In THE INDUSTRY:
The Renewable Fuel Standard in 2014 BY ETHAN McKNEELY
As 2014 rolled around, the Environmental Protection Agency began to develop a new Renewable Fuel Standard. The EPA proposed a reduction in the total amount of biofuels produced due to declining demand for gasoline caused by an increase in fuel efficiency. Less gasoline and a congruent proposal in 2014 to the previous year’s requirements would mean coming upon the E10 blend wall and using higher blends to use the excess, but many cars cannot use higher percentage blends. It appears the EPA’s proposal was simple. In reality, the proposal came with apprehensions to the agriculture industry. Don Villwock, President of the Indiana Farm Bureau, stressed his concern for the industry at the Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention. In his address, he mentioned a meeting with EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy,
where he told her, “The EPA has just shot the golden goose of American Agriculture.” What may seem like a bold statement was certainly more than accurate. Villwock, in interview, explained since the release of the proposal, corn prices have dropped 5 percent and estimations are as high as a 20 percent decline. Those prices are a result of the ethanol industry’s decrease in demand for corn. With America’s production of 14 billion bushels of corn and an upward trend in yields, the debate no longer rests as food versus fuel. Villwock explained that to keep agriculture running at “full throttle,” “it will take a combination of all three big users of corn, ethanol, feed usage, and exports.” Without the high demand for corn that was developed by the RFS in 2007, Agriculture could see slowed growth. Growth in biofuels has provided endless
opportunities for all in agriculture, but this slowdown may be trying. “Since 2008, farmers have upgraded machinery, have adopted new precision technology that reduces the amount of fertilizer and pesticides we use, and have greatly improved our water and air quality in rural America,” said Villwock. These technologies may not be as accessible if prices drop as low as estimated, and rural America could pay the price. The EPA stated, “Growth in capacity for ethanol consumption would be reflected in the standards set beyond 2014,” showing their willingness to accept solutions during their 60-day comment period in order to continue growth. Voices can be heard in these matters, and it is important as FFA members we remember we are the future leaders, but we are the present leaders as well.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT OUR MEMBERS MAKE US SHINE. BY: SHELBY SIGMAN
AARON DOKE
CDE: Livestock Skill-A-Thon, Livestock Evaluation, Horse and Pony Evaluation, Parliamentary Procedure SAE: Beef Production Entrepreneurship, Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance, Diversified Horticulture Placement FFA TAUGHT ME: FFA has taught me life long skills such as leadership and strong work ethic. FFA has also helped me keep my faith strong by teaching me simple principles of life such as respect, keeping hope, and to D thrive to be the best you can be. D always
BRITTANY YOUNG
CDE: Crops Evaluation, Livestock Evaluation, Prepared Public Speaking, and Agricultural Mechanics Demonstration SAE: Agricultural Education FAVORITE THING ABOUT FFA: The experiences and memories that have been made during my FFA career! I am blessed to have the opportunity to be involved in the organization and to have the chance to meet so many amazing people who also share a passion for the blue corduroy jacket!