On August 16-19, Iowa State University hosted the Biofuels: Science and Sustainability Tour that brought together Washington, DC policymakers and regulators with various renewable fuel experts in Iowa. The goal was to present sound, science-based information and a “hands on” look at the practices applied by the biofuel industry today.
Since there is a great deal of misinformation floating around that could lead to unnecessarily harmful renewable fuel policies, the Tour was designed to “fuel the truth” on issues ranging from food versus fuel, indirect land use change, RFS2 standards, distillers grains, higher yields and higher blends, the role of tax credits and important tariffs, and the future of biorefining.
The tour included visits to Green Plains Renewable Energy in Shenandoah, ISU Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm in Lewis, Stamp Family Farm in Walnut, Western Iowa Energy in Wall Lake, and the ISU Biocentury Research Farm in Ames with a final stop at the Iowa State Fair.
Along with ISU, the Tour was sponsored by IRFA, Green Plains Renewable Energy, and Renewable Fuels Foundation.
Participants from Washington, DC represented the following:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Farm Credit Administration
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Senate Agriculture Committee
- House Committee on Small Business
- House Committee on Energy and Commerce
- House Science and Technology Committee
- Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi
- Office of Senator Charles Grassley
- Office of Senator Tom Harkin
- Office of Congressman Leonard Boswell
- Office of Congressman Dave Loebsack
- Office of Congressman Steve King
- Office of Congressman Bruce Braley
- Office of Senator John Thune
Monday, August 16:
Welcome Reception With Iowa Participants
The Tour kicked off with a welcome reception and dinner where the Tour participants had a chance to meet one another. Participants noted that the opportunity for one-on-one conversations in an informal setting was one of the best ways to learn about the renewable fuels industry.
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Tuesday, August 17:
Tour of Gleen Plains Renewable Energy
Shenandoah, IA
After a quick welcome and briefing on day two of the tour, the participants headed to Green Plains Renewable Energy in Shenandoah, IA. Once there the participants got an in-depth tour of the ethanol refinery -
including corn unloading, in-bound grain testing, ethanol production, corn oil extraction, distillers grains drying, product testing, and ethanol and distillers grains load-out.
Tour of Algae Production Facility-Green Plains Renewable Energy
Following the tour of the ethanol refinery, Green Plains showed the participants the Algae Production Facility. The participants were informed about the biofuel possibilities that algae offers and the different extraction methods used and tested.
Operation Excellence and Improved Efficiencies
Edgar Seward, Executive Vice President-Plant Operations
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Shenandoah, IA
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Edgar Seward, Executive Vice President of Plant Operation at Green Plains Renewable Energy in Shenandoah, IA, presented the participants with an overview of the ethanol industry today and the challenges and opportunities facing ethanol producers in the future.
ISU Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm
Lewis, IA
Despite the rainy weather, participants were able to see the Cattle Research Facility at ISU's Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm. They were informed about the processes and accommodations for the cattle. Heading back inside, they heard various presentations from Clint McDonald, Randy Ives, and David Trowbridge regarding the benefits of Distillers Grains for livestock and the export value of this ethanol co-product.
Jill Euken, Deputy Director, Bioeconomy Institute
Clint McDonald, ISU Extension Beef Specialist
Randy Ives, Senior Vice President, Hawkeye Gold
David Trowbridge, Gregory Feedlots
Tour of Stamp Family Farm
Walnut, IA
Later Tuesday evening, the group made their way to the Stamp Family Farm in Walnut, IA. Once on the family farm, the participants received an overview of farm operations, including planting, harvesting, soil conservation, water conservation, land use, grain storage and transportation, and equipment and technology advancements.
Higher Yields and Higher Blends Panel
During a dinner hosted by Cattlemen, the participants heard various speakers addressing issues regarding higher yields, higher blends and the need for new markets for both ethanol and biodiesel.
Beth Calabotta, Director of Bioenergy
Monsanto
Bernie Punt, CEO
Siouxland Energy and Livestock Corporation
Alicia Clancy, Corporate Affairs Manager
REG, Inc.
Congressional Staff Roundtable
After the Cass County Cattlemen served up a BBQ of ribeye steak sandwiches, pasta salad, and brownies, the Congressional staff participated in a roundtable offering their insights on the outlook for energy legislation, including tax credits and tariffs, flex fuel vehicle requirements, the renewable fuels standard, and several other issues.
Wednesday, August 18
Tour of Western Iowa Energy Biodiesel Refinery
Wall Lake, IA
The Tour started Wednesday morning at the Western Iowa Energy biodiesel refinery in Wall Lake, IA. Participants were given a full tour of the plant, including demonstrations of load-out, safety advancements and how to make biodiesel.
Tour ISU BioCentury Research Farm
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Later that afternoon, the tour headed to Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm. The facility is the first-in-the-nation integrated research and demonstration facility dedicated to biomass production and processing.
ISU professors provided the latest research on feedstock sustainability and utilization. In addition, new research questioning the current international indirect land use modeling was presented
Panel – Indirect Land Use Change: Scientific Update
Jay Fabiosa, Iowa State University
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Tristan Brown, Iowa State University
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Jim Bushnell, Iowa State University
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Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association
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Dr. Richard Nelson, Kansas State University
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After the Indirect Land Use Panel, the participants continued their tour of the BioCentury Research Farm with the Director, Larry Johnson. Participants were given a walking tour and thorough description of the biomass harvesting and production techniques being utilized at the farm.
Thursday, August 19
Panel: Role of Tax Credits and Import Tariffs in Renewable Fuels Industry
Thursday morning, the last day of the tour, participants met in the Hilton Garden Inn Cardinal Room to hear Bruce Babcock and John Urbanchuck give presentations about the Tax Credits and Import Tariffs affecting the Renewable Fuels Industry today.
Bruce Babcock, Iowa State University
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John Urbanchuk, ENTRIX; Adjunct Professor, Saint Joseph's University
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Luncheon Address at Iowa Cattleman's Beef Quarters - Iowa State Fair
Bill Couser, President
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Bill Couser introduced the Iowa FFA State Officer Team, who served lunch to the participants.
Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, provided the final closing comments for the 2nd Annual Biofuels Science and Sustainability Tour, emphasizing the importance of the renewable fuels industry to the future of Iowa agriculture.
To see details on last year's Tour, Click here.
