Time to celebrate victories such as year-round E15 waiver

Scott Smith: President Indiana Corn Growers Association

On April 12, President Biden visited an ethanol plant in Iowa to announce that he was approving a waiver to allow E15 gasoline – gasoline that uses a 15 percent ethanol blend – to be sold this summer. Without the waiver, regular U.S. gasoline would only have been blended at 10 percent. Without the waiver, a 2021 court ruling would have forced the 10 percent limit starting this summer.

A lot of the corn we grow on our farm in Windfall, Ind., goes to ethanol production. We need to celebrate this victory because ethanol is an important provider of income for many Indiana farmers.

With 14 ethanol plants, this corn-based fuel is a major source of income for many Hoosier growers. These ethanol plants consume about 47 percent of Indiana’s total corn crop – more than 461 million bushels. Indiana is the fifth-largest producer of ethanol, making more than 1.2 billion gallons per year. Indiana produces 8 percent of the ethanol made in the United States.

President Biden’s action is something that will have a positive impact for many farmers and consumers across America. But this didn’t happen by accident.

ICGA, the National Corn Growers Association and farmer leaders from across the United States asked President Biden to extend the use of E15 to hold down prices at the pump. Corn growers asked their members of Congress to support continued availability of E15, sending thousands of messages in recent weeks and backing bipartisan Senate and House advocacy for the action that was announced in April.

Although we are celebrating this victory, the job is not finished. ICGA now seeks a more permanent solution for those of us who rely on ethanol. ICGA and its partners stand ready to continue working with the Biden Administration, the EPA and Congress on the energy and environmental solutions that ethanol can provide.

Join us as we continue to advocate for Indiana farmers. The more members we have, the stronger our voice becomes when we talk to those who write policy. Ethanol isn’t our only policy challenge. We are representing you on all farm issues.

Send an email to ICGA’s new Industry Affairs Outreach Manager Khyla Goodman at kgoodman@indianacorn.org for details about becoming a member.

Goodman joins policy staff

There is nothing more exciting than the anticipation of the spring planting season, except maybe the thrill of harvest where you can see all the hard work come to fruition. This feeling inspired my choice to pursue a career in agriculture. My name is Khyla Goodman, and I’m proud to be the new Industry Affairs Outreach Manager for Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn.

I grew up on a multi-generational farm in north central Indiana. I earned a bachelor’s degree in ag sales and marketing from Purdue University in 2019. After graduation, I worked at Indiana Farm Bureau and at a local FSA office for two years. I am a proud newlywed to a loving husband, and we have two adorable dogs. We love to be on the family farm where we grow corn, beans, and tomatoes for Red Gold. I’m excited for this new season in my career.

As the new Industry Affairs Outreach Manager, I oversee our partnerships with corporate sponsors to raise money for advocacy. I am also responsible for attending farmer meetings to grow membership and show the benefits of being a member. I look forward to meeting as many people as I can at the many events coming up. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or to get acquainted.