Tory Schwope

Benson Hill Validates Benefits of Proprietary Soybean Meal in Animal Feed with Perdue Farms Including UHP-LO soybean meal significantly reduces feed costs while maintaining performance. Benson Hill validates benefits of proprietary #soybeanmeal in animal feed with Perdue Farms; Including UHP-LO soybean meal significantly reduces feed costs while maintaining performance. ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Benson Hill, Inc. (NYSE: BHIL, the “Company” or “Benson Hill”), an ag tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants, recently completed a feeding trial with industry leader Perdue Farms to demonstrate the value of incorporating soybean meal derived from Benson Hill’s Ultra-High Protein, Low Oligosaccharide (UHP-LO) soybeans into broiler diets. Results confirm that the inclusion of UHP-LO soybean meal throughout all phases of broiler production delivered a significant reduction in feed costs while maintaining performance, reflecting the higher protein and metabolizable energy inherent in Benson Hill’s proprietary soybean genetics. “Our ongoing work with Perdue and other leading #poultry producers opens up opportunities for diversifying soy options in #animalfeed and shows the benefits our seed innovations can deliver,” said Deanie Elsner, Chief Executive Officer of Benson Hill. “These positive results validate more than 20 years of soybean breeding for quality traits, further enhanced by our CropOS® technology platform, enabling us to offer an innovative soybean meal option to an already established market.” As previously announced, Benson Hill’s UHP-LO soybean varieties demonstrate novel attributes for animal feed rations, enabling broadacre expansion of Benson Hill’s proprietary soybeans. Previous research identified three key product attributes of UHP-LO soy that uniquely position it for adoption by animal companies, soybean processors, and farmers. These key attributes are higher protein levels, lower anti-nutritional factors, and competitive yields. “We’re encouraged by these latest results,” said Randy Mitchell, Vice President of Nutrition and Research at Perdue. “We look forward to partnering with Benson Hill to further evaluate this value-added soybean meal derived from their proprietary #soybean genetics in our commercial operations.” “Trial results indicate there is enough value in soybean meal derived from Benson Hill UHP-LO soybeans to drive large-scale adoption by poultry producers,” says Dr. Dr.Roy Brister, Ph.D., an independent animal nutrition and strategic poultry advisor with more than four decades of experience in the poultry industry. “Now is the time for the industry to build on this exciting innovation.” https://lnkd.in/d7N3XyWt #ussoy #soybean #soybeanmeal

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As many of you know, 2023-2024 has brought a lot of changes to the #controlledenvironmentagriculture industry and Hort Americas. From failed businesses, to changes in business partners and a new economic environments..."the only constant appears to be change." With this being said we have not loss focus on what is important to us. For us to be successful, we know that both our clients and our partners need to be prosperous. We continue to trust and believe that a long term focus on sustainability is the best way to achieve this success. You can define this approach as one that focuses on reducing inputs while efficiently and reliably maximizing outputs over long periods of time. In other words, its not only about kgs/m2 its more about a sustainable $/kg/m2 (for the environment, the community, the business and the consumer.) Areas we continue to research and be excited about: 1.) Lighting: short term focus is being put on not only spectrum and intensity, but how do lights integrate with a wide variety intelligent climate management systems (possibly AI) so that the farm can reduce capex, opex and still hit targeted yields. Long term focus is on end of life options for #LEDgrowlights. This means lots of focus on how the lights are constructed, their reliability and then deconstructed for recyclability. 2.) Substrates: short term focus is identifying substrates that address global logistics risk and carbon intensity. Long term focus, ensuring that all substrates we sell have a cradle to cradle option. (Much harder than one would think.) 3.) Fertilizers: in this case, short and long term focus is the same. Find alternative nitrogen sources that make sense to the environment at a reasonable price point. (Again, much harder than one would think.) There are other projects/products we are working with/on that we are still learning about. Still trying to understand their importance to the market which is often more narrow and niche. These range from cropping accessories that can be more easily disposed of to ones that can reduce the dependency on plastics when possible all the way to seed technology and treatments that are more suitable to wider climates. The simple point. Even with all of these changes, we have not lost our enthusiasm for our industry. #GreenhouseGrown #Horticulture #ClimateSmartAgriculture #UrbanAgriculture #AgTech

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USDA backs research into making sustainable jet fuel and fish feed from #wood Millions of pounds of low-value wood, such as small-diameter trees and branches, have been left behind in Maine’s forests due to the decline in pulp and paper production, stymied by drought, fire suppression, and dropping demand. While there are very few existing market opportunities for this low-quality woody biomass, University of Maine researchers believe it can be used to create unique goods that could bolster the economy of the state and its rural communities: sustainable jet fuel and a sustainable protein component of fish feed for aquaculture-farmed fish. The UMaine Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) and Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) have been awarded a $10 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant for their Sustainable Wood to Fuel and Fish Feed for Strengthening the U.S. Bioeconomy project, also known as SWF3. Collaborators include the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Arbiom, a North Carolina and France-based manufacturer of protein ingredients for human and animal food.  “The forest bioproducts research institute is excited to lead this interdisciplinary project,” said FBRI Director Clayton Wheeler. “The new funding is key to developing creative and sustainable markets for underutilized forest biomass while prioritizing the inclusive values that are important to advancing equitable rural development in Maine.” Low-quality wood contains both organic compounds that can be converted into fuel, called #lignins and #sugars that can be fermented into proteins for fish feed. Existing renewable fuels for jets and other aircraft are more expensive than those derived from petroleum. Making fuel from low-quality woody biomass might lower the cost while also helping the nation transition away from fossil fuels.  Fish feed, which traditionally contains fishmeal and fish oil, is among the highest expenses for aquaculture production. Making single-source proteins synthesized from sugar in woody biomass to add to fish feed may be more cost-effective and sustainable, as the use of fishmeal and reliance on natural fisheries will be greatly reduced. “The Aquaculture Research Institute is thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project,” said ARI Director Debbie Bouchard. “By converting low-quality wood into an ingredient for sustainable fish feed, we’re not only addressing a critical need in aquaculture but also enhancing the economic value of Maine’s forests. This innovative approach will pave the way for more resilient and sustainable aquaculture practices.” https://lnkd.in/dYRwZ2Hz #fishfeed #fermentation #fermentedfeed #aquaculture #sustainablejetfuel #renewablefuel

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There is a number of things that are pretty nuanced about this post and statement that are good to understand. First of all this organization is amazing! I have followed them for over 20 years and the work they do is foundational and important to the organic farming community However, there is a very clear distinction that needs to be made within organic farming in that there is a huge percentage of organic farms that are not regenerative. I wish they were regenerative, yet the sad fact is that most organic farms at scale are commercialized through our industrial agricultural system. These large farms basically just substituted inputs, which is a step in the right direction. The practices and techniques that are used by the industrialization organic are not all regenerative. Mainly in how the farm is disjointed and disconnected from the ecosystem and how the soil is treated. It's true that the soil becomes more alive is taken care of with organic inputs, however tillage and clear cultivation methods have negative effects. Also, we need to look at the social economic aspects of those working these fields and their exploitation through Capitalism is clearly non-regenerative to the people. We can flip this-in that regenerative farms are not all organic also have some negative effects. They advocate the techniques as far inputs that might be used that herbicides have less harm than the techniques of cultivation. You can see how these positions are continually at odds with each other Organic farmers are Advocating that it is the inputs that are most important. The other side, the regenerative approach is talking about the techniques for overall soil health. The thing that is completely fascinating is that both sides say that if adopted they will lead towards the other. Meaning that organic farmer will eventually become regenerative because as they see life improve and as they incorporate more organic inputs techniques to improve overall health go towards crops, etc., unfortunately this is not the case for the large scale farm. For those that are advocating for people to go regenerative say you make the transition, you will eventually become organic as it is a natural succession that you would then phase out chemical inputs and purpose sides. Both positions look at doing less harm and working towards an end result through a transition As an organic farmer of 25 years and someone who has always practices regenerative techniques and regenerative design, I don't think you can have it both ways, especially because when you mix, capitalism, industrialization and scale into it, it becomes and people make a lot of allowances and excuses. And the ecological system, ends up bearing the externalities during this transition This is unfortunately, the progression of our time I would like to suggest and challenge that those that go regenerative should incorporate organics ASAP. And organic Farms go forth with regen practices.

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Always Try To Improve And Be Better. Watch The New Episode: https://lnkd.in/gDkcGfdc Ranchers And Farmers, Differences And Similarities. #Podcast #Farmer #FarmLife #Racher #Ranch North Dakota Department of Commerce

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Data and dairy farming might sound boring... ...But it’s where sustainability gets real. Sustainability is a responsibility, and data is what makes it actionable and credible. We harness data daily on my farm for both environmental and cost savings. For instance, tracking water use helps us comply with strict state regulations. With that data, we reduced water usage without sacrificing productivity. Data empowers farmers to: → Cut water use and reduce costs. → Measure carbon footprints and sell carbon credits. → Boost animal productivity by optimizing feeding and health. And it enables consumers to demand transparency—so they know exactly how their food is produced. We're also implementing technologies like health collars for our cattle. These collars give us real-time data and early detection of health issues—things a farmer's eye wouldn’t catch. Sustainability starts with informed decisions, and data gives us the power to act. P.S. How do you think data supports sustainable food production?

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Avian Flu. Another name for the Bird Flu or HPAI or a few other names that I can't keep straight. The media is hitting on Avian Flu now being in dairy cows and the concern that it will spread to other species as well. But in our conversation with Dr. Marsh, DVM, the spread to other species has already occurred. He mentioned that it has shown up in elephant seals. This isn't the be a big "Oh, no!" about the spread, but that the move to dairy isn't completely unusual. And, as Dr. Marsh mentions, we're still trying to learn why this virus wants to "bounce around." We continue our conversation with Dr. Marsh with the above topic as well as many other questions on Avian Flu in the latest episode of Vision Tech Perspectives. #VisionTechPerspectives https://lnkd.in/dPyriSaP

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The Biggest Fish Ever Caught (By IGFA Standards) What Is the International Game Fish Association? Established in 1939, the International Game Fish Association promotes the conservation of game fish and espouses ethical practices. The IGFA maintains a database of world-record fish that you can narrow down to different categories such as all tackle, freshwater fish and saltwater fish. 5. Bluefin Tuna, 1979 In Nova Scotia, Canada, Ken Fraser caught a 1,496-pound (678.58-kilogram) Atlantic bluefin tuna. It took Fraser 45 minutes to reel in the large fish. 4. Black Marlin, 1953 In 1953, Alfred Glassel Jr. caught a 1,560-pound (707.61-kilogram) black marlin in Cabo Blanco, Peru. 3. Greenland Shark, 1987 On October 18, 1987, Terje Nordtvedt caught a 1,708-pound, 9-ounce (775-kilogram) Greenland shark in Trondheimsfjord, Norway. These sharks can potentially live more than 500 years. 2. Tiger Shark, 2004 In Ulladulla, Australia, Kevin James Clapson caught a massive shark, weighing in at 1,785 pounds (810 kilograms). Typically found in tropical and subtropical water, these giant fish can measure 25 feet long. 1. Great White Shark, 1959 In 1959, Alfred Dean caught the largest fish on record, a great white shark that weighed more than a ton off the southern coast of Australia. Using a porpoise for bait, he set the all tackle world record with a 2,664-pound (1,208.37-kilogram) fish. It isn't the largest white shark caught — for example, Donnie Braddick landed a 3,450-pound behemoth in 1986 — but it is the biggest to qualify under IGFA's standards. Dean, who holds two other records, will likely continue to have the record for biggest white shark because it is not legal to catch them in all places. The white shark is a vulnerable species. In the United States, for example, fishermen cannot land white sharks unless they "hold the appropriate permits" to "intentionally fish for white sharks with rod and reel gear as long as they release the shark immediately without removing the shark from the water and without further harming the shark." The Biggest Freshwater Fish The biggest freshwater fishes are not nearly as big as the saltwater ones. The largest freshwater fish caught is a 297-pound Wels catfish. Attila Zsedely landed the fish in River Po, Italy, in 2010. The Guinness Book of World Records, however, recognizes another freshwater fish as the biggest: a 661-pound stingray that fishermen caught in Cambodia in 2022. Before that, the Guinness Record holder was the 646-pound Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand. However, since it wasn't one person's achievement, it does not count under IGFA. https://lnkd.in/d4Ca-p8D #fish #gamefish

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You want to go back home to the farm.......but. You want to go home to the farm, but things happen. The farm isn't big enough or diverse enough. The economy is weak. The commodity prices are too soft. So many factors that will determine your opportunity to return to the farm. What are the conversations that are or should be happening? Are you talking to the stakeholders? Stakeholders could include aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins or other partners in the operation. Are you talking to your parents? Should you seek a counselor who specializes in working with families who have kids wanting to return to the farm. There are a lot of options, but the conversation has to be had. But after all of those conversations, it just doesn't look like you will be able to return to the farm coming out of school. Now what are you going to do? In the latest episode of Vision Tech Perspectives, we talk about the obstacles to going home to the family farm. Join us for the conversation. #VisionTechPerspectives https://lnkd.in/dPyriSaP

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The United States beef industry is a leader in today’s world and that’s no accident. The industry is filled with proactive individuals spanning from researchers to ranchers. It’s nothing short of exciting to be an American rancher today. Amanda Radke is an example of a rancher, industry leader and innovator in the beef industry. Her experiences as a rancher and speaker allow her to see not only the challenges ranchers face today but also how they overcome them to create successful businesses that will be passed down for generations. Amanda shares her opinions about the challenges the American rancher faces today during this podcast episode. *The opinions shared in this episode are those of Amanda Radke. They are not intended to be representative of any past, current or future advertisers on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast. In this episode, we dive into: Overcoming the Challenges: Learn how to navigate and overcome the challenges facing American ranchers in today's beef industry. Protecting Your Property: Discover the importance of private property rights in agriculture and how it impacts your ranching business. Connecting with Consumers: Uncover the power of direct-to-consumer beef marketing and its potential impact on your profitability. Navigating Government Mandates: Understand the impact of government mandates on ranching and how to adapt to these changes. Empowering Young Ranchers: Explore innovative strategies for young ranchers entering the industry and how to carve out a successful path in beef cattle production. My special guest is Amanda Radke Amanda Radke is a fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, SD. Alongside her husband, Tyler, and their four children, they operate Radke Land & Cattle, an Angus and Limousin seedstock operation. She’s the host of “The Heart of Rural America” podcast and radio show, a syndicated columnist, a western retailer, a consultant with CK6 Consulting, co-owner of the new beef auction company, Bid on Beef, and a children’s book author focused on promoting ag literacy in schools. She currently serves as an appointee on the National Agriculture Campaign Advisory Council, where she provides industry insights to the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee. Learn more about Radke at www.amandaradke.com. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction to Casual Cattle Conversations 00:03:41 - The Spirit of the American Rancher 00:06:41 - Amanda's Role in Helping Ranchers 00:10:30 - Challenges Faced by American Ranchers 00:13:53 - Impact on Rising Generations 00:14:28 - Embracing Innovation in the Cattle Industry 00:15:21 - Navigating Challenges and Opportunities 00:16:47 - Creating Value for Consumers 00:21:40 - Empowering Proactive Action 00:26:58 - Challenges of Land Use and Environmental Impact 00:28:47 - Future of Carbon Metrics 00:29:48 - Holding the Line 00:31:28 - Finding Common Ground 00:32:37 - Industry Unity 00:34:24 - Igniting Patri

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Vision Tech PerspectivesIs Ag Using One Voice (#24) The Ag industry, like any other industry, has a number of associations, such as The American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers, National Soybean Growers, National Wheat Growers, National Pork Producers, etc., that are the voice of that particular segment of the industry. But at what point do all of these segment associations speak for agriculture as one voice for policy and education? In this episode of Vision Tech Perspectives, Doug and Dave discuss how agriculture is under significant scrutiny needs to speak as one. Join us for the conversation. #VisionTechPerspectives #VisionTechPerspectives www.VisionTechMgmt.comhttps://https://lnkd.in/g68TcUvi

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Free Download pt 4 *this is a two-fer 18 Farm Financial Ratios eBook + Calculator What gets measured gets managed, so this guide helps create a system of accountability and insight for the financial health of farm & ranch operations. Here's the 18 KPIs: EBITDA Current Ratio Net Farm Income Net Income Ratio Debt to Asset Ratio Debt to Equity Ratio Asset Turnover Rate Equity to Asset Ratio Interest Expense Ratio Operating Profit Margin Rate of Return on Equity Rate of Return on Assets Operating Expense Ratio Depreciation Expense Ratio Debt Service Coverage Ratio Working Capital to Gross Revenues Replacement Margin Coverage Ratio Capital Debt Repayment Coverage Ratio Link to download ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/g29gEsGB

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🏦 🛑 STOP sending me your direct deposit form!! Harvust has one for you to use, included. How is there so many different variations of what is fundamentally the same thing??? Multiple accounts? Percentages? Fixed amounts? Fixed + percentage? Whenever we bring on a new grower they always send us their version...but guess what? From our data, most employees have just one bank account that gets all of their paycheck. These complex forms are confusing to the employee, and make the onboarding take longer. So we decided that we'll provide a single optimized, and customizable direct deposit form for our customers, saving everyone time. In fact it's faster to customize our form in Harvust than it is to find yours and upload it. This is a place where competing farmworker onboarding systems fall short, yeah they make the signing process faster, but they add this maintenance overhead of keeping your hiring packets up-to-date, etc. It's like "STOP, just let Harvust handle that too!" If you want to see a what ours looks like, or even download it and use it on paper (why?!?!) I’ve linked it in the comments 👇

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Pushing for  High Yield Soybeans in a Low-Income Environment Connor Sible a crop scientist at the University of Illinois, is working to increase soybean yield dramatically. He says he loves pushing that envelope. “I think #soybean has untapped potential and there are many more bushels to be gained. But one of the challenges when we talk about high yield is that it usually means higher inputs and more inputs, and that, then, has higher costs associated. In today's markets and such, we're looking maybe to reduce our costs and inputs to make sure that profitability stays high as well. You know, it's not just how many bushels per acre, it's how many dollars profit per acre at the same time.” The university researcher says four things come to mind when considering how to manage soybean inputs for profitability. The first is mechanical. The crop scientist insists farmers need to have the planter and the combine set to optimize operations. Things like seed spacing and depth at planting, as well as setting the combine each time it enters a new field. “That's just the easiest way to capture as much yield, and there's no additional cost asked for that one. Weed and disease management. You know, anything in high yield doesn't help if you have something taking yield away, so we have to prioritize those inputs first because any input you do beyond the pest management won't have any benefit if you have pests that are in the way. Seeding rates and variety selection, you know that bags of seeds pretty much cost the same no matter which maturity group you're going out for, so maybe we should start changing our maturity group selection with a same cost but a different variety type approach. And then a new seed treatment. I think that's probably the most economical input area where we can see yield gains with not as much of an upfront cost.” Connor Sible is in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. https://lnkd.in/d8RK-rdF #ussoy #soybean #soybeanmeal #soybeanoil

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"AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “If Congress fails to pass a new and improved farm bill, they will be responsible for leaving farmers in a lurch at a time when we’ve lost more than 140,000 family farms in just five years. When the current farm bill was drafted in 2018, the agricultural landscape was drastically different. Policy that pre-dates a global pandemic, historic inflation, skyrocketing supply costs and geopolitical uncertainty just won’t cut it today or next year. Congress must not put farmers, ranchers and America’s families on the back burner. The House Agriculture Committee has done its part so far. It’s now time for the Senate Agriculture Committee to move this process forward.” *** "Once a global leader, America has fallen far behind China in publicly funded agricultural research. China spends more than $10 billion a year on agricultural research, double the spending in the U.S. In fact, China’s research investments nearly match the combined investments by the U.S., India and Brazil. “Supporting the productivity of U.S. agriculture is critical to our competitiveness in the larger world market; it is fundamental to building our capacity to contribute to environmental sustainability; and it is absolutely necessary to supporting the health and nutrition of the world’s population.” #morningagclips #hemp #foodfuelfiber #farmersfirst

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BLOOMBERG: Peak Beef Could Already Be Here. For climate doomers and denialists alike, this is good news in the quest to rein in emissions. There’s one place where the opposing groups agree, however: As incomes rise and people buy more of it, beef-eating is such an irresistible habit that only implausibly radical behavioral changes can stop things spiraling further out of control. They’re both wrong about that, though. As we’ve argued in the past, the world is rapidly closing in on peak beef. The carbon hoofprint of the global cattle herd may be already in decline. Climate doomers and denialists might prefer the grim narrative that we have no way of reining in our emissions, but, in agriculture as in industry, there’s evidence of progress all around us. If even the allure of a burger or steak frites can be resisted, the sky’s the limit. https://lnkd.in/gT2S6FbQ #meat #meatindustry #poultryindustry #swineindustry #beef #chickenmeat #pork

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NATURE: Carbon capture in fish farms can address climate change while removing toxic sulfide Scientists are exploring a new model for carbon capture in low-oxygen aquatic environments, such as fisheries, that will help address rising global temperatures and could potentially be cost-effective, according to a recent study published in Nature Food. Lead researcher Mojtaba Fakhraee, an assistant professor of Earth sciences University of Connecticut who will begin his appointment in August 2025, says traditional methods of reducing emissions are no longer sufficient to keep global temperature increases below 2°C, a goal set by the Paris Agreement. In recent years, scientists have turned to carbon capture—the process of capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources—as a possible solution to address climate change alongside traditional efforts to reduce carbon emissions. https://lnkd.in/dwakQ2bV #aquaculture #carbonemission

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Balancing the Benefits of Biofuels/Economics of U.S. Crop-Based Fuel Production: Transportation Energy Institute Report A question considered by the Report is whether crops should be diverted to fuel production at the expense of food production. The Report’s arguments/conclusions include: ➡️Biofuels will be critical to reducing the carbon intensity of liquid fuels, which is necessary to achieve emissions reduction goals from legacy and new vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. ➡️The expansion of #biofuels in the past has not resulted in an expansion of cultivated acres and has generated significant livestock feed. The Renewable Fuel Standard has reduced carbon emissions by more than 1.2 billion metric tons and the impact on consumer expenditures has been about 1%. ➡️The cost of producing the #feedstocks is not directly a cost of biofuel production, as the commodity price sets the cost of feedstock to the biofuel industry. ➡️The CI of #corn #ethanol related to direct and indirect land use change has been declining over time, as corn yields have increased without corresponding increases in #fertilizer use and as the ethanol conversion process has become more efficient (significant potential to lower the biofuels emissions by adopting climate-smart practices for corn crop production that increase the efficiency of N fertilizer use, reduce use of #fossilenergy, and increase #soilcarbonsequestration). ➡️The impact of the production of corn ethanol on food prices and indirect land use change was more significant in the early years of the #Renewable _Fuel_Standard than in the long run (citing data showing that 37.6% of the corn produced in the U.S. was to produce ethanol and ethanol made up 10.2% of all fuel used in gasoline vehicles in 2022). A copy of the Report can be downloaded here (https://lnkd.in/d8rpz9CH) https://lnkd.in/deMh-MB4

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