Developments at the national level regarding biofuel production, agricultural data, and energy policy could have indirect implications for farmers and the energy industry in Burleigh and Morton counties.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and NASA signed a memorandum of understanding on October 24. This agreement aims to strengthen the USDA’s data quality, which is intended to help American farmers and ranchers benefit from and access cutting-edge technologies. This national initiative could benefit agricultural producers in North Dakota. In a related matter, the National Corn Growers Association has called on the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service to take immediate action. The association seeks improved processes and procedures following an error that occurred in the agency's October 9 Crop Production report, an issue that impacts corn growers nationwide, including those in central North Dakota.
Regarding renewable fuels, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for permanent, year-round E15 fuel on October 22 during a rally held in Sioux City. While the focus of the event was Iowa’s renewable fuels industry, the issue of E15 standards remains a priority for the broader ethanol sector, including producers and consumers in North Dakota. Further highlighting national trends, ADM announced investments at its corn dry mill in Columbus, Nebraska. The company expects these investments to increase its annual corn grind by 20 million bushels, citing an environment of increasing biofuel demand. This increasing demand could generally affect agricultural markets.
Industry professionals and academics are also convening at several major conferences focusing on the future of renewable energy. The International Biomass Conference & Expo, now in its 20th year, is expected to draw over 1,000 attendees, 180 exhibitors, and 100 speakers from more than 25 countries to Atlanta, Georgia. This event, co-located with the North American Biocarbon Conference, will focus on commercial-scale biomass production, new technology, and research and development in the biomass sector. The North American Biocarbon Conference specifically addresses the full value chain of carbon-negative and carbon-smart technologies, aiming to accelerate the deployment of biocarbon solutions and scale climate-positive markets.
Additionally, the 43rd annual Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) provides the ethanol industry with content and unparalleled networking opportunities. Described as the largest and longest-running ethanol conference globally, the FEW draws more than 2,300 people from over 31 countries and from nearly every ethanol plant in the United States and Canada. This widespread attendance implies participation from North Dakota’s ethanol facilities in discussions focused on commercial-scale ethanol production, new technology, and near-term research and development.
Other specialized events include the Sustainable Fuels Summit, a premier forum designed for producers of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This summit aims to inform attendees about cutting-edge process technologies and innovative techniques to optimize production, increase throughput, and improve fuel quality. A separate Carbon Capture & Storage Summit is also planned, offering a comprehensive look at the economics and infrastructure required for carbon capture and storage in the biofuels industry. This technology is seen as having the potential to cement ethanol and biodiesel as among the lowest carbon liquid fuels commercially available. These national discussions and technological advancements represent ongoing shifts within the broader energy and agriculture sectors that could influence future operations and policies affecting Burleigh and Morton counties.