POET's free tool helps farmers position themselves for new value opportunities
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Vital magazine is a news and media resource managed by POET, the world’s largest producer of biofuels. Since 2008, Vital has provided readers with forward-thinking content that helps to advance an industry that provides renewable energy and bio-based products from the surface of the Earth. Vital seeks to educate readers about the state of the biofuels sector today and the breakthrough stories of innovation and sustainability of tomorrow by presenting a variety of insights and perspectives.
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Bioprocessing – Ashton weather any storm — and grow even stronger
18 | Never Satisfied Class of 2024
POET cultivates leaders through its internship and scholarship program
28 | Calculating Carbon, Cultivating Success
POET’s free tool helps farmers position themselves for new value opportunities
36 | Tiny Homes, Mighty Impact
POET partners with VCP to build homes for Veterans
52 | The DON Dilemma
Fighting vomitoxin threats to corn markets
COLUMNS
| In Sight
Jeff Broin
Jacqueline Comito
| Mechanic's Corner Automotive advice from Dr. Andrew Randolph
| Out Of Left Field
| Get Biofuel
| People of POET
Top: POET team members volunteer with Veterans Community Project
Bottom: POET intern at Wichita Office
IN SIGHT
Can We Avoid Another Ag Crisis?
By Jeff Broin, Founder and CEO of POET
In the early 1980s, American agriculture faced a major crisis. Corn prices dropped below $2.00 per bushel, land and equipment values plummeted by up to 70%, and hundreds of thousands of farmers struggled to make ends meet. I witnessed firsthand the painful reality of this tragedy as several of my neighbors lost their livelihoods.
So, what was the cause of this difficult time?
Simply put, there was too much grain being grown in the world, and the markets weren’t large enough to utilize it. The ag crisis was a stark lesson in basic economics: when supply exceeds demand, prices fall. In the years that followed, crop prices stayed below the cost of production, threatening the very fabric of rural communities across the country.
A few years later, the introduction of bioethanol led to a vital new market that would fundamentally transform the future of agriculture. Bioethanol’s explosive growth over the next two decades not only solved the oversupply issue; it also created unprecedented new demand for ag commodities, produced a suite of valuable co-products, and brought agriculture back from the brink of collapse.
Today, 5.5 billion bushels of corn are processed annually in the U.S. alone to produce bioethanol — that’s 2.5 times more than we export. Bioethanol is the single most significant new demand driver for corn in history. On the other hand, exports — which seem to be the key talking point when oversupply occurs — have remained flat for over 20 years.
However, growth in the bioethanol industry has slowed significantly in recent years. Meanwhile, corn yields are increasing, exports are beginning to decline, and competition from other major ag-producing countries like Brazil and China is ramping up. These trends have put agriculture on the cusp of another crisis, bringing a new wave of economic distress that will impact every farmer in the U.S.
History has taught us there is only one solution: more bioethanol. Converting the nation to E15 (UNL 88) would utilize two billion bushels of additional corn each year, balancing supply and demand while also benefiting consumers with a cleaner, lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel.
The stakes are high, and it’s not just about farmers; it’s also about the millions of people whose lives depend on a thriving agricultural sector. The effects of another major ag crisis will devastate farm families and ripple through communities around the globe, including thousands of communities across the Midwestern U.S. that many of us call home.
It’s time for farmers, ag companies, rural stakeholders, and policymakers to join the fight for E15. Bioethanol holds the key to successful agriculture, and successful agriculture drives successful economies. America needs more bioethanol, not just as a solution for the impending ag crisis, but as a pathway to economic viability and environmental sustainability.
It’s time for nationwide E15.
Weathering the Storm
Creativity and resiliency help POET Bioprocessing – Ashton weather any storm — and grow even stronger
By Megan Malugani
Just a few months after POET Bioprocessing – Ashton celebrated its 20th anniversary in the spring of 2024, the plant and its surrounding northwest Iowa communities were hit with massive flooding.
Six inches of rain pummeled the area on a Friday night in June, creating a major flood event for an already waterlogged region. The plant was underwater, and the night shift team members who’d been monitoring the facility were safe but unable to leave the plant on Saturday morning.
Roads leading in and out of the town were submerged, isolating the facility from help. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the team acted quickly to keep themselves safe as well as protect critical equipment and minimize damage.
With high water levels not allowing anyone to enter or leave the plant grounds, the team members were stranded. That’s when General Manager Terry Hurlburt hopped in a kayak with a backpack full of McDonald’s. “We knew the team had been at the plant for 16 to 17 hours at that point with no way in or out. We figured they would be hungry, so we came up with a creative way to get them some food,” Hurlburt said.
In the aftermath of the flood, the plant experienced an unplanned five-day outage. All 42 team members assisted in the messy, strenuous job of cleaning up. Whether pumping water, removing mud, ripping up flooring, or replacing damaged equipment, “Everyone pitched in where needed,” said Hurlburt, who has been with POET for eight years. “Job titles and roles went away, and we all did what we needed to move forward. Our recovery and response were great and showed how dedicated our team is.”
More than a slogan
The creativity, resiliency, and teamwork demonstrated during the flood have always been hallmarks of POET Bioprocessing – Ashton. Hurlburt and the rest of the management team — Plant Manager Joe Stephenson, Quality Manager Bethany Groon, and Maintenance Manager Doug Heibult — are proud of the plant’s “all hands on deck” culture.
Stephenson, who switched from the soybean sector to the bioprocessing sector when he joined POET as Ashton’s plant manager two years ago, was immediately impressed by the environment. “All departments and levels of team members support each other. Our lab team will help run samples if our operations team is shorthanded. Our operations team will help load corn oil trucks if needed. If there is a problem to be solved, the teams get together, pool their knowledge, and collectively solve those problems.”
Terry Hurlburt bringing lunch to team members stranded at the plant during the flood
Spring 2024 flooding at POET – Ashton
“A lot of companies claim this is their culture, but at POET, it’s not just a slogan. It’s what we do,” said Stephenson.
The results of this approach have been positive for the plant and its customers, with annual production of 60 million gallons of bioethanol, 140,000 tons of distillers grains, and 10,000 tons of distillers corn oil. Production has incrementally increased over the years to match improvements in plant reliability and overall uptime.
The improvements in reliability can be attributed to upgrading to more modern equipment as well as switching to a more dependable vendor to maintain the plant’s on-site natural gas turbine. The natural gas turbine, which was built and is owned by POET, is a feature unique to the Ashton facility.
“A lot of our technology has improved, and we are pretty advanced these days,” said Heibult, who grew up seven miles from the plant and remembers when it was built; he started as an operator two years later in 2006. “Our turbine, which provides 90 percent of the power for this plant, has gotten more reliable. We hardly ever have power failures. Through improved maintenance practices we are also able to predict problems a lot earlier and troubleshoot a lot better." Another advantage of the turbine is not having to slow or shut down during peak energy alerts because it runs on natural gas.
Besides the turbine, other innovations at POET Bioprocessing – Ashton have occurred in the grain fermentation space. “We’ve been involved in rolling out different yeast and enzyme technologies that make fermentation more efficient and robust,” said Hurlburt. “Innovation is important to us because it helps us keep our competitive advantage.”
Supporting the community
Another hallmark of POET – Ashton is its support for local farmers and its strong connections to its neighboring communities: Ashton (population 439), Sheldon (population 5,400), and Sibley (population 2,700).
Two members of the management team — Heibult and Groon — grew up on family farms. Groon finds it especially rewarding to be of value to local farmers. “Growing up, I saw the struggle for small farmers to keep up. Then, bioethanol started to offer another avenue for farmers to market their grain. It’s been very lucrative and helpful for farms like the one in my family.”
Groon has been with POET since 2011 and in her current role as quality manager for 10 years. Prior to this summer’s flood, she recalls a flood in 2018 that was similar in scope and damage to the plant. Through natural disasters and other challenges, the plant has emerged stronger. “Things happen, and the only thing you can control is how you react to it,” Groon said. “Are you going to bounce back or fall apart? Falling apart is not an option. You take it step by step — what you can control, what you can fix.”
"Things happen, and the only thing you can control is how you react to it. Are you going to bounce back or fall apart? Falling apart is not an option. You take it step by step — what you can control, what you can fix."
Bethany Groon
Groon heads the plant’s Community Involvement Committee, which facilitates the selection process for local recipients of the POET Community Impact Grant Program. While the grants support a variety of causes, the majority of POET – Ashton’s donations go toward supporting youth and first responders in Ashton, Sheldon, and Sibley, where most of its team members live. Recent grants funded a drone with heat-seeking and night-vision capabilities for a county emergency response office and aided in the purchase of a new ladder truck for a local fire department.
In addition to the plant’s financial contributions, many team members donate their time and talents to support their communities. Team members participate in parades, represent POET at school and job fairs, coach local youth sports teams, volunteer to clean up highways and parks, and more.
“We just want people to know that we’re here and we care about the community,” Groon said. “Anything they need, we’re here and willing to help.”
The story of POET – Ashton is one of unwavering determination, creativity, and community spirit. The team’s commitment to each other, their work, and their community reflects a culture where everyone pitches in and supports one another.
“When faced with adversity, this team never shies away from doing the right thing,” said Hurlburt. “We don’t just weather the storm; we emerge stronger, ready to take on whatever comes next.”
Left: Joe Stephenson, Terry Hurlburt, Bethany Goon, and Doug Heibult at POET Bioprocessing - Ashton
From Farm to Capitol
By Ryan Welsh, Growth Energy Director of Sales and Marketing
“If you aren’t at the table, you’ll be on the menu.”
This phrase, heard throughout the halls of Congress from legislators and lobbyists alike, describes the sometimes harsh reality of the political sphere and showcases the importance of being involved in our country’s legislative action.
Few know this better than Lester Voegeli.
Voegeli with his wife, Carol, were the third generation farming the Voegeli Homestead near Beresford, S.D., and have been longtime advocates for agriculture on and off the farm.
The couple was elated when POET Bioprocessing – Hudson S.D. (formerly Sioux River Ethanol) came online in 2004. “This was a whole new ball game for farming. It gave us new markets,” said Voegeli.
Voegeli served on the POET Board of Directors for years, and he took that role with honor. He made frequent trips to Washington, D.C., to lobby on behalf of all bioethanol producers. His enthusiasm and genuine outlook were contagious to everyone around him.
Back in the early 2010s, it seemed like everyone was trying to put biofuels on the menu. If it weren’t for the trailblazers like Voegeli, who trekked to
Washington to promote biofuels and be heard, it’s hard to know where the industry would be now.
Back then, on Capitol Hill, the industry’s messaging was different. We had to spend a lot of time and money debunking myths perpetuated by our competition. However, just like today, spending time educating legislators was key to getting the truth out.
All our advocates have a unique story to tell about their involvement in the biofuels industry, and Voegeli was no different. He talked about “start to finish,” meaning he started the seed in the ground, took care of it, and saw it be processed into many products, including biofuel and animal feed. Many other biofuel champions got to see firsthand this “start to finish” message resonate with lawmakers and their staff.
Since those days, the messaging on Capitol Hill has changed. It has evolved into educating lawmakers about low-carbon opportunities like CCS and biofuels playing a key role in climate solutions. While the myths from back in the day have been debunked, biofuel still faces plenty of opposition — but the facts are on our side, and this industry is well poised to continue overcoming any obstacles we may face.
Lester Voegeli pictured center next to then-Representative Kristi Noem with the South Dakota Delegation at a D.C. Reception in 2012
Never Satisfied Class of 2024
POET cultivates leaders through its internship and scholarship program
By Erin Branick, POET Media Manager
POET’s Never Satisfied Program is a multifaceted educational initiative created to serve as a launchpad for aspiring leaders, inventors, policymakers, farmers, engineers, and communicators. This program, which encompasses POET’s scholarships and internships, was designed to empower young people by helping them harness the power of their potential. By investing in their education and providing opportunities for hands-on experience, POET aims not only to foster students’ talent but also ignite their passion for innovation.
Kate Blankenship, POET Never Satisfied Intern and Scholarship recipient, at the University of Tennesse
Scholarship program
At the heart of POET’s Never Satisfied Program is its scholarship initiative. Established in 2016, the program awards 15 $5,000 scholarships to students who are never satisfied with “good enough” and share POET’s mission to create a brighter future.
“POET’s Never Satisfied Scholarship program was created to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education for some of our nation’s most talented students who share our mission to change the world,” said Miranda Broin, POET Director of Executive Communications. “We want to ensure that the next generation of changemakers is equipped with the knowledge, opportunities, and resources they need to work toward their educational and career aspirations.”
POET Never Satisfied Scholarships are open to any student enrolled in a two- or four-year postsecondary school for the upcoming fall semester, and one scholarship is reserved for a relative of a POET team member. Applications are open from January to mid-February of each year, and scholarships are awarded in the spring.
“It’s more than just a scholarship,” said Broin. “We take pride in the mentorship and development aspects of the program. Never Satisfied Scholars are connected with industry experts in their respective fields who provide guidance, support, and insight, and we aim to stay connected long after they go through the program and complete their studies.”
Top Left: Moeen Razzaque, POET Scholarship Recipient, at Harvard University
Top Right: Kellen Kueter, POET Scholarship Recipient, at South Dakota State University Left: Bailey Schneider, POET Scholarship Recipient, at University of Missouri - Columbia
2024 Never Satisfied Scholars
Ahmed Eldeeb Harvard University
Bailey Schneider University of Missouri–Columbia
Kellen Kueter South Dakota State University
Avery VanOverbeke Mitchell Technical Institute
Kate Blankenship University of Tennessee–Knoxville
Blake VanPelt South Dakota State University
Mohamed Salem Pennsylvania State University
Abigail Dvorak Coe College
Rachel Bruggeman
Iowa State University
Zachary Bareither Kettering University
Moeen Razzaque
Harvard University
Alexia Savage Carleton University
Jessica Miller
South Dakota State University
Lacy Schoneboom University of Missouri–Columbia
Lillian Hanson Colorado School of Mines
Internship program
POET’s scholarship initiative is complemented by its robust internship program, which provides students with hands-on experience, relationship-building, and practical training. Interns at POET have the opportunity to work on real-world projects that have a tangible impact on the company’s operations.
“The work culture at POET is great,” said Kate Blankenship, who spent the summer as a POET engineering intern and was also a 2024 Never Satisfied Scholar. “I’ve felt valued as a member of the engineering team regardless of how much I had to learn coming into the internship, and I have been given meaningful projects during my time as an intern. This was my second summer with POET, and it’s been great both times!”
This year, POET hosted 40 interns across 15 of its locations.
Interns are integrated into various departments, including research and development, engineering, sales, logistics, and operations.
This exposure allows them to gain a holistic understanding of their field and the many facets that contribute to POET's success. Interns work alongside seasoned POET professionals, learning from their expertise and gaining invaluable industry knowledge.
“There are always new challenges in the supplychain environment, where my internship was focused,” said Aden Katz, who served as an international logistics intern. “Every day, POET’s team is working together to solve issues that range across all of our business units and involve events happening all over the world. Working together to solve a new issue is a rewarding endeavor in itself! Being a part of a team like the one at POET has allowed me to effectively tackle any problem that has come my way.”
The company works to help its interns be confident and well-prepared to enter the working world, which is especially meaningful when their careers take root at POET.
Top: POET intern, Aden Katz, works at POET headquarters
2024 POET Interns
Aden Katz
Alana Howard
Andrew Berntson
Ashley Rodriquez
Austin Harms
Benjamin Serie
Caroline Hansen
Chiara Fernando
Cole Bisbee
Cole Nelson
Connor Matthies
Curtis Tauer
Danielle Mennenga
Emma Kielsmeier
Everette Carroll
Gabrielle Coombs Murphy
Grant Rose
Hayden Orrell
Isaac Schmitz
Jacob Vostad
Joey Schultz
John McIntosh
Kate Blankenship
Kyle Wist
Lara Carnier Matuck
Lukas Peterson
Lydia Mindermann
Madison Pahl
Mark Quiring
Matthew Brown
Michael Schneider
Mohammad Ullah
Morgan Thompson
Reece Eberhart
Samantha Larson
Samantha Twing
Seth Roemen
Timothy Cao
Trevor Wapp
Tyler Bushnell
Top: POET intern, Lara Carnier Matuck, works in the lab
“Over the course of the program’s history, the company has hosted over 500 interns, with over 25 percent of those interns becoming full-time team members at the end of the internship or after graduation. We have also had a few cases where interns joined other companies for a short time but ultimately came back to POET for their long-term careers,” said Wendy Alexander, POET Talent Scout. “Our internship program is designed with the goal of providing the opportunities and support necessary for our interns to grow into the future leaders of their industries and, hopefully, POET as well.”
Katz is one of those interns who has transitioned to a full-time role, POET Rail Logistics Coordinator, after the completion of his internship.
“Being an intern is an incredibly valuable opportunity,” said Katz. “At POET, you get genuine hands-on learning, and the team cares about your development; you’re not just sent to do busy work. This learning environment and the culture seemed impossible to pass up. After meaningful conversations with my mentor, supervisors, and the rest of the team, I applied for a permanent role. My hiring manager was incredibly truthful, understanding, and flexible throughout the hiring process, and I was incredibly excited when he offered me the opportunity!”
Applications for POET internships open September 1st each year and close at the end of December.
Never Satisfied Summit
The synergy between the scholarship and internship components of the Never Satisfied Program creates a seamless channel for developing future leaders.
That’s why this year, for the first time, both interns and scholars attended POET’s second annual Never Satisfied Summit. This two-day, conference-style event was hosted at POET’s corporate office in Sioux Falls with an agenda that included professional development sessions, presentations from the POET team and leadership, networking opportunities, and more.
“Through both the program and the more concentrated sessions of the Summit, our goal is to help young people develop essential skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability,” said Alexander. “The Never Satisfied Program is a great example of POET’s vision to support future generations and our belief in the power of education and innovation to create a brighter, more vibrant world.”
For more information about POET’s Never Satisfied scholarship and internship programs, visit poet.com/neversatisfied.
Empowering Dreams for a Farmland Legacy
By Jacqueline Comito, PhD, Program Director, Water Rocks! & Iowa Learning Farms with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Conservation efforts on the farm are nothing new, but in the ever-expanding landscape of agriculture, which combines traditional practices with emerging new practices built on a foundation of science and ongoing research, it’s understandable that farmers might be overwhelmed with their options.
Yet, in 20 years of working side-by-side with farmers and landowners, the Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) team at Iowa State University has learned a lot about how important conservation is to farmers. Our collaborative approach to outreach places tremendous value on what we hear from farmers: their concerns about water quality, soil health, and simply the business of farming, as well as their hopes and dreams for the farmland legacy they will leave behind.
Not an ivory tower
Here at ILF, we expect and welcome healthy skepticism and criticism when interacting with farmers. We know that this is their business and livelihood, and we understand that each individual has their own needs, challenges, and goals for their operation. To that end, we focus much of our effort on listening to what they have to say and incorporating the feedback into our materials and messages. This two-way street between farmers and researchers has facilitated practical outcomes and helped to hone best practices through collaboration both on and off the farm.
Choices abound
Today’s conservation landscape is rich with choices — so rich that ILF created the Whole Farm Conservation Best Practices Manual (free download or print edition) to provide step-bystep practical guidance to farmers. Covering some 15 conservation practice categories, the manual
provides detailed implementation information and comprehensive decision guides that will help agriculture professionals, farmers, and landowners determine which practices can have the most positive outcomes while supporting production goals on their land.
Sharing and listening
Through field days, farmer workshops, interviews, surveys, and simply talking to people at fairs and festivals, we know there can be resistance to breaking away from what might be decades of farming practices to take a chance on something new. In a recent survey of farmers, we documented that lack of information and knowledge about edge-of-field practices was the largest factor holding farmers back.
Overcoming such knowledge gaps is at the very core of ILF’s mission. It’s what drives us to produce free weekly webinars, conduct dozens of field days each year, and participate in community outreach events ranging from farmers markets to the Iowa State Fair — all in an effort to listen to people, answer questions, and deliver science — and research-based information to those who can use it.
Delivering value
Whether already committed to conservation or browsing for starter information on what might work, farmers can turn to ILF for the tools, reference guides, resources, and advisers to start the conversation on topics ranging from drainage to cover crops, nutrient management to edge-of-field practices, prairie strips, and woodland management.
Conservation works for everyone, and it is heartening to see farmers embracing new ways to get the job done.
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Calculating Carbon, Cultivating Success
POET’s free tool helps farmers position themselves for new value opportunities
By Matt Merritt
Carbon intensity, or “CI,” scores are a growing consideration in the U.S. and abroad for products, companies, industries, and more. Some of this is driven by consumer demand; some is driven by government incentives. For farmers and biofuel producers, either case provides potential opportunities.
That’s why POET is providing a fast and free tool for its producers to understand their own CI scores and position themselves to take advantage of those opportunities.
Carbon intensity scoring
CI scoring attempts to calculate greenhouse gas emissions through the lifecycle of a product. For farms, many elements factor into that calculation, including chemical use, tillage and harvest practices, fuel use, crop yields, and more. The use of these practices to minimize CI scores is often referred to as “sustainable agriculture” or “carbon-smart agriculture.”
Christian McIlvain, President of POET Grain, said agriculture is a key focus for carbon efforts today because people understand how important it is to our future. “The landscape is evolving,” he said, with sustainability and decarbonization as a focus for government and society.
“It gives a nod to what I believe is the fact that agriculture really is the solution to the world's needs for food, the world's needs for energy, the world's needs for a healthier environment,” he said.
Carbon-smart agriculture strengthens farms
Jeff Reints farms 4,200 acres in Shell Rock, Iowa, with his son. For him, the kind of practices that lead to a lower CI score have been part of his operation for decades — things like strip tillage, manure application, and cover crops. With or without incentives, it just makes sense.
“I need to have healthy, vibrant soil. Intensive tilling just kills that,” he said.
Taking good care of the environment is a core value for U.S. farmers, he said. They understand the importance of the land they have been entrusted with.
“This is the only land we have. They’re not making any more of it,” he said. “We have to be stewards of the land, not consumers of the land.”
McIlvain said CI scores are an opportunity to recognize the practices that many farmers have employed to become more efficient and improve soil health. Working with farmers to determine their carbon intensity has confirmed something he has long believed: that POET’s partners are at the leading edge of technology and innovative practices in ag.
“They're doing things that are appropriate for their farms, and many of those things involve advanced farming practices,” he said. “But more and more farmers are becoming educated around carbon intensity, and they want to understand quantitatively, ‘So what do my farming practices amount to in terms of a carbon intensity score?’ And I think that's fantastic.”
POET's fast, free, easy calculator
Going through a full carbon intensity audit can often be a costly and time-consuming process. While some opportunities to capture value for advanced farming practices may exist today, most of the opportunities have not yet been finalized.
“While there are a number of voluntary corporate environmental protocols emerging and a collection of USDA initiatives seeking to incubate markets, POET has been investing in the development of various low-carbon programs and technologies that provide farmers the opportunity to capitalize on the demand for lower-carbon bioproducts and add value to every bushel of corn produced,” McIlvain said.
POET has developed a CI calculator with fewer inputs that allows farmers to get a good idea of where their operations stand today as they look to the future. The calculator is free, and farmers can participate by contacting their local POET bioprocessing facility.
Reints has gone through other processes to determine his farm’s CI score in the past. He has also worked with staff at POET Bioprocessing – Shell Rock to see how their tool compared.
“The numbers came up very similar, almost identical if you input the same data,” he said.
Economic opportunities on the horizon
At the moment, farmers are not yet seeing much added value for sustainable ag practices, Reints said.
“So far, it means about nothing in the marketplace,” he said. “We hope it will someday. We hope to get rewarded for that.”
McIlvain said those opportunities appear to be coming, and he’s optimistic they’ll prove beneficial for both farmers and biofuel producers. “POET is committed to finding markets that allow us to garner premiums for our products and, where appropriate, share that value with farmers,” he said.
One of the biggest opportunities on the horizon is through the Inflation Reduction Act, in a provision called 45Z. This is a tax credit that takes effect in 2025 for bioethanol with a CI score that is at least 50 percent lower than petroleum-based fuel. It is anticipated that 45Z will include beneficial provisions for advanced farming practices.
“At this point, the rules for 45Z are not yet written, so we don't know yet what benefits associated with advanced farming practices will amount to,” McIlvain said. “But what we're doing in the meantime is helping to educate farmers and, again, offer them carbon intensity score assessment for their individual farming practices so that they can be better prepared to take advantage of these and other opportunities as they emerge.”
POET partnership offers new ways to lower CI scores
Besides calculating scores, POET is also working to help farmers lower those scores. One such effort is a collaboration with CF Industries, which produces low-carbon ammonia fertilizer among its many products.
The companies are creating a fertilizer supply chain to track, validate, and certify carbon intensity reductions through low-carbon ammonia manufactured at CF Industries’ Donaldsonville Complex in Louisiana. They are also developing monetization opportunities for farmers who use this fertilizer. The program will initially be launched at POET’s locations in Bingham Lake (Minn.), Emmetsburg (Iowa), Fairmont (Neb.), and North Manchester (Ind.).
“There are some key elements that can contribute to a farm's carbon intensity score, and one of those key elements is fertilizer,” McIlvain said. “So the opportunity to improve a carbon intensity score through your inputs, and more specifically through optimizing around fertilizer, is significant.
An exciting time for ag
Agriculture has changed in the 21st Century, and biofuels have been a large part of that. New value from carbon intensity is the next opportunity for U.S. farms. Reints is excited about the possibilities.
“This can be one of the biggest markets — and biggest unknowns — I’ve seen in my lifetime,” he said.
For POET, it fits neatly with what the company has always stood for.
“When you think about POET, we've got more than a three-decade history, and really throughout that history, we've been focused on value-added agriculture,” McIlvain said. “That involves expanding markets for our bioproducts, but also improving profit margins for the folks that we associate with, like family farms.”
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The 2024 Biofuels Summit
By Matt Ward, POET Senior Manager of Government Affairs
The annual Growth Energy Biofuels Summit was held from September 9–12, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The Biofuels Summit provides an opportunity for industry stakeholders to gather to network, learn about important policy matters, and engage with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the importance of our industry to agriculture and rural communities.
Each year, the Summit kicks off with a general session on day one. Growth Energy provides programming connecting attendees with leaders from the industry, Congress, and agencies that impact policy-making decisions. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack were among the presenters during this year's general session, giving attendees firsthand exposure to key decision makers on Capitol Hill. The next day and a half are dedicated to meetings on the Hill, where Summit attendees have the opportunity to convene with legislators and their staffers face-to-face.
Four POET team members who are also POET PAC contributors — Jerry Wharton, Paulette Anderson, Lisa Thimmesch, and Justen Wittnebel — were among the attendees for this year’s Biofuels Summit. This event was a first for all four, so I took the opportunity to ask them a few questions about their experience.
What did you find most impactful about attending the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit?
Lisa: Both the general session and the Hill meetings were equally impactful to me. I learned so much from the first day of the sessions, which enabled me to be confident at the Hill meetings and to speak knowledgeably along with the rest of my team. I was also blown away by the caliber and number of speakers that participated in the event.
Jerry: I think that sometimes people can start to feel like the people that represent them in the government don’t care about them or are apathetic — only caring about what is going to get them re-elected. Being there helps you to really see that most of that perception really boils down to exposure and education. It was striking to get to see firsthand how important it is for the POET Government Affairs Team to be able to do the work they do in D.C. and connect our representatives to the issues we care about. It reinforced why I contribute to POET PAC.
Did the trip impact the way you think about policy in relation to the work we do at POET?
Justin: Yes, it really did. I was surprised at the relationships that our POET Government Affairs Team has developed with many members of Congress. It was clear that you weren’t strangers and that the members clearly understood and supported policies that are important to the industry. To me, it really confirmed my support for POET PAC. Our policy team does a great job, and I’m happy to keep making the bioethanol and let you all do what you do!
Paulette: I saw firsthand how important it is to keep having these conversations about the importance of bioethanol. We have great biofuel champions, but there are a lot of members and staffers who still don’t know a lot about our industry.
Lisa: Absolutely! E15 is especially relevant to my position as a terminal planner in the southeast.
Jerry: It strengthened the ideals that I’ve held since I first got interested and excited about working for POET.
Would you recommend that others attend the Biofuels Summit?
Jerry: Absolutely recommend, it is an extremely rewarding experience.
Lisa: Already done. I’ve spoken to fellow team members about the benefits of attending, both from an informational standpoint and from the opportunity to engage with our lawmakers on these important issues.
Justin: I absolutely would recommend it. It was an eye-opening experience. It’s a lot to take in while you’re doing it, but it’s all worth it in the end. I would do it again.
Paulette: This was truly an experience of a lifetime. If you ever get the opportunity, you have to go!
HOW DO I JOIN?
Ready to join the thousands of members who are already making their voices heard? Visit poetpac.com or email poetpac@poet.com to join POET PAC today!
Contributions to POET PAC are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to POET PAC will be used in connection with federal elections and are subject to the limits and prohibitions of federal law. The maximum an individual may contribute to POET PAC is $5,000 per year ($10,000 per couple). Corporate and foreign national contributions are not permitted under federal law. Please make checks payable to POET PAC. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to obtain and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year. Your contribution to POET PAC is strictly voluntary. Paid for by POET PAC (www.poetpac.com) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
POET team members met with U.S. Congressional members
Tiny Homes, Mighty Impact
POET partners with VCP to build hope for veterans
By Susanne Retka Schill
Tools in hand, around 30 POET team members utilized their volunteer time off in late August to put up fencing, paint, cut and place siding, and more to help construct a tiny house for veterans in Sioux Falls.
“We split into smaller groups and worked on different projects, either learning from quick training or from previously learned skills,” said James Schwarz, POET Operations Engineering Manager. “The great thing is how I felt afterward; Veterans Community Project is doing a great thing in not just giving people a home, but they’re truly ‘teaching a man to fish.’”
These team members volunteered with Veterans Community Project (VCP). VCP’s mission is to provide housing with onsite, wraparound support services designed to equip homeless veterans with the tools needed to return to a stable, prosperous, independent life.
By the time winter rolls around, Veterans Community Project (VCP) will have added five newly completed tiny houses to the five already completed and furnished to provide homes and services to homeless veterans. The goal is to complete 15 more over the next two years on a two-acre site located a couple of miles southeast of POET’s Sioux Falls headquarters.
Tait Johannsen, POET team member, measures wooden boards to frame a shower insert
POET team members volunteer with Veteran's Community Project
VCP’s philosophy appealed to POET, said Alyssa Broin Christensen, POET Vice President of Team and Community Impact. “One of the things we appreciate about VCP is their comprehensive approach to veteran care. They’re not only providing shortterm housing, but if veterans have other areas where they need support, they come alongside them with a variety of important resources. When a veteran has finished their time with VCP, they’re equipped with the tools to get back on their feet. At POET, we aim to give back to those who need it most in our communities, and this seemed like a really tremendous cause.”
The cause is relatively new to Sioux Falls, but VCP’s volunteer fundraisers were able to find sponsors for all 25 homes within three months. “It shows how much the community wants this project here,” said Alisha Grove, VCP Sioux Falls Director of Development. Construction on the first home started in the fall of 2022, and the first three military veterans moved in a year ago. One staff member leads all-volunteer construction crews to build the tiny homes.
“All of the houses were already sponsored when POET came on,” Grove said. “But they were so generous. Half their donation went to program expenses and half to capital expenses to help build the Village Center.”
The Village Center will be a game-changer for case management, Grove said. “There’s a lot of ways to put a roof over somebody’s head, but if we don’t have that wraparound case management to get to the root cause of trauma or issue that put them in their current situation, you’re not ending that cycle of poverty. It might be their mental health issue from past military trauma, past personal trauma, substance abuse — everybody’s got their reason.” The Village Center will offer space for support services and room for community classes such as resume workshops and financial literacy courses.
The center will also include a fellowship hall where the vets can gather for morning coffee or games. “The houses are really tiny and can be isolating, especially in winter,” Grove said. Homes for single persons are 240 square feet, while family residences are 320 square feet.
“We are 100 percent transitional, so this isn’t permanent housing,” she said, adding that the organization’s projects in other cities have found it typically takes 10 to 14 months before residents are ready to move on.
Trauma-informed design was important for the four combat veterans who started the first program in Kansas City, she continued. Beds, for instance, are located in back corners with a line of sight to the door and windows. That’s why tiny houses were chosen over an apartment building approach to minimize noise triggers from shared walls and offer a greater sense of privacy and safety. Another lesson learned as the project expanded to Longmont, Colo., St. Louis, Mo., and now Sioux Falls, S.D. is to not keep a waiting
list. Some veterans might turn down other opportunities, hoping for a house to become available, and some might be difficult to locate when the time comes.
"The majority of our funding comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations; we also have received a handful of state and federal grants that align with our core values. That allows us to operate as we need to,” Grove said, giving the example of not having to be concerned about a person’s discharge status. “We do housing interviews, and it is a process. They need to prove they’re veterans, have a need, and are willing to put in the work to make a positive transition.”
Not only does the program provide housing; it includes furnishings and household necessities as well. “Once a veteran moves into a tiny house, everything inside becomes their personal property, except appliances,” Grove said. “We furnish with brand new items because we want every veteran to have a fresh start. It all comes down to housing with dignity.”
Top: Prefabricated tiny homes ready to be moved to final site location Center and Bottom Right: Interior of completed tiny home ready to house veteran Bottom Left: Village Center for VCP community
"At POET, giving back to our communities in a meaningful way is at the heart of everything we do."
Alyssa Broin Christensen
While POET has partnerships with several longstanding nonprofits, Christensen said they were excited to be able to partner with a newer organization to Sioux Falls and pleased that team members — many with maintenance and construction experience — were willing to lend a hand in building one of the homes.
“Our teams are always looking for ways to get engaged,” she said, “especially now that we have a POET-wide volunteer time off program.” Launched in February 2023, every full-time eligible team member receives 16 hours of paid time off annually for volunteer efforts. 5,000 hours were given back to local communities throughout the POET network in the first year. “Team members have the opportunity to give back to their communities in ways that are meaningful to them and align with our POET values,” Christensen said. Volunteer hours can be used for team-building projects or individually for causes like student mentoring.
“We’ve been very encouraged by the generosity of our team members and the ways they’ve contributed to their local communities,” she added. This idea of uniting the hands and feet of team members with stewarded community dollars complements the annual POET Community Impact Grant Program, which offers a one-time grant of up to $4,000 to local individuals, nonprofits, schools, churches, and other causes that share POET’s vision to make the world a better place.
"At POET, giving back to our communities in a meaningful way is at the heart of everything we do,” said Christensen. “It's not only a part of our mission; it's a core value that drives us to support and uplift the places where we live and work. We believe in creating a positive impact, not only through our sustainable bioproducts but also through our active engagement and contributions to the communities we're proud to call home."
At some point, technology and nature fell out of rhythm. POET is getting us back in rhythm with nature with sophisticated and sustainable biotechnology solutions to our most immediate challenges.
The world’s leader in plant-based bioproducts. // poet.com
MECHANIC'S CORNER
Yes, Bioethanol Reduces Carbon-Based Emissions!
By Dr. Andrew Randolph, Technical Fellow at Richard Childress Racing
It is an indisputable fact that bioethanol reduces automotive carbon-based tailpipe emissions relative to gasoline, despite some petroleum zealots who may try to argue otherwise. I’d tell those individuals to go back to school and take a class in organic chemistry (or, in the spirit of practicality, to read this article) before stating their case! There are two mechanisms through which bioethanol reduces emissions relative to gasoline. The first is the ratio of hydrogen to carbon in the fuel. The following equations show the complete combustion of one average gasoline molecule (weighted carbon and hydrogen average content of gasoline) and one bioethanol molecule:
Gasoline: C7H13 + 10.25O2 → 7CO2 + 6.5H2O
Bioethanol: C2H5OH + 3.5O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
Fuels produce power through the exothermic oxidation of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Note that gasoline produces more carbon dioxide than water, whereas bioethanol produces 50 percent more water than carbon dioxide. Water during combustion improved atomization and mixing, which leads to an increase in the combustion efficiency and thus, a higher engine output.
Bioethanol has more water because it contains three hydrogen atoms for every carbon atom, whereas gasoline contains 1.85 hydrogen atoms for every carbon atom. Oxidation of hydrogen produces water, hence the dreams of environmentalists who don’t drive electric cars to develop hydrogen-powered propulsion systems. Bioethanol does not produce zero-carbon emissions as pure hydrogen would, but it does derive significantly more of its power from non-carbon water production than gasoline does because of its increased hydrogen content.
The second mechanism of carbon-based emissions reduction is proximity to oxygen. Gasoline combustion requires every carbon atom in every gasoline molecule to find two oxygen atoms from the air to form carbon dioxide (CO2). This creates a giant game of “Where’s Waldo,” which is only successful if the gasoline and air are mixed into a fully homogeneous mixture at the molecular level.
Carbon atoms that don’t find two oxygen atoms are emitted as carbon monoxide (CO) or elemental carbon particulate emissions (smoke). This is a challenge in modern gasoline direct-injection engines, where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber just before ignition with little time for mixing with air. Bioethanol, on the other hand, has an oxygen atom embedded in the fuel molecule, reducing the likelihood of carbon atoms unable to find oxygen atoms. A stark example is the bright yellow color and smoke emissions when burning heavy-carbon, liquid hydrocarbon fuels like gasoline compared to the light blue, virtually smoke-free flame when burning bioethanol.
Combustion Products
Combustion Products
Put simply, gasoline generates more carbon dioxide, while bioethanol produces more water, enhancing combustion efficiency and engine output. Bioethanol’s higher hydrogen content results in more water production and fewer carbon emissions. Additionally, bioethanol contains an oxygen atom, facilitating more complete combustion and reducing emissions like carbon monoxide and soot.
In conclusion, increased hydrogen content and oxygen embedded in the fuel cause bioethanol to produce fewer carbon-based tailpipe emissions than gasoline. Blends of gasoline and bioethanol burn cleaner than pure gasoline, but not as clean as pure bioethanol. Indeed, carbon emissions decrease as the percentage of bioethanol increases. This pathway to reduced emissions is available to us now, today. Federal approval of higher bioethanol blends, like E15, is the next step toward healthier air and a cleaner environment!
Gasoline Bioethanol
Fuel + Oxygen (C,H,O)
Fuel (C,H)
Oxygen
PEOPLE OF POET
People of POET: Jed Dean
A hands-on approach, on and off the clock
By Andrea Van Essen
Jed Dean is no stranger to a busy schedule.
From an 11-plus-year career at POET Bioprocessing – Fairbank, Iowa, to raising seven kids, operating his family farm, and volunteering for the local fire department, he leads an active life at work, home, and everywhere in between.
“I’m not sure if Jed sleeps,” joked POET – Fairbank General Manager Bryon Wilson. Dean seems to enjoy the variety, though. In his role as Plant Technician III, he says every day offers something new.
“We may think we know what we’re doing the next day, but by the time we get in that morning, it could be completely different,” Dean said. “I have daily tasks and check-ins, but there are plenty of special projects as well.”
Wilson characterizes Dean as trustworthy, courageous, and humble, adding that he is the type of team member who often arrives early and stays late.
“He’s here early in the morning to help get the plant moving forward safely and compliantly, and if there’s something going on when it’s time for him to punch out, he’s more than willing to stick around to make sure it’s handed off smoothly,” Wilson said.
Promoting teamwork and camaraderie is paramount to Dean, who served in a people leadership role for several years before moving to his current role.
“He’s definitely a self-starter and very motivated to get things done successfully,” said Wilson. “Jed is someone team members come to and ask for help or his thoughts — not just the hourly guys, but leaders, too. He’s someone I know is going to give me honest feedback and not just sugarcoat it.”
Working together for the good of the team and, ultimately, the good of the company is important to Dean.
“We look out for each other as a team, and when we have a big task, we’re able to get it done safely, successfully, and in a timely manner. I love when we have those opportunities to troubleshoot as a team — it’s fun to see how ideas come together,” he said.
Dean also appreciates how open and transparent POET is with its team members.
“If you have a question, all you have to do is ask. Nothing’s hidden, and we’re all on the same team from top to bottom. It really makes you feel more invested,” he said.
Reflecting on more than a decade at the Fairbank facility, Dean says he never imagined a career trajectory like the one he’s had.
Jed Dean working at POET Bioprocessing – Fairbank
“I grew up on a farm and thought that’s all I ever really wanted to do. I started milking cows right out of high school and did that for quite a long while until I met my wife. We started having a family and needed a little supplemental income,” he said. “I started at POET and have never looked back. It’s a wonderful place to work.”
The Deans have seven kids whose ages range from 5 months to 16 years old: Nora (5 months), Katie (7), Jared (10), Ryan (12), Payton (13), Taylor (14), and Sarah (16). Two years ago, they were able to buy the family farm where Jed grew up, just outside of Clermont, Iowa.
They’re a close-knit family, and with so much to manage, he says the kids take hands-on roles when it comes to the farm, as well as local volunteer work.
“As far as the farming goes, we’re up early, and the kids are heavily involved,” he said. “We all do chores together, and if we have a day off, they’ll even come down to the fire department. The kids are always welcome to help there, whether it’s cleaning or fixing something.”
Dean’s kids are also active in their local 4-H chapter, so he helps out there as well, in addition to the fire department and helping with the ambulance service. Previously, he served on the church council and coached Little League.
As he balances his many responsibilities at work and at home, Dean’s ability to lead by example is a testament to his character. Whether in his job at POET, on the family farm, or in one of the many roles he serves in his community, Dean’s reliability, passion for teamwork, and unwavering work ethic shine through. Sure, his life may be busy, but it’s a life filled with purpose, family, and a deep-rooted connection to his community.
Providing Technologies that Bring More than Food to the Table
Our processes and equipment contribute to thousands of products people use every day...from immune-boosting juices to the wine we drink in celebration. Even the condiments on our burgers, the cheese on our sandwiches and the vegetables that nourish us are processed with GEA equipment. Going beyond food, GEA solutions are put to use in power plants, on all types of boats and at water treatment plants.
What’s more, sustainability and environmental conservation are key in each and every process we develop. That’s why our commitment to provide the separating technology required to produce renewable biofuels and agricultural co-products is as strong as ever. To learn more about GEA’s centrifuges and separation equipment and the industries we serve, visit us online at gea.com.
The DON Dilemma
Fighting vomitoxin threats to corn markets
By Erin Branick, POET Media Manager
Corn is the largest crop grown in the U.S., and bioethanol represents the largest segment of demand for that corn — approximately 40%. However, Deoxynivalenol, commonly known as DON or Vomitoxin, presents a significant threat to the entire corn industry, particularly in bioethanol and animal feed production, which require strict quality standards.
As a result, corn contaminated with DON is often either rejected or purchased at a lower price than healthy corn at bioprocessing facilities. While farmers are the experts in what works best for their operations, bioethanol producers like POET are dedicated to providing insights and best practices that help maximize corn quality and boost marketability.
The growing threat of DON
While DON does not impact bioethanol quality, it has significant effects on animal feed co-products. When contaminated corn is processed into animal feed, DON can cause feed refusal, reduced weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues in animals, particularly in swine and poultry. To produce high-quality animal feed and avoid these issues, bioethanol facilities may reject corn with high levels of DON.
“DON contamination is a serious issue that affects the entire supply chain, from corn growers to livestock producers,” said Greg Breukelman, President of POET Bioproducts. “Livestock producers are already feeling the economic strain, as contaminated feed leads to poor performance and, in some cases, significant financial losses. Because of DON’s impact on animal feed, particularly dried distillers grains, bioethanol facilities are less likely to accept contaminated corn.”
DON’s devastating impact on animal feed makes it one of the largest corn quality issues for the U.S. bioethanol industry today.
“As the largest producer of bioethanol and the largest processor of corn in the U.S., POET is directly impacted by this growing issue,” said Christian McIlvain, President of POET Grain. “Estimated damages associated with DON in corn may exceed $100 million in a single crop year, and that number is only continuing to grow.”
Historically, DON has been most prevalent in the Eastern Corn Belt, but recent trends show that this contamination is likely to spread westward, affecting more of the U.S. corn crop every year. In the 2023-24 marketing year alone, DON cost the agricultural industry millions of dollars, and these costs ultimately trickle down to farmers through lower corn prices and lost demand.
Defending corn demand in a challenging market
Corn prices have now dropped to a four-year low, making it more important than ever to defend corn demand across all markets. For farmers selling their grain to bioethanol producers like POET, the stakes are high. Quality standards for bioethanol production are rigorous, and corn contaminated with DON often doesn’t make the cut, reducing the market for affected corn.
“We need to protect corn demand, especially when prices are low,” said McIlvain. “As bioethanol producers, we have a vested interest in helping farmers produce highquality, marketable corn. That’s why we’re investing in research and partnerships to find long-term solutions to the DON issue.”
One key way POET is addressing this problem is by engaging with Ohio State University (OSU) on how growers can mitigate DON in their operations. The university recently released a study that determines how various corn hybrids perform when exposed to DON. This research is helping identify which corn varieties are more resilient to DON infection and which are more susceptible.
“Corn hybrids can make a huge difference when it comes to DON contamination,” said Andy Vickers, Agronomist at POET. “Farmers who are selecting the right hybrids for their region can reduce DON risk, leading to better yields and marketability. Fungicide application, grain handling, storage, and bin management practices also play vital roles in reducing DON levels.”
Insights from Ohio State University
Ohio State University’s research, The OSU Deoxynivalenol Resistance Screening Program, provides invaluable data on which corn hybrids are most resistant to this damaging toxin. Results from OSU’s test plots have yielded critical findings, and ongoing studies will help enhance recommendations.
This data, combined with insights from farmers across the POET network, will help bioethanol producers and farmers alike reduce the economic burden of DON contamination.
“Results from these studies are crucial for making informed decisions,” said Vickers. “We’re excited to keep POET’s producers informed about which hybrids are performing best against DON, and we’ll continue to share updates from this year’s studies and beyond.”
POET encourages farmers to contact their local grain merchandisers if they are interested in participating in future DON studies. By working together, bioethanol producers and farmers can find solutions to this problem and ensure that the U.S. corn crop remains viable and competitive.
A call to action for farmers
The battle against DON is about more than bioethanol production — it’s about the future of the corn market. As POET continues to invest in research and partnerships, the company is also looking to its community of producers for help.
"By working together, we can find solutions to the DON issue for farmers and biofuel producers alike," said McIlvain.
As farmers plan for the next planting season, it’s essential to consider corn hybrids that reduce the risk of DON contamination. By making informed decisions now, farmers can protect their crops in the future. For more information on DON-resistant corn hybrids, producers are encouraged to consult Ohio State University’s Deoxynivalenol Resistance Screening Program or speak with their local POET Grain merchandiser.
Together, we can tackle the challenge of DON and keep the U.S. corn market strong for years to come.
Forward Progress for Year-Round E15
By Matt Ward, POET Senior Government Affairs Manager
Momentum continues to build around a legislative solution for nationwide access to year-round E15.
Iowa and Nebraska have passed E15 standards and are working on implementation. Montana approved E15, becoming the 49th state to allow its use. Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver opt-outs are poised to go into effect for a number of Midwest states on June 1, 2025, ensuring year-round E15 in those markets.
Infrastructure for higher blends has been expanding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Higher Blends Infrastructure Program (HBIIP). According to a recent press release, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, facilitated 54% of grant applications for the last five rounds of HBIIP, resulting in 1,173 sites adding higher bioethanol-blended fuels. This momentum is building energy and a growing coalition of stakeholders pursuing a year-round solution for E15 in Washington, D.C.
The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 9885) was introduced in the House on September 27 by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (DMN), along with Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), among others, in a bipartisan show of support.
The lead co-sponsors commented via press release: “At a time when agricultural producers are struggling, uncertainty in the energy market is looming, and consumers are paying more at the pumps, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to boost energy production on the table,” said Rep. Smith. “Since I first introduced similar legislation, I have been pushing EPA to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15. Flexibility and greater consumer choice strengthens the U.S. fuel market, and Nebraska's farmers have the capacity to meet demand. I thank Rep. Craig, Sen. Fischer, and my House colleagues for their cooperation to unlock this sustainable fuel source and provide relief for hard-working Americans at the fuel pump.”
“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure, and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Rep. Craig. “This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”
H.R. 9885, which would extend the RVP volatility waiver, allowing for the yearround, nationwide sale of bioethanol blends up to 15 percent, is companion legislation to S.2707, introduced in July 2023 by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tammy Baldwin (D-MN).
In response to the bill’s introduction in the House, Sen. Fischer said, “E15 supports our farmers, is cleaner for the environment, and lowers the price of gas. Our bipartisan legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15. It’s why we’ve been able to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the oil/gas, biofuel, ag, and transportation sectors to support our legislation. I am confident that a path forward exists in both the Senate and the House and look forward to working with Congressman Smith to ensure our bill becomes law,”
Nationwide access to E15 is more important than ever. Allowing for its use yearround enhances our domestic energy security, saves consumers money at the pump, provides a cleaner, lower-carbon fuel option, and creates demand for corn at a time when our local farmers are struggling with prices at or below the cost of production.
POET Government Affairs remains steadfastly committed to working with our biofuel champions in both the Senate and the House to pass a solution for yearround, nationwide E15 into law.
OUT OF LEFT FIELD
Field of Dreams
By Scott Johnson, A Thinker of Thoughts (and POET Data Systems Administrator)
The movie “Field of Dreams” turns 35 this year. Wait, 35? That can’t be right. I saw the movie when I was 14, and now I’m only…(confirms birth date on driver’s license…) Never mind. Now that I think about it, I’ve purchased 3 water softeners since the movie came out — a reasonable measuring stick for the passing of time.
If you have not seen “Field of Dreams,” be aware there are spoilers ahead— and we can’t be friends anymore. Also, the boat sinks at the end of “Titanic.” You should get out more often. Sorry, but not sorry.
A brief “Field of Dreams” synopsis: Man experiences midlife crisis. Man hallucinates in cornfield. Man removes corn and builds baseball field. Man kidnaps James Earl Jones. Man plays catch with his ghost father. Author of this essay cries (again). City folk drive on gravel for the first time to watch ghosts play baseball. Iowa tourism board receives unexpected windfall.
The movie explores themes of farm, family, second chances, unresolved regret, sacrifice, and, of course…baseball.
But for me, the movie is about faith.
The protagonist, Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), was the self-proclaimed “least crazy person” he knew. Yet Ray believed a celestial voice called on him to dig up his corn and build a baseball field. If Ray followed through, his father’s hero, Shoeless Joe Jackson, could come back and play baseball. Sounds crazy, right? Did I mention both Ray’s father and Shoeless Joe Jackson weren’t alive anymore?
Ray tried to ignore the voice at first. But the calling was too strong to deny. It was a persistent, irresistible, yet ambiguous tug. He didn’t fully understand the mission, but he believed in the magic. He had faith.
Ray’s story didn’t focus on the minutiae of faith. It wasn’t a quarrel between ELCA Lutherans vs Missouri Synod Lutherans over which JELL-O salad should be served at funerals. Ray’s faith was at a higher macro level. It boiled down to simple, universal questions: Does my life have meaning? Do I have a purpose? Is there more out there in the metaphorical (yet, in this case, also physical) cornfield? Ray’s questions were answered with a resounding, "Yes."
We could all be so lucky to have such unmistakable, divine guidance as Ray Kinsella. Most of us won’t receive distinct visions and voices giving us the blueprints to life. The ambiguity can be discouraging. But it can also be liberating to know we are not meant to understand it all. We only need to be willing to listen for the voice. If we deny the voice, we are only able to believe what is currently possible, and we will only experience what is already possible.
Faith opens the door to previously unfathomable possibilities. We don’t need all the details. We can start small: a simple belief that our life is more than birth, death, and a few water softener replacements sprinkled in between.
