well loaded, 7k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$26785 14 Chrysler Town/Country Touring, 3-auto temp, Pwr leather seat, Rear video, Back camera, Blue-tooth, Deluxe remove center console, Well equipped, 13k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25885 14 Chrysler Town/Country Touring, 3-auto temp, Pwr leather seat, Rear video, Back camera, Blue-tooth, 6.5 screen, Auto dim mr, Mags, Well equipped, 21k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24885 14 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, 3-zone a/c, Pwr seat/pedals/doors/lift-gate, Strg wheel audio cont, Travel comp, Super console, Mag wheels, Well equipped, 12k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20985 11 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew, 3-auto temp, Pwr seat 4-heated seats, Navigation, Rear video, Back camera, Premium sound, Rain-sense, Fully Decked Executive, 15k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23885 10 Chrysler Town/Country Touring, Stow-n-go, 3-zone a/c, Pwr seat/pedals/doors/lift-gate, Travel comp, Comp temp, Mags, Choice condition local trade, 49k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16700 10 Chrysler Town/Country Touring, 3-zone a/c, Pwr seat/pedals/doors/liftgate, Sirius, Fog lamps, Deluxe rear overhead console, Mag wheels, Local trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12800 10 Dodge Grand Caravan SE, Pwr seat, 3-zone a/c, Keyless entry, Travel comp, Comp/temp, Alum wheels, Stow-n-go, Well maintained/ Cared for!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10750 08 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, 4.0v6, Swivel go, 3-auto temp, 2-pwr leather seat (4-heat), Sunroof, Pwr 3rd seat, 506 watt sound, Navigation, 2-rear video, Decked unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11700 08 Chevy Uplander LS Extended, v6, Quad seats, Power seat, Rear heat - a/c, Keyless entry, CD 8-spkr sound, Travel comp, Mags, Excellent condition local trade, 90k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7975

• FULL SIZE VAN •

14 Ford E350 XLT Club wagon 10/12 Passenger, 5.4v8, Full pwr, Keyless entry, Travel comp, Park sense, Traction cont, Boards, Michelin tires & more. Nice!! 28k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24700

s m i

u t b s a p e The Nebraska Corn Board s

No state is better situ- p ated with corn, livestock K and ethanol than Nebras- a ka, which the Nebraska s Corn Board refers to as c “Nebraska’s Golden Tri- w angle.” p Nebraska is the third b largest producer of corn s in the country, second in ethanol production and distillers grains (the feed ingredient produced by ethanol plants), second in cow-calf production and first in cattle on feed. It’s also an important location for the production of renewable corn-based polymers. This means corn farmers have solid markets for corn — ethanol and livestock — while the two-dozen ethanol plants across the state then provide renewable fuel and a feed ingredient for the livestock industry, giving cattle feeders in Nebraska more feed options and an advantage over feeders in other states. The cattle sector then provides high-quality, corn-fed beef to people across town, throughout the country and around the world. In essence, Nebraska’s Golden Triangle is a perfect way to add value to corn — via a renewable biofuel, distillers grains and meat production — all within Nebraska’s borders, providing an incredible economic engine for the state. The significant economic impact of these sectors was analyzed by the University of Nebraska Department of Agricultural Economics.

CORN 2015

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

Prices fluctuate with supply By RALPH CHAPOCO ralph.chapoco@nptelegraph.com

Courtesy photo

Ag Valley Cooperative’s grain manager Tim Goding said corn prices have declined recently because of the available supply. Optimal weather conditions and more farmers choosing to grow corn have flooded corn into the market, causing prices to drop.

Corn farmers have been collecting less revenue from their crop in recent years, and they can blame favorable weather conditions and stagnant worldwide demand. Tim Goding, grain manager at North Platte’s Ag Valley Cooperative, said corn prices are affected by both the supply and demand of the product, and currently, economic factors are depressing the price. According to the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association website, several factors contribute to corn prices including the world economy, weather, production and speculation. “The December report is coming out, so we will know soon enough,” Goding said. “For most of the fall, there has been a lot of corn available, so

that has caused prices to fall recently.” One large component that determines price is the available supply. Goding said weather has been favorable, increasing the yield of farmers. “The crop will grow between 70 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit,” Goding said. “High temperatures can stress the pollination of the crop, and it was not that hot during the summer months, so it was a very efficient yield.” Water is another contributing factor to yield. There was generally enough rainfall in the Midwest to sustain the 2014 crop. More farmers have also been choosing to grow the product. There were corn shortages due to severe droughts in the past few years and that caused a spike in the commodity’s price. When farmers saw the amount of revenue

they could get from growing it, many decided to focus their effort on corn, said Extension educator Randy Saner, of Nebraska Extension-North Platte. The supply has finally caught up with demand and prices have adjusted as a result. However, farmers continue to grow corn and that has created a glut in the market, causing a lower-than-average price, Saner said. “If they like the price they are getting and if they believe they will get more profit from corn, then they choose it,” Goding said. “Right now, farmers want to grow corn.” This does not include worldwide production. Saner said farmers from other countries are also growing corn. That puts further downward pressure as they introduce their products in the market.

The other price component is demand, and currently there has not been a significant increase in demand to offset the additional supply. The grower’s association website lists several uses for corn, from ethanol and food to feed use for farm animals. Although domestic demand remains strong, other countries are buying less corn and that has an impact, Goding said. “The ethanol sector has been good,” Goding said. “The livestock sector has been good. The drop has been in exports. People in countries such as Japan and Mexico have been the largest consumers, but they are not using as much corn this year.” Only time will tell if this trend continues. Weather patterns can change and cause shortages. If that happens, the fortunes of corn farmers could change.

Farming pits producers against Mother Nature By MIKAYLA WISEMAN mikayla.wiseman@ nptelegraph.com

Being a farmer means taking risks. Nothing is guaranteed. Farmers may work hard preparing land, sowing, growing and fertilizing, but sometimes they are simply at the mercy of nature. Last summer’s hailstorms, for example, had a devastating impact on some area corn growers. Other weather conditions, such as snow and drought, have a considerable effect on corn production as well. Sometimes, these unpredictable conditions can aid growth, but when the weather takes a toll, farmers must make up for their losses. Recovery isn’t always simple, though, with so many factors that come into play. Hailstorms, in particular, can be disastrous to corn growers, mostly because it not only destroys the corn itself but also the crop residue that protects soil and reduces evaporation from the soil surface. “This is No. 1 in crop production,” said Bob Klein, crops specialist at Nebraska Extension-North Platte. “We can do a lot of good things with good crop residue. It protects the soil and also breaks up rain droplets, so you get much more

Benefits of crop residue

Disaster programs While there are countless insurance programs farmers can participate in, some of the most popular options are through USDA Farm Service Agency, which offers several disaster programs including: n Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE) Authorized by the Farm Bill in 2008, this revenue-based program provides benefits for crop losses that occur as a result of weather or natural disasters. It takes into consideration both quantity and quality, and a producer effective rainfall soaking in the soil.” Otherwise, he said, rain droplets seal the surface so the soil gets only limited intake of rain. In effect, hailstorms or wind erosion can cause corn growers to lose two ways — with the crop itself and also the residue. “If it’s early enough, you can take the time to replant,” Klein said. “If it occurs later, farmers basically have to take what they get. They look for the best alternative for when something like the hailstorms [last summer] occurred.” However, Klein notes that dealing with crop loss depends on a lot more than just the severity of the weather and when it occurs in the growing season. How farmers choose to plant their crops and even the type of herbicides used can determine

must have all crops of economic value covered by a crop insurance policy or through the Non-Insurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program. n Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) This program provides financial aid to farmers affected by drought, flood, tornadoes or other natural disasters. Eligible crops commercial crops as well as controlled-environment crops such as mushrooms and specialty crops such as honey. — USDA Farm Service Agency, fsa.usda.gov/FSA/

their options in the face of disaster. “With some of the herbicides we use, you cannot plant back some shorter-season crops,” Klein said. “Corn tolerates some herbicides but not all herbicides. If you take corn, one of the things you have is crop insurance and crop revenue coverage programs that you want to participate in. That makes a big difference too.” In addition to insurance and disaster programs, farmers can reduce their risks by planting a number of different crops and spreading out on their farms. Otherwise, on a farm where crops are grown close together, they could potentially be wiped out by a severe storm. “When you spread out, the chances of hail hitting all areas is reduced,” Klein said. “What is

subject to risk is what farmers have to look at.” However, unpredictable weather isn’t all dread and disaster. The recent snow storms, for instance, have provided great moisture and cover. Klein said that when the soil is dry, it warms and cools about six times faster than moist soil — so the snow has given the soil good insulation. “In conditions like this,” Klein said, “the ground freezes and stays frozen. It’s when we have dry soil that we have more problems with [the winter season]. We can never have too much moisture.”

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Crop residue — corn plant material that remains after harvest including leaves, stalks and roots — is highly important to farmers and offers a number of benefits, according to Bob Klein, crops specialist with Nebraska Extension-North Platte. Good crop residue: n increases rainfall intake rates by 10 times in just one hour. n cuts irrigation requirements by roughly 20 percent. n reduces moisture evaporation from the soil surface. n keeps natural carbon in the soil for use as organic matter. n reduces soil erosion by as much as 90 percent.

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CORN 2015

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Technology plus comfort equals better combines By KAMIE STEPHEN kamie.stephen@nptelegraph.com

Combines, a pivotal part of corn harvesting, have been around since 1834. Although today’s combines do the same job as those created over 180 years ago, technology has allowed them to evolve, making the job of a harvester easier. The first models, invented by Hiram Moore, were pulled by horse, ox or mule teams. Today, combines can practically drive themselves using technologies such as John Deere’s AutoTrac RowSense and Case IH’s AFS AccuGuide. “The purpose of a combine has stayed the same, but the comfort features keep evolving,” said Rich Ten Eyck, location manager of Plains Equipment Group. During harvest, workers often spend 12-16 hours a day in the field. Ten Eyck said due to the long shifts, comfort features are essential. “Combines are made to be as efficient as possible while reducing operator fatigue,” Ten Eyck said. “The more comfortable the operator, the less tired he is, and the more aware he is of what’s going on around him,” said Rex Reece, of Titan Machinery. Operator awareness is essential for the safety of harvest workers. This is one reason combine manufacturers have increased visibility in the cab in the last several years, with some models like those in the John Deere S series boasting a 180 degree view of the fields. “The visibility is very good,” Reese said of the Case IH Axial-Flow com-

bine. “A lot of that is for safety reasons.” He added that visibility into the grain tank from the cab allows a driver to check the cleanliness of the grain and acts as a secondary check for grain levels. The increased visibility, partnered with other features, allows operators to spend more time in the cab, instead of climbing in and out. Almost every aspect of the combine can be controlled from the driver’s seat of many models, including rotor rpm, fan speed and the main chaffer. In fact, drivers can even control other harvesting equipment from the cab with technology such as John Deere’s Machine Sense, which allows the combine operator to control grain carts using a total of 10 machines connected to a single network. Operators who utilize this type of technology are able to control the speed of tractors and grain carts traveling next to them, reducing spillage and stress. With the evolution of combines and the technology within them occurring at a fast pace, farmers tend to upgrade on a fairly regular basis. “Some farmers will trade every 1-3 years,” Ten Eyck said. Those in the market for a new combine can expect to pay anywhere from $275,000 to over $500,000, depending on what options they choose. Heads can cost an additional $80,000$130,000 Some extras, such as air conditioning, now come standard, but similar to

Photos by Kamie Stephen / The North Platte Telegraph

Combines have gotten larger over the last several years to allow for more efficiency and visibility. Larger cab sizes allow operators to remain more comfortable on the job. FAR LEFT: Spacious cabs and streamlined controls are important to prevent operator fatigue. Many combine operators spend 12-16 hours in the field, according to Rich Ten Eyck, location manager of Plains Equipment Group. LEFT: Digital Cornerpost displays are easy to read and give the harvester complete information about the combine’s performance, including forward speed, engine rpm and power usage. the automobile industry, there are a lot of customization options. “The combines have options that can be tailored to fit your needs,” said Ten Eyck, noting that each one is produced individually. Some farmers opt for premium seat packages with heated leather seats and advanced lumbar support. Premium sound systems are available that include CD players, Bluetooth functionality and MP3 support. Many cab packages include refrigerators, allowing the

operator to keep plenty of water and their lunch in the cab. “The most impressive feature with a new combine today is the data that’s available through the displays and the receivers,” Ten Eyck said. Information such as bushels per acre, moisture content and ground speed can be measured and recorded. “It will document all that stuff for future reference so farmers can go back and look at it after harvest,” said Ten Eyck,

adding that the documentation helps farmers assess data to see which field did the best and where problems occurred so they can plan for next year. In-cab displays show a variety of information including overviews of speed, power usage and fuel consumption. “You can monitor all the main functions of the combine from the cab,” Reece said. Key machine functions including engine speed settings, calibration and implement settings, re-

mote valve times and flow control can be fine tuned using the displays. Many of the displays also feature built in cameras so the farmer can keep an even closer eye on the harvesting process. Between the technological advancements and the ability to customize the machines down to the smallest details, modern combines are making harvesting easier than ever. “The stress is considerably less than what it was even five years ago,” Reece stated.

Drones may be farming equipment of the future By LIZ MCCUE liz.mccue@nptelegraph.com

For years, farmers and ranchers have spent much of their time going through pastures and fields to check conditions on their property. The development of unmanned aircraft systems — drones — could change that, depending on rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration. Already, the FAA has approved one company — Advanced Aviation Solu-

tions in Spokane, Wash. — to pilot a drone for the purpose of conducting “photogrammetry and crop scouting,” according to the FAA regulatory docket. The FAA granted the exemption on Jan. 6. Otherwise, it is illegal for commercial use of drones without an exemption, but FAA restrictions could change in the future as insight into drone technology in the United States grows. Tim Shaver, nutrient

management specialist at Nebraska Extension-North Platte, said he sees a lot of potential for using drones in agriculture. Already, he’s received questions about whether drones could be used in certain situations — by a rancher to check if water tanks had frozen, for example. “Something as simple as a bird’s eye view could be really helpful,” Shaver said. Some of the concern in using drones is the

potential for accidents in collisions with manned aircraft. Farms and ranches in less populated areas could be ideal locations for drone use. As a researcher, Shaver is also working with a colleague at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying how drones equipped with sensors can assist in crop consulting to find locations where crop health could be under stress. This potential has caught the attention of agricultural businesses too. Justin Atwood, customer support manager for Landmark Implement, is considering how drones could be used as agricultural management solutions and integrated solutions to help support farmers. Atwood is based in Holdrege and sees great potential in how using drones can help solve problems in a field before they begin. Using a near-infrared camera can identify

temperatures in a field. Crops at a lower temperature could be a sign of stress, from insects, lack of water, fungus or a myriad of other reasons. Viewing the field from the air, though, with a drone equipped with GPS, could speed up the process in which a farmer identifies the location of the issue. “It’ll identify places before the naked eye,” Atwood said. The same process can be done with a satellite but not as quickly. “You might order today and you might not get it back for several days or a week,” he said of ordering images from a satellite. “You can’t make as much of a real-time decision.” With a drone, he said, a farmer can launch from the bed of a pickup, take images of a field, return to his home and send the images to a company that would send the stitched image of the field back by the following morn-

ing with GPS locations pinpointing possible problems. Atwood said Landmark Implement is going to apply for an exemption with the FAA to see if they could add the service. He has already been looking at several drone companies to see which have the best products for the region. “We’re still learning in hopes that someday soon this will take off,” Atwood said, “no pun intended.” Shaver said that he thinks drones will be applicable for farms of all sizes, and that prices would become more manageable if the FAA were to open drone usage to farms and ranches. Even now, he said, $1,000 can buy a functional unit that could carry a GoPro camera. Larger drones would be needed to transport heavier devices. “It will be a pretty big business once it gets started,” Shaver said.

CORN 2015

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

Irrigation practices move toward efficiency Producers use personal preference of systems By RALPH CHAPOCO ralph.chapoco@nptelegraph.com

North Platte farmers have choices when it comes to irrigating their corn crops, and technology has made some techniques more efficient than others. Farmers can choose three different systems for irrigating, from channel irrigation that floods sections of an area to drip irrigation that waters crops underground and sprinkler systems. The different techniques have their advantages and drawbacks. Many of the newer techniques can save money, but the initial capital investment and switching cost can be high and may not be worth the transition. Extension educator Randy Saner, from Nebraska Extension-North Platte, said the savings comes from reduced water usage. The more traditional techniques are less efficient and therefore more costly. Saner said the more conventional systems use more water generally and allow water to evaporate, making less available for crops. The most traditional system is channel irrigation. A farmer will install pipes in planted rows and then flood each channel until water covers the entire length of the ditch. When the channel is empty, the process begins again. “It is very labor intensive,” Saner said. “A farmer has to lay pipes during the beginning of

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Lateral move irrigation systems, or pivots, provide water to many corn crops in west central Nebraska. Randy Saner said this type of system is more efficient than channel irrigation systems because there is less evaporation as the machine waters the crops.

Photos by Ralph Chapoco / The North Platte Telegraph

Extension educator Randy Saner, from Nebraska Extension-North Platte, kneels before valves that are part of the drip irrigation system that provides water to the corn crop. Saner said this irrigation system is one of the more efficient irrigation methods since the person can control the amount of water used and there is no evaporation since it is underground. the season and then monitor each row to make sure there is water in it. Water has to get all the way to the other end.” Saner said it is the least cost-effective system because it takes a lot of water to flood the channel. Another system is lateral or pivot irrigation systems in which a machine moves across the field and sprays water on the crop. The farmer can control the amount of water sprayed as the machine moves across the field. The farmer still has to monitor the system, but not as extensively. “Evaporation becomes less of an issue because water is trapped in the crop,” Saner said. “Corn stocks grow pretty high so water can’t escape.” Pivots can be costly, though. Saner said

some systems can cost $250,000-$500,000, and they can be limiting. “Some fields are too small for lateral or pivot irrigation systems, so the farmer may have to use another method.” Some farmers may be unwilling to learn a technically-advanced system. The final system is drip irrigation that waters crops underground. This is the most cost effective system because water is delivered directly to the root of the crop where it is needed. Water can also be tightly controlled with minimal evaporation. Socio-demographics and longevity play a role in the type of system that is used, Saner said. Channel irrigation may be labor intensive, but that was not an issue in the past. “People had larger

families before,” Saner said. “Therefore, farmers had help. Now that is not typical. Children do not usually work in the field anymore.” A system change may not be worth it. Saner said some farmers have been working for a long time and are ready to retire, so it doesn’t make sense for them to update their irrigation methods. Moving forward, however, Saner said cost will play a significant role. “Agriculture is not a stable industry because of nature,” Saner said. “There are droughts and other issues. The best farms are low-cost ones. The more expensive are the ones that go out of business.” For most farmers, decreasing cost will be a priority, compelling farmers to be more cost efficient.

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Channel irrigation, also known as gravity irrigation that often uses a field of pipes, is the most labor intensive and least efficient form of irrigation but is still used by many producers in the area.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

CORN 2015

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Genetics help corn resist insects, herbicides NP expert says consumers have nothing to fear when it comes to GMO products By KAMIE STEPHEN kamie.stephen@nptelegraph.com

A GMO is a genetically modified organism, according to Randy Saner, an Extension educator for Nebraska Extension-North Platte. To create a GMO, genes or bacteria from one plant are extracted and placed into another plant. GMOs are being utilized in many crops including corn, rice and soybeans. The use of GMOs helps researchers create seeds that are hardier, resistant to insects and able to produce a higher yield. “[GMO corn] stands better, and there are fewer problems with down corn in the fields,” Saner said. “It’s a more viable plant because it’s stronger.” Some plants have modified genes that allow them to be more resistant to pesticides. For example, some sweet corn is genetically engineered to produce its own insecticide called Bacillus thuringiensis or BT Toxin. This allows the plant to defend itself against specific insects. “This was mainly developed to fight root worms in corn,” Saner said. When an insect consumes BT Toxin it destroys the insect’s

gut. BT toxin occurs naturally and is safe for humans. Now that some corn can produce BT Toxin on its own, “GMOs have really helped us reduce the use of pesticides in the U.S.,” Saner said. There is a downside to the corn producing its own pesticides. “The biggest challenge as we develop corn is that some of the insects are also developing immunity,” Saner said. This is the reason, Saner said, that GMOs can’t be the only way to control pests. In order to keep insects from becoming resistant to BT Toxin, a certain amount of non-GMO corn has to be planted so insects breed with those who’ve developed an immunity. This is called insect resistance management. Along with corn that can resist insects, scientists have created corn that is also more resistant to herbicides. This type of corn is often referred to as Round-up ready. “Round-up ready corn is corn that has been genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide Round-up that’s sprayed over fields to kill weeds,” Saner said. Round-up is the brand name of the herbicide glyphosate, which is pro-

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that draws in nitrogen from the air. This nitrogen is stored in a nitrogen nodule in the roots of the plant. When the plant dies, the nitrogen is released into the soil as it decays, making the soil more fertile. If corn plants were able to use nitrogen in that same way, it would reduce the need for ammonium nitrate fertilizer, Saner said. Another modification being studied is drought tolerance. “They’re finding resistant genes in plants that are more drought tolerant and putting those into corn so less water can be used during a drought,” Saner said. Companies such as Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer are currently testing drought-resistant Courtesy photo hybrids. Saner believes that geCorn seeds can be genetically modified to be resistant to either insects and herbicides or both. Some consumers worry about the affects of eating GMO products, netically modified crops but one local expert says GMO foods go through a long series of tests prior to being are vital to continue feeding the world’s growing released for consumption. population. “I don’t know how He explained that duced by Monsanto. impacts. We’ve got severwe’re going to feed all before the food is ever al years of study on that “Some varieties have the people in the world approved for human con- now.” both of these genes in as it grows without using sumption, it goes through All GMO research is them,” Saner said. GMOs. I don’t think we a long series of tests, heavily regulated by the The process to create corn with both insect-re- some including livestock. Food and Drug Adminis- can do it with traditional One example of this is tration, the Environmen- breeding,” Saner said. sistant and herbicide-reMany of the improvewhen Round-up ready tal Protection Agency sistant genes is somements that can be made corn was being tested, and U.S. Department of times called stacking. in a few years with GMOs two fields were planted Agriculture. “This is just stacking “There are some things would take thousands of of traits that will benefit and grazed. years with traditional One field contained you just can’t do. What the corn,” Saner said. breeding, he said. regular corn, and the othyou can do, you have to Saner stated that For those who aren’t have approval for,” Saner consumers have nothing er contained the Roundconvinced that they up ready corn. Cattle said. to fear when it comes to grazed on both fields, Saner says researchers want to consume GMOs, products such as genetiand the studies found are exploring other ways buying non-GMO food cally modified corn. is still an option. Saner no negative impacts on to use GMOs to improve “Most people worry says when GMO crops are performance. plants. about eating GMOs,” planted, a certain num“The animals seemed One hope is that Saner said. ber of non-GMO crops to do just as well on someday corn will use must be planted as well. either field in the areas nitrogen more efficient“It’s good we have a of body gain and the rate ly. Some plants produce of gain,” Saner said, “All their own nitrogen using choice — you can go one of the animal research on nitrogen fixation. A bacway or another,” Saner GMOs found no negative teria grows in the plant said.

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THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

CORN 2015

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

NCTA offers students chance to learn in a cornfield Programs provide hands-on experience By MARY CRAWFORD NCTA News Service

CURTIS — Classroom lectures may be the traditional academic venue at college, but for some agronomy students at Curtis, learning comes in the cornfield. An education-research partnership between the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and a Nebraska seed company is yielding results. Last season, Dr. Brad Ramsdale, NCTA agronomy professor, worked with NCTA alumnus Marty Shafer, of Arapahoe, who is district sales manager with Producers Hybrids, to coordinate a corn research field at Curtis. They planted in side-byside, single-pass corn test plots at the NCTA farm, located just north of campus, and conducted four

Production History Bushel Year Total Ave. 1900....... 191,100,000....... 26 1920....... 242,891,000....... 33 1940........95,489,000.........21 1960.......333,438,000........51 1980.......603,500,000....... 85 2000..... 1,014,300,000....126 2001......1,139,250,000....147 2002.......940,800,000......128 2003......1,124,200,000....146 2004......1,319,700,000....166 2005..... 1,270,500,000....154 2006......1,178,000,000....152 2007..... 1,472,000,000....160 2008..... 1,393,650,000....163 2009..... 1,575,300,000....178 2010.......1,469,100,000....166 2011...... 1,536,000,000....160 2012...... 1,292,200,000....139 2013...... 1,623,500,000....170 — Data from Nebraska Agriculture Statistics

Nebraska production continues to increase The Nebraska Corn Board Corn production in terms of bushels produced by acre have increased dramatically over the years — growing from 26 bushels per acre produced in Nebraska in the 1900s to 170 bushels per acre produced in the state in 2013. Nationally, the numbers are similar, with corn yields across the country averaging nearly 160 bushels per acre in 2013, resulting in a record 13.9 billion-bushel crop. This incredible runup in production — with farmers producing more corn from the same acre — allows corn to be used in many new ways. Food usage in terms of sweet corn remains quite small — less than 1 percent of acres produce sweet corn. Traditional markets such as livestock and poultry feed remain steady, using corn and corn co-products like distillers grains, which come from corn ethanol plants. Corn exports around the world have also remained steady through the years. Yet corn production continue to grow. One important use for corn that expanded rapidly over the last decade is ethanol. To make this clean-burning, renewable fuel, corn starch is converted to sugar and fermented. The rest of the kernel then comes back as feed for livestock and poultry — meaning from every bushel you get fuel and feed.

several times each growing season. An added bonus was producers’ work in measuring grid soil samples on the entire farm and supplied NCTA with soil maps regarding soil composition for precision agriculture and crop management, Ramsdale said. This winter, Shafer will be delivering a weigh wagon for the college to use year-round on the corn plots and also on other research plots that Ramsdale manages at the college for corn and soybeans in a partnership with All Points Cooperative. Agronomists and company researchers are in Photo courtesy of Brad Ramsdale the NCTA field about four times during the growing Harvest at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis last fall includ- season, Shafer said. At ed weighing corn as came out of the combine in corn test plots managed by the harvest time, students NCTA agronomy division in conjunction with Producers Hybrids company. The part- can assist in operating nership yields results for agriculture students and corn varieties. the combine or grain cart, and are on site to interact with company advisors. crops locally and interact Ramsdale said. field trials on 60 hybrids, “We support students with students as they The partnership is a Ramsdale said. and those going into study corn production,” win-win, said Shafer, “Typically, test plots production agriculture Shafer said. who graduated from the around the region are and are looking ahead to The college acquires done to get a better under- two-year technical college the future,” Shafer said. donated seed corn for its in 1984 with a major in standing of a company’s crops and benefits from existing hybrids and some agricultural mechanics. “We enjoy working with company agronomists and Ramsdale and our future “This program allows of the new ones they are us to gain research, study researchers being on site studying for release,” young producers.”

In addition to the irrigated plots, dryland research by Ramsdale examines cropping systems without irrigation on various combinations of corn, wheat and fallow. NCTA also has some continuous corn for measuring production results. Ramsdale instructs students on gathering data and standardizing results for moisture in determining yields. They use a weigh wagon and the NCTA combine for harvest, then adjusting yields to the industry standard of 15.5 percent. Industry partnerships with the NCTA agronomy division are important to NCTA’s mission, said Ron Rosati, NCTA dean. “Work at corn plots at the NCTA farm are valuable hands-on skills for our students, as well as gaining research data for area corn growers,” Rosati said. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with our agribusiness partners.” For agronomy program details, see ncta.unl.edu or contact Ramsdale at 1-800-3CURTIS.

CORN 2015

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Oil could drive down ethanol profits, but industry shielded SHENANDOAH, Iowa (AP) — Roughly 100 grain trucks a day filled with corn continued to flow into the Green Plains ethanol plant in southwest Iowa this week — even as crude oil prices continued to collapse. Oil prices may have dipped below $50 a barrel for the first time since April 2009, but ethanol plants across the nation continue to operate at a brisk pace in order to satisfy a domestic and export demand that hasn’t weakened. The cheap oil will likely cut into ethanol profits because refiners will want to pay less for the corn-based fuel additive, but the industry is somewhat shielded by a federal biofuel mandate and the need to boost octane in gasoline. Plus, ethanol producers could thrive beyond the current strong demand if exports or gasoline consumption grow more than expected. Ethanol accounts for about 10 percent of U.S. gasoline, and remains cheaper than anything else refiners could use to deliver the octane varieties drivers expect at the pump such as premium gasoline. “I think we have a permanent place in the fuel supply,” said Todd Becker, CEO of Omaha, Nebraska-based Green Plains. But the federal biofuels standard, which plays an important role in the ethanol market, could change sometime this year. The Environmental Protection Agency has suggested it might relax some of the targets that Congress has set, such as lowering the 2014 corn-based ethanol standard from 14.4 billion gallons to 13 billion gallons. Yet, industry experts

think it’s unlikely the standard will be reduced significantly from current levels. Even with the unknowns, ethanol producers can count on domestic demand of about 13.5 billion gallons as long as gasoline consumption remains around 135 billion gallons a year, University of Illinois agricultural economist Scott Irwin said. That could grow if consumers — spurred by low gas prices — decide to drive more or invest in larger vehicles, but Irwin noted that generally only happens once consumers believe the cheaper gas prices are permanent. Another factor is the export demand, with other countries buying about 400 million to 500 million gallons annually to meet their own renewable fuel requirements, Irwin said. “What’s at stake if ethanol stays relatively expensive is ethanol exports,” Irwin said. Historically, ethanol’s price has rarely exceeded the price of the petroleum blend that refiners use to make gasoline, but recently ethanol has been selling for nearly 1.4 times the price of the blend stock. Ethanol plants also find profitability through selling a byproduct called distillers grain that’s used as a livestock feed — a market that could grow, as China recently relaxed restrictions on importing the feed. The oil price slide has been relatively abrupt, as a barrel sold for $107 as recently as last June. If the cheap oil prices prompt oil producers to scale back their operations in the Bakken region of North Dakota and Montana, it

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might become easier and cheaper for ethanol producers to deliver their product, Becker said. As it stands, much of the oil from that region is shipped in railroad tank cars, making it more expensive for ethanol companies to lease tank cars. “There are a lot of pieces in the equation, and I don’t think the story is written yet,” said Becker, who runs the fourth-largest ethanol producer in the U.S. But even if the ethanol industry sees smaller profits in 2015, it is in a better position to withstand a lean period than it was during the severe drought of 2012 or the Great Recession. Ethanol producers have consolidated, reduced debt and improved their operations, and several of the biggest ethanol producers have

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Corn is delivered to the Green Plains ethanol plant in Shenandoah, Iowa. Roughly 100 trucks a day filled with corn flow into the ethanol plant in southwest Iowa even as crude oil prices continue to collapse. other business interests, such as agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland and refiners Valero Energy and Flint Hills Resources. The ethanol companies

braska Ethanol Board. “I think the industry has really matured and positioned itself to operate at times when margins are small.”

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