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2000 Press Releases
Maryland Farmer Awarded Third Place Honors in National Corn Growers Contest
December 21, 2000
Steady rains, mild temperatures, and good seed were all part of a winning combination for Maryland farmer, Tim Bishop during this year’s Corn Yield Contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Bishop’s victory earned him a third place overall win in the NCGA Class “A” No-till/Strip till/Non-irrigated class. Bishop, who farms in Queenstown, Maryland, managed a yield of 254 bushels per acre using Campbell 695BT seed.
Bishop has participated in the annual contest for 15 years. In addition to being a Campbell Seed representative, he farms 1900 acres in Queen Anne and Talbot Counties.
The NCGA’s Corn Yield Contest is an annual event with hundreds of participants across the country. Participants compete both within their state and to find the nations best. The goal of this event is to educate farmers on improving their methods of production to increase profitability while addressing environmental concerns.
Winners of this contest will be honored at the 2001 Commodity Classic, a convention and trade show of the NCGA and the American Soybean Board (ASB) being held in San Antonio, Texas. Winners also receive prizes from participating seed and crop protection companies.
In addition to his national third place win, Bishop placed first in his class in Maryland. Other impressive yields for Maryland were: second place winner for the Class “A” No till/Strip till/Non irrigated class was Larry and Jason Sheubrooks of Centreville and third place was Ed Grimmel of Jarrettesville.
First place winner for the Class “A” Non-irrigated class was Martin Thomas, Pylesville; second place was William Riggs, Centreville; and third place Ralph Harcum, Hebron.
Winners for the No till/Strip till irrigated class were in first place MICA Farms, Church Hill; second place John Windsor, Cambridge; and third place Gary King, Princess Anne.
Winners for the Irrigated class included Scott Dulin, Centreville in first place. Dulin produced an impressive 271 bushels per acre also the highest recorded yield statewide. Despite the fact Maryland received more then adequate rainfall during the growing season, corn receiving additional irrigation applied at the appropriate times produced higher yields compared to corn without added water as shown in Dulin’s results. Second place went to Michael Bostic, Church Hill; and third place to James Fuchs, Preston.
According to State statistician, Ray Garibay, the average yield per acre in Maryland was 155 bushels. This figure is 62 bushels per acre higher then last year’s average when many parts of the state were plagued with drought.
“The National Corn Yield Contest is equivalent of the World Series, Super Bowl, or the Stanley Cup,” stated Phillip Councell, president of the Maryland Grain Producers Association. “It is a way of spotlighting and rewarding those farmers whose corn yield is a level above the rest. Bishop, along with all the winners in Maryland, should be very proud of their accomplishments this year.”Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board Solicits Proposals for Ethanol Feasibility Study
November 28, 2000
Is it economically feasible to produce ethanol here in Maryland? This is the question an agricultural organization is seeking answers to. The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is soliciting proposals for the development of an ethanol production plant feasibility study. Their main interest is to develop an ethanol plant based on barley. A crop that protects the environment by providing field cover during the winter and sets the season off to early start by being ready to harvest early in June. Up until now, Maryland farmers have received little revenue from this energy-based crop – but an ethanol plant could change this.
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board has interest in the establishment of value-added opportunities for Maryland agriculture. Knowing that Maryland is a corn deficit state, the Board has a special interest in a study to look at alternative feedstocks with a special interest in barley. The economics of barley production has led to a decline in the acreage grown, however, barley has agronomic benefits so there is a desire to expand market opportunities for this crop. The feasibility of a multiple feedstock ethanol plant to include other crops such as wheat, corn, etc. is also of interest but not to the exclusion of barley. In order to fully quantify the benefits and risks that may be associated with such a venture, the Board of Directors of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board has elected to fund a project feasibility study.
This solicitation is for the development of a feasibility study and if the results of this study indicate that it is prudent to proceed, then MGPUB intends to develop specifications for a larger, site specific, engineering based feasibility study.
For more details and specifications on what must be included with your proposal see the application guidelines, or contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771. Edgewater, MD 21037
Speakers Bureau is Ready to Serve the State
November 2000
In conjunction with the Maryland Extension Office, the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) has formed a “Speakers Bureau.” The MGPA “Speakers Bureau” is made up of a unique collection of volunteers who either farm or are involved in farm related businesses or activities. They are volunteering their time and talents to speak to service organizations, club meetings, or any type of event where a short presentation is necessary. Speakers are located across the state to accommodate as much of Maryland as possible.
“We felt that this was very important to agriculture,” stated Robert Hutchison. Hutchison a member of the MGPA and initiated the program. “So many times in conversation I find that people who aren’t involved with agriculture really don’t have a feeling for how vitally important it is to our state’s economy and quite simply, our daily lives. Members of the MGPA decided this would be a good project for our organization to begin. Ideally, we hope to speak to groups who don’t normally get exposure to agriculture. This may be clubs like Rotary, Lions, or Jaycees. The sole purpose is to give people a better understanding of agriculture---its importance, how it is changing, and how it effects us locally, as well as worldwide,” finished Hutchison.
Beginning in April, 2000 a committee has recruited speakers and worked together to create a generalized slide presentation on agriculture. Should your organization wish to contact the MGPA about having someone do a presentation, please call Celeste Pyper at 410-819-0414.
Local Farmer Helps to Bridge the Gap for Brazilian Wheat Importing
October 27, 2000
Until recently, Brazil has strict regulations on the class of wheat imported into the country. The government of Brazil has now agreed to adjust their import regulations to allow additional wheat classes from the United States due to expanded efforts by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In efforts to better educate the Brazilians, this summer the US Wheat Associates sponsored, in cooperation with the Foreign Agricultural Service, a Brazilian wheat trade mission to the United States. The team member, from five Brazilian companies, represented over a third of the Brazilian market for wheat.
Local grain farmer, Drew Stabler of Montgomery County and treasurer for the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) hosted the group at his farm. Stabler, offering over 45 years of agriculture experience grows soft red winter wheat as just one of his grain crops. His family farming operation tills over 4000 acres.
“I feel having the Brazilians here in the states shows real progress,” stated Stabler. “We are gratified that they have fully opened their markets to us. It can make a tremendous impact on the entire wheat industry.”
Stabler showed the group specifics on wheat production here in Maryland. Fellow farmer, Charles (Jamie) Jamison, from nearby Dickerson joined him. After a two hour tour at Stabler’s operation, the group visited the Wilkins Rodgers Milling facilityin Ellicott City.
Brazil is forecast to be the world’s largest importer of wheat. This year they are expected to consume 9.7 million tons of wheat with only 1.8 million tons domestically produced. The United States has only been able to export hard red winter wheat to Brazil. With the issues now being resolved the market for soft red winter wheat should greatly increase.
Soft red winter wheat is the class of wheat grown in and around Maryland. It is primarily used for cookies, light crackers, and cake products.
“I think I can speak for farmers everywhere when I say, we are grateful for any progress we can make toward future exporting. As everyone has heard, our supplies are high and commodity prices are low. By improving trade relations with countries like Brazil, it can only help better the markets for all countries involved,” finished Stabler.
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Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board Seeks Grant Proposals for 2001
October 25, 2000
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is currently seeking grant proposals for the year 2001. The organization administers the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program that was formed by referendum in 1991.
MGPUB’s mission is to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production and to improve the public understanding of agriculture using checkoff investment to support education, promotion, and research resulting in greater utilization of grain.
Funds are spent on each crop in the same ratio as they are collected. This year MGPUB is seeking proposals for a feasibility study on the construction of an ethanol plant in Maryland. Other areas of interest are proposals to expand the general publics’ awareness and appreciation of agriculture; to provide marketing assistance/advice to grain farmers; to analyze hard winter wheat production in Maryland; and to study deep tillage and its effects on crop growth.
MGPUB will be accepting proposals until December 1, 2000 for funding in 2001. Proposals are evaluated and approved at the MGPUB funding meeting in January. For more information and complete MGPUB Research Proposal Guidelines contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771 or visit their web site at www.marylandgrain.com/check-off.htm .
Applications should be postmarked no later than December 1, 2000.
Tax Breaks for Petroleum Producers Far Outweigh Benefits for Producers of Renewable Fuels!
October 19, 2000
According to a recent report done by the United State General Accounting Office (GAO) producers of petroleum have received significantly more in tax benefits then producers of renewable fuels, especially ethanol. The report concluded that the three largest tax breaks provided to the petroleum industry over the past 32 years amounted to ten times the tax incentives provided for ethanol and alcohol fuels.
This report tracked several types of incentives historically extended to both industries. It found that since 1968, the oil industry has received more that $82 billion in cost depletion incentive and more than $42 billion in exploration and development tax breaks. In contrast, the renewable fuel industry has only benefited from just over $11 billion in excise tax breaks and about $200 million in alcohol fuel income tax credits.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin (IL) was joined by several Democratic colleagues in presenting this study. “This report highlights the need for a strong and comprehensive energy policy that looks to the future, not the past,” Durbin said.
“The oil industry has been the beneficiary of tax breaks 10 times greater than those extended to producers of renewable fuels. But our dependence on petroleum cannot sustain us in the next century. We must stop giving the oil industry a helping hand at every turn while ignoring producers of renewable fuels.”
Currently, the United States is 56% dependant on foreign oil compared to just 36% during the oil crisis of the 1970’s. At this rate, those figures may rise to 75% in just ten to fifteen years.
“When you see figures like these, it should make all of us realize the need to keep pushing government to support renewable fuels. Never has there been more evidence then now to show how and why the renewable fuel industry is not getting its fair share of support. Our dependence on foreign oil has got to stop. There is simply no reason that we as a nation aren’t producing and supplying our own fuel needs,” stated Phillip Councell, a Talbot County farmer and president of the Maryland Grain Producers Association.
Renewable fuels such as ethanol have received much notoriety over the past year. There is current legislation to increase the use of ethanol (E-10) as an oxygenate for gasoline. Additionally, auto makers have steadily designed models which are designed to operate on ethanol (E-85) or a blended mixture of ethanol and gasoline.
"Renewable fuels must be a part of our future. Our nation should be using our own resources and our government should be lending their support to the producers," finished Councell.
National Corn Growers Association names Jamison as Chairman
October 17, 2000
Charles (Jamie) Jamison is a long known and respected farmer in his hometown of Dickerson, Md. but he also holds that same respect among his peers at the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) where he was recently appointed chairman of the Production and Stewardship Action Team for fiscal year 2000-2001. The NGCA serves more then 30,000 corn grower members in 44 states across the country.
“Jamie has shown such a vast knowledge and understanding of agriculture and its needs,” stated Paul Bertels, director of production and marketing for NCGA. “The Production and Stewardship Action Team will work on four major issues this year. I am confident Jamie and the others on his team will do a terrific job representing the nation’s corn growers.”
Topping the list for important issues this year are transportation, primarily dealing with upgrading the locks on the Mississippi River to 1200 feet long to allow the passage of tows; water quality; biotechnology, insect resistant management; and the corn yield contest. The seventeen-member committee has state representatives from Maryland and reaching as Far West as Texas.
Jamison first began his leadership role in the grain industry when he joined the Maryland Grain Producers Association’s (MGPA) grain check-off program after its passage in 1991. He became treasurer of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) in 1994 and stills holds that position today. In addition to his duties as treasurer, Jamison chairs the MGPA’s Annual Meeting, which takes place in July. This event gathers over 300 grain producers across the state. He currently sits on the board of directors for both MGPUB and MGPA.
"It is important to get involved and try to make a difference. The NCGA works very hard to be a voice for America’s corn growers. Farmers today must stay active and know how they are being affected by government decisions. It takes many people, many hours, and a lot of perseverance to make things happen. I’m just one of those people trying to make a difference,” stated Jamison.
Jamie and his wife, Kathy farm with their three sons. Together they farm 5000 acres growing corn, wheat, and soybeans. He attended Montgomery College and American University.
Pennsylvania Fuel Station Owner Believes Ethanol Should Be Future’s Fuel
October 5, 2000
With fuel prices at record level highs with no real relief in sight Joe Mullhausen, President of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is pleased to see his local Sunoco Station owner selling an ethanol blended fuel. Ethanol blends of up to 10% (known as E10) serve to both clean the air as an oxygenate and displace some of our foreign oil usage.
“Ethanol makes sense. Its use has proven to be a benefit to our environment and its availability is certainly with in our reach,” stated Ron Gorhan, owner of Delta One Stop Inc., a Sunoco gas location at 906 Broad Street Extended in Delta, Pennsylvania. Currently, the Sunoco station offers fuel with ethanol added as the oxygenate. E-10 is made from ethanol, a renewable resource made from corn, wheat, or any starch based feedstock. According to the Clean Air Act of 1990, gasoline is required to be blended with an oxygenate additive such as ethanol (E-10). Usage of this type of additive has shown significant improvement in air quality in many major cities.
In addition to the E-10 additive, ethanol as an 85% blend with gasoline is classed as an alternative fuel known as E-85. Currently, auto makers have models available which are suited to operate on E-85 fuel, 100% gasoline, or any combination in-between. These include the 3.0-liter Ford Taurus, the 3.0-liter Ford Ranger Pickup, the 3.3-liter family of Chrysler mini-vans, and the GM S-10 pick-ups. Soon to arrive will be the Ford Explorer and auto makers are prepared to release other alternative fuel models, which would be suited for this special 85% ethanol blend.
Not only can the use of ethanol reduce fuel prices in the future, it could dramatically affect the corn and grain market. Expanding the use of ethanol, which already consumes 6% of the US corn crop, would help the grain market that has suffered record low commodity prices.
“I think it is great to see a gas station here locally that supports the use of ethanol,” stated Joe Mullhausen, a Harford County farmer and president of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board. “Our dependence on foreign fuel sources is long over due for change. There is absolutely no reason why ethanol couldn’t and shouldn’t be used here in the United States. We have an abundance of natural resources to produce ethanol, it has proven to be environmentally friendly, and it is cost effective for the consumer, just to name a few of its benefits.”
Ethanol has received much attention through out this year as gas prices have risen beyond belief. This has left consumers wondering what will be done to bring this situation under control.
“The use of ethanol either as an additive (E-10) or as an alternative fuel (E-85) is a step in the right direction. This nation needs to keep pushing to show the government we truly want the current fuel situation changed. It has gotten totally out of hand and change needs to occur. Ethanol is a beneficial change for everyone involved!” finished Gorhan.Return to Top of Page
Maryland Grain Producers Association Urges Passage of S. 2962
October 3, 2000
The Maryland Grain Producer Association (MGPA) is urging all grain producers in the state to contact their Congressmen and urge passage of the Federal Reformulated Fuels Act of 2000 (S.2962). This bill phases out the use of MTBE and creates a progressive Clean Alternative Fuels Program designed to dramatically increase the production and use of cleaner fuels and vehicles over the next decade. This will stimulate tremendous economic activity across rural America by providing a critical value-added market for farmers. The Clean Alternative Fuels Program provides a long-term certainty in the ethanol market with a steady growth capability. The ethanol market could triple in size, which would far exceed the market potential existing under the current provisions of the Clean Air Act.With commodity prices at 20 year lows, a bumper crop diving carryover stocks, farm income dropping, and petroleum-based fuel prices rising, there has never been a more pressing time to promote the production of domestic, renewable fuel—ethanol!
This session of Congress is rapidly coming to a close. Please take the time and contact your Congressman. Ask for their support to include the Reformulated Fuels Act of 2000 (S.2962) in legislation to be enacted this year. To make it easy, farmers can call 1-888-WHY-CORN (888-949-2676) to be connected with the Capitol switchboard in Washington, D.C. Ask for your Congressional member and tell them you support ethanol. Tell them you support expanding ethanol use and making our country less dependent on foreign oil.Return to Top of Page
Maryland Grain Producers applauds passage of PNTR
September 20, 2000
After months of anticipation, the United State Senate gave final approval to permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to China in a resounding 83-15 vote earlier this week. The vote should strengthen business relations with China, increase grain exports to one of the world’s largest potential markets, and clear the way for China to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
"This is great news for agriculture because it will increase market access to China as well as its neighboring nations. It is also significant because it is a step toward fulfilling promises made during the writing of the last farm bill,” stated Phillip Councell, Jr. a Talbot County farmer and president of the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA).
The U.S. House approved the measure in May, so the Senate action will send the bill to President Clinton who is expected to sign with little delay.
"A lot of emphasis is being put on how granting PNTR to China will open this large market to more U.S. goods. MGPA feels this step is equally important because it will open up other markets in this part of the world like North Korea and South Korea. Once China enters WTO, they will be forced to adopt fair trade practices, which will make U.S. commodities more competitive," Councell said. “This should send a positive message to the rest of the world that the U.S. is committed to trade and competing in a global market.”
China has committed to establish a tariff rate quota (TRQ) for corn. In its first year of WTO membership, China has agreed to allow access for 177 million bushels of corn. That level is set to increase to 283 million bushels by the fourth year. More important, is China’s commitment to eliminate export subsidies. By doing this, it allows U.S. grain to be much more competitive in markets that have been buying subsidized Chinese grain. China’s membership is seen as a positive for all U.S. agriculture as all trade agreement would be subject to WTO enforcement.
There are over 1.3 billion people living in China today, making it the world’s largest consumer base.
Brown and Gordon awarded MGPUB Scholarships
August 15, 2000
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board recently awarded two scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. The recipients of these awards were Miss Amanda Brown of Easton, Md. and David Gordon of Middleton, Md.
“We all felt that Amanda was an excellent choice for this scholarship. She has a tremendous list of accomplishments over her short lifetime. Her involvement with her own family’s farm operation combined with her many activities in 4-H and school shows her drive and ambition within agriculture,” stated Donnie Tennyson of Dameron, Md., scholarship committee member.
Some of her many accomplishments include being chosen for the National Honor Society, giving more than 600 hours of service to her community, receiving numerous awards during her many years in 4-H, and being a Maryland spokesperson for the American Beef Council and the American Egg Board. She is currently a spokesperson for the American Beef Council in Delaware. Brown, who is attending the University of Maryland at College Park majoring in Food Science, hopes to become a food technologist after graduating.
The second award winner, Mr. David Gordon, has demonstrated many fine qualities as a student in agriculture. He maintains a 4.0 grade point average. He currently belongs to the Agriculture Club at college, the National Honor Society, and is an Ambassador for his school. During his career in high school he was class valedictorian and was named “Dekalb’s Outstanding Senior,” along with receiving many other academic achievements. Gordon has been involved with 4-H for many years. Some outstanding achievements in 4-H including being nationally recognized as an All-American livestock judge and selected as a member of the Leadership and Design Teams for the national 4-H Congress. Gordon, who is currently majoring in Agriculture Communications at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, hopes to pursue a career as a public relations representative for an agricultural company.
Tennyson added, “David, too, was a superior choice for this year’s scholarships. We had excellent applicants this year, but these two students were truly deserving of these awards. It is great to see how these people (Brown and Gordon) have excelled in their academic careers and been outstanding citizens in their communities and civic groups.
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board scholarships are awarded to students attending a 4-year institution or students in a two year agriculture program. Selections are based on agricultural background, family farm involvement, financial need, grade point average, agriculture related studies, career goals, and extra curricular activities.
Commodity Classic offers optimism and hope for farmers
August 3, 2000
The Second Annual Commodity Classic held July 27th in Howard County proved to be a success for farmers statewide. The group, a combination of members from both the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) and the Maryland Soybean Board (MSB), were optimistic about a plentiful harvest though corn and soybean prices continue to stay exceeding low.
Keeping spirits in check was headline speaker, columnist and humorist John Phipps. Phipps offered a lighter look at farming and put emphasis on “enjoying life.” His clever delivery and casual style seemed well accepted by the crowd of over 250 people. Often relating stories about his family and friends, Phipps stressed the facts of the “Joy of Farming” and how to overcome some of the stress and strains seen in agriculture today.
Other speakers included Bruce Knight of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and Robert Dineen of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Knight discussed many of the achievements the NCGA had accomplished this year for corn growers such as Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) in the House of Representatives. He encouraged members to continue letter writing campaigns to state senators to have a positive vote on this issue. Other achievements involved the passing of the crop insurance bill, extensive research findings on genomes, and further corn uses.
Dineen (RFA) spoke enthusiastically about the use of ethanol as both an additive to our gasoline and as a complete alternative fuel for vehicles. His energetic discussion covered why and how the use of ethanol can benefit our farmers, as well as, the population of the country by lessening our dependence on foreign oil. Dineen spends countless hours lobbying in favor of ethanol’s use.
Both Knight and Dineen stated that if accepted, the United States could supply ample amounts of ethanol for the entire nation. This would not only benefit the general
Addressing the crowd for the MSB was Stephen Wildes of Omni Tech International. Wildes gave an informative talk on new uses of the soybean.
Also handed out during the meeting portion of the program was the “Man of the Year” award. This year’s recipient was Ronald Mulford of Wicomico County. Mulford has been involved in agriculture his entire life. He has received high praise for his work at the Poplar Hill Research Station, a 225 acre research farm operated by the University of Maryland. This farm, located in Quantico on the Eastern Shore in Maryland grows corn, wheat, barely, and all other agronomic crops. Mulford has served over 31 years at this location and has hosted visitors from all parts of the world who have come to seek his advice and view the practically oriented research under way at Poplar Hill.
“I feel like the day was a great success,” stated Jamie Jamison, MGPUB member and co-chairman of the Commodity Classic. “Each year we try to offer information on pressing issues, as well as, give guests some enjoyment and down time. We have just completed one harvest season and are only a few weeks from beginning another. The Commodity Classic is a good break for these members,” finished Jamison.
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Anne Arundel's Pollution Problems
June 19, 2000
Letter to the Editor:
If you currently own a recent 3.0 liter Ford Taurus, Ford Ranger pickup, a 3.3 liter Chrysler mini van, or a GM S-10 pickup you can be part of the solution to the question of the month on Anne Arundel’s Pollution problems and help in the fight to control air pollution! All these vehicles are able to run on ethanol as their major fuel source.
Ethanol is a clean burning renewable fuel made from any starched-based product such as corn, wheat, or sugar cane. The fuel, known as E-85, is already adaptable to the vehicles listed above plus many other manufacturers are ready to produce models suited for E-85.
E-85 simply means it is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
Ethanol offers many answers to our nation’s air quality and fuel problems. It can be produced here in the United States, lessening our need to use foreign oil suppliers. The cost of ethanol can be two to five cents less per gallon making it a more economical choice, its production can make way for more jobs, and producing ethanol can boost prices for farmers suffering record low grain prices.
Ethanol is currently being produced in the mid West with preliminary plans for additional plants to be built all over the United States. Right now, the major hold up is due to investors waiting for the government to give full support to ethanol’s usage. President Clinton has endorsed its use along with other leaders.
Locally, a refueling site for E-85 opened near the Pentagon in Virginia and in the very near future the Shell Station on Riva Road in Annapolis will be a supplier. This is just the beginning for a proposed infrastructure to offer E-85 fuel to consumers all over the state.
So if you own a vehicle mentioned above or are in the market to purchase another, keep in mind that you can be doing your part in helping to prevent air pollution. Using E-85 is a step in the right direction. Ethanol as a major fuel source is a win/win answer for the citizens of Maryland and the United States.
Mike Clark
Howard County
June 14, 2000
Letter to the Editor:
I would like to suggest the use of ethanol both as an oxygenate additive (E-10) to replace MTBE or as an alternative fuel as an E-85 blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline as a solution for the air pollution looming over Anne Arundel County.
Ethanol is made from any starched-based material such as corn. It is a renewable resource and one our country has plenty of! Ethanol burns clean and reduces air pollution! Not to mention the fact that with the fuel prices rising, ethanol may actually costs less then gasoline making it a more affordable fuel choice.
As an additive, E-10 (a 10% blend added to gasoline) fulfills the oxygenate requirement of the 1990 Clean Air Act. Major cities in the mid-west that currently use E-10 to comply with this requirement have seen noticeable improvements in air quality. We can produce E-10 right here in the United States, therefore not getting caught in the foreign oil wars.
As an alternative fuel source, ethanol can be made into E-85 (an 85% blend) used to fuel vehicles. There are several vehicles on the market today that are already suited to operate on E-85. These include the 3.0 liter Ford Taurus and Ranger pickup, and the 3.3 liter Chrysler mini van family, the GM S-10 pickup and next model year, the Ford Explorer will be available as an E85 model.
Recently, an E-85 fueling station opened near the Pentagon primarily for government fleet vehicles and shortly the Shell Station on Riva Road in Annapolis will be opening up for all users. Others are planned for the Anne Arundel area and other polluted areas of the state. These are just the beginning of a proposed infrastructure to offer E-85 to all parts of the state. Public awareness is now an important issue so that people know they can make a difference using a clean burning fuel.
As concerned citizens we need to support legislation in favor of ethanol. Ethanol is the choice for fuel in Maryland and all across the United States. We all need to take time and contact our legislatures to give our support for ethanol. It offers a sensible solution to fuel and air quality problems everywhere!
Donnie Tennyson
St. Mary’s County
June 8, 2000
Letter to the Editor:
Ethanol can be part of the solution to the “question of the month” on how to solve Anne Arundel County’s air pollution problems. Ethanol is a clean burning fuel so its use can help improve air quality, especially in major cities where mass commuting is a problem. Many vehicles on the roads today are already capable of running on E85 a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
Which models run on E85? Recent model of the 3.0 liter Ford Taurus – 3.3 liter Chrysler mini-van family – the Ford Ranger or GM S10 pickups are all flexible fuel vehicles (FFV’s) capable of running on E85, 100% gasoline or any combination in-between. Next model year will see the Ford Explorer added to this impressive list.
But where can you get the fuel? The first E85 station on the East Coast opened at the Pentagon in Virginia recently. Plans are underway to bring E85 here to Anne Arundel County and other polluted areas of the state thanks to two US Department of Energy grants to develop E85 infrastructure. The Riva Road Shell station and one close to Fort Meade are expected to sell the fuel before the end of summer.
Will the fuel be cheaper than gasoline? Possibly not on a per mile basis until gas prices increase above $1.50 per gallon as there is a small decline in miles per gallon. However, there are significant benefits when we look at the overall economics of ethanol – a home grown fuel produced right here in the US from renewable resources such as corn. Not only are there clean air benefits, but the use of ethanol lessens our dependence in foreign oil sources and improves our trade deficit.
As we expand our use of ethanol additional production facilities will be needed providing jobs for workers here in this country. Once produced, we have many means of transportation already in place to distribute ethanol fuel across the country.
Will ethanol ever be produced here in Maryland? The poultry industry consumes all the corn we produce here in Maryland so it is doubtful that we would have a corn-based plant, however barley another starch crop which is grown during the winter and protects soil from eroding can be produced into ethanol. Perhaps too, tobacco growers will follow the lead of those in North Carolina and grow sweet potatoes for ethanol instead of tobacco. We don’t have any oil wells to protect - but Maryland has some agricultural land it would like to see protected from overzealous development. Ethanol may be part of the solution here too!
Who uses ethanol now? There is a federal mandate on federal and state governments to purchase alternative fuel vehicles to set an example to the rest of us. While the vehicles are being purchased, most are FFV’s and are being run on gasoline. President Clinton recently signed an executive order to require the federal government to reduce its petroleum use by 20% by 2004 – and perhaps our state and county governments can follow suit.
Want to know more about E85 and when the stations will be up and running? Contact the Maryland Grain Producers Association, lynnehoot@aol.com or fax your address to 410-956-0161.
Lynne Hoot, Executive Director
Maryland Grain Producers Association
Farmers Optimistic about Crops
June 22, 2000
After suffering past years of drought conditions, record low prices, and poor crop yields farmers are optimistic this season. Timely rains, heat, and good soil conditions have been the “norm” this spring and early summer giving farmers hope that this year’s crops will be successful.
“The corn and beans seem to really be taking off,” stated Melvin Baile, Jr.. a grain farmer in Carroll County and member of the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA). “After the past years of devastating droughts it looks like this year’s crops are off to a good start.”
Corn in many parts of the state has sprouted quicker and gained height faster then normal. Soybeans are off to a good start but still much is waiting to be planted. Late soybeans will be planted following the harvesting of wheat, barley, or rye.
However, with good comes a little bad. The abundance of rain has slowed down the harvest of wheat, barley, and rye. Wet ground has made it difficult for harvesting. In addition, when wheat gets wet and dries out several times it swells up and down. This causes it to lose more starch and gain a higher fiber content, reducing the quality of the overall wheat crop.
Edward Stanfield, a Baltimore County farmer and member of the MGPA added, “People always joke that farmers are never happy, well that just isn’t the case. We are thrilled with the rains we’ve had. However, right now we could use a week or so of drier weather to catch up on wheat, barley, and rye. There is no doubt all farmers hope that the timely rains continue throughout the growing season.”
There are certain times during the maturing stages of corn and soybeans where rain is essential for good development. If the moisture is not received these times the plant risks not growing to its fullest potential. As in years past, you end up with crops that produce very low yields and consequently profits are extremely low or nonexistent.
“We keep our fingers crossed, work hard, and hope for the best. Mother Nature takes over from here. We just hope Mother Nature is working on our side this year!” finished Baile.
Pentagon Station Opening
May 15, 2000
After months of planning and preparation, the federal government opened its first multi-alternative fuel station earlier this month. Located near the Pentagon, the Navy Exchange “Quarters K” Citgo/Quik Mart will service federal vehicles with clean burning E-85 ( a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline).
“This is a milestone for agriculture,” stated Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) president, Phillip Councell, Jr. MGPA and their utilization board have been instrumental in the actual planning and development of this project. “Though E-85 is not new in the mid-west and other areas of the country, it is new to the East Coast. I feel as though the agriculture community is making strides in their efforts to promote ethanol. With the support of the Department of Energy and agriculturists across the state, ethanol can be the accepted fuel for our future,” continued Councell.
Ethanol is a clean burning fuel made from renewable resources such as corn. Their has been a concentrated effort among many environmental groups, government officials, and agriculturists to find a new source of fuel given the recent costs increases and difficulties in dealing with the OPEC countries. Recently, federal fleet vehicles have switched to using alternative fuels such as E-85 in hopes of showing consumers their benefits.
The opening of the Navy Exchange station was made possible through a grant received by the Maryland Energy Administration for the U.S. Department of Energy. It is estimated that over 200,000 gallons of ethanol fuel will be pumped out of the new Pentagon site in the first year.
This is the first of the proposed infrastructure development for alternative fuel stations in Maryland. Another station is expected to open near the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis later this year.