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NCGA
Spreads the Word on DDGS' Benefits (1-24-02)
Ethanol
is quickly becoming the fuel of choice in the Unites States as a safer,
cleaner-burning alternative to the petroleum-based MTBE. A valuable
co-product of dry grind ethanol distillation is distillers grain, which
can be used as a protein supplement in livestock feed.
The
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recognizes the importance of
co-products and is sending Livestock Services Manager Tracy Snider to
Denver, Colo., Feb. 4-8 to attend the National Cattlemen and Beef Association
(NCBA) Convention and continue to promote corn and ethanol co-products.
"We are striving to pursue an active role with NCBA," Snider
said.
NCGA
is currently riding a high-level of success in the field of DDGS. In
November, Snider conducted a very successful workshop on the subject
in Lincoln, Neb. "The workshop was to educate growers and industry
reps from both ethanol and the animal nutrition industries how the product
is being used," she said.
"We're
hoping the exposure to how distillers grains are being used in the livestock
market will help stabilize the ethanol market by creating a larger need
for both ethanol and DDGS," Snider continued. "This will also
stabilize the corn market and make corn more profitable for growers."
Snider
also spoke recently at the Texas Ethanol Conference on the advantages
of distillers grains for livestock. "During the conference, I spoke
on the potential value of co-product markets," she said.
"Due
to the numbers of cattle on feed in Texas, growing dairies and prospective
hog farms there are accessible markets for corn distillers grains in
Texas," said Snider. "As Texas moves forward with their feasibility
study on Texas Ethanol Production, there livestock population will play
an important role in determining potential profitability and grower
value."
Over
the next several weeks, DDGS will continue to be a focal point for NCGA
as they educate growers on the merits of the co-product. In late February
the Renewable Fuels Association will conduct their National Ethanol
Conference in San Diego where Snider will be moderating a panel on DDGS.
Mid-March sees Snider wracking up more travel points during the American
Society of Animal Sciences (ASAS) Midwest Meeting and DDG Review.
"With
the demand for ethanol set to triple by 2003, the question is where
the co-products, such as distillers grains, will go," Snider concluded.
"These workshops are meant to set the stage for those discussions
and open up opportunities for better understanding of the use of distillers
grains."
Last reviewed
January 23, 2002
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