It's renewable fuels awareness month in Nebraska

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman declares
September Renewable Fuels Awareness month
at Husker Harvest Days today.

"Renewable fuels are a contributor to the Nebraska economy. The production of these fuels provides marketing options for our crop farmers, creates key feedstuffs for our livestock producers and helps create a more sustainable rural economy by providing jobs and contributing to local and state revenue," said Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman at Husker Harvest Days today.

Heinemen spoke in front of the ag commodities building as part of a Renewable Fuels Awareness month proclamation.

The proclamation was coordinated by the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board. It recognizes the contributions of Nebraska farmers and agribusinesses to the nation’s renewable fuel supply.
"Renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel help diversify our nation’s energy portfolio. We are fortunate to have such a strong biofuels industry right here in Nebraska, with thousands of Nebraskans helping fuel America," Heineman said.

Greg Greving, Gov. Heineman and Tim Scheer
at the Renewable Fuels Awareness month proclamation.

One of the co-products from ethanol production is distillers grains, which is an important feed ingredient for Nebraska's beef, swine, poultry and dairy sectors. "Only the starch portion of the kernel is used to make ethanol. The protein, fiber, and fat portions still remain for the livestock," said Tim Scheer, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board

Greg Greving, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board, said as Nebraska farmers head out to harvest this year’s crops, more than half will be fueling their equipment with a soy biodiesel blend because of the many benefits it has for engines and because soy biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced in America.