Kansas: The East Kansas Agri-Energy’s Garnett ethanol plant took its first load of grain today, marking the startup of the state’s seventh ethanol plant. The plant held its groundbreaking ceremony seven months ago on October 29, 2004. The EKAE plant will use about 13 million bushels of corn and grain sorghum per year to produce 35 million gallons of ethanol and more than 115,000 tons of dried distillers grains. Kansas now has seven dry grind ethanol plants in operation with a capacity of 170 million gallons.

Illinois: The Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA), Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Soybean Association had an opportunity to host the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns at an event northwest of Springfield at the Stone Seed Farm. Roger Sy, President, of ICGA and producer from Newman, IL was present at this event and he had the opportunity to address Secretary Johanns.

“ICGA and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board are about to launch an ethanol advertising campaign with the message: The More You Know...The More You Will Want Us To Grow,” Johanns said. “The environmental and economic benefits of ethanol are clear but never in the history of the U.S. has energy been a hotter topic. And never before has the nation’s ability to produce an abundant supply of corn been so evident.”

Sy said the program was very positive and this was a great day for Illinois corn growers because he had the opportunity to address many important Agricultural issues and Secretary Johanns was very supportive and committed to passing an Energy Bill.

North Dakota: Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson has issued a Special Local Needs registration to Syngenta Crop Protection to allow aerial application of Callisto herbicide on corn. "Excessive rainfall this spring has caused widespread flooding and delayed planting in North Dakota," Johnson said. "These wet conditions make it difficult or impossible for ground pesticide application equipment to be used in fields, forcing growers to rely on aerial applications of pesticides."

Michigan: In order to better meet the needs of the state’s corn growers, Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) has created a new lower- cost membership category for students. This membership is for anyone currently enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited agricultural program. “In the past, MCGA only had memberships available to growers and associates. Growers would be classified as individuals who derive a portion of their income from corn production, while associates would be anyone who does not qualify as a grower,” explained Brian Kreps, MCGA President. “With the addition of a student category we’re hoping to reach out to future leaders and educate them about the programs, benefits and services available through MCGA to help them professionally.”