FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monte Shaw, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2009

Homeland Energy Solutions Begins Production

at Ethanol Plant Near New Hampton

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) congratulates Homeland Energy Solutions for beginning production at its ethanol plant near New Hampton. The new plant will each produce 100 million gallons of ethanol annually.

“It’s been a difficult time for the ethanol industry, but Homeland Energy Solutions is proof that we are working through it and finding ways to succeed,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “This locally-owned ethanol refinery will buy Iowa corn and provide good paying jobs in rural Iowa.  Homeland Energy Solutions is a welcome addition to Iowa’s growing industry.”

Homeland Energy Solutions Board Chair Steve Eastman stated:  “Homeland is excited to be in production.  And we are grateful that we missed the commodity boom and bust of 2008 that whiplashed so much of the ethanol industry.  While margins remain tight, we feel well positioned going forward.”

Fagen, Inc., the Granite Falls, Minnesota design-build contractor, oversaw the construction and incorporated a process design provided by ICM, Inc. of Colwich, Kansas.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 39 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.2 billion gallons annually.  Four ethanol refineries under construction will add nearly 600 million gallons of capacity.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at:  www.IowaRFA.org.