MoKan NAMA joined the “Kickoff” breakfast the first morning of The Western Farm Show on Friday, February 26^th. The breakfast featured Missouri’s Director of Agriculture, Richard Fordyce. He shared his insights on how ag technology is changing so fast, consumers are four generations removed from the farm, and new conservation/stewardship practices farmers are challenged with today. The event was sponsored by Missouri Farmers Care and our chapter made a donation to their organization. Members attending the breakfast had the opportunity to check out the farm show as well.

The Cornhusker Chapter held an event February 16, at Green Plains, Inc. that was hosted by Jim Stark, VP of Investor & Media Relations.  In this role, he oversees all corporate communications.

Jim gave the group an overview of the renewable fuels energy industry and the role it plays within the agricultural industry.

Green Plains is a vertically integrated ethanol producer based in Omaha and the third largest ethanol producer. They currently have an ethanol production capacity of approximately 1.2 billion gallons per year with 14 plants strategically located across the U.S.

They are on track to be the biggest ethanol producer, creating 2-3 billion gallons of ethanol a year. They also operate an independent third-party ethanol marketing business, Green Plains Trade.  In addition, Green Plains provides grain storage through their subsidiary, Green Plains Grain.  3.4 Million ton of feed is produced as distiller grains.

Several notable facts that he shared with the group are that GP Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, 1800-1900 trucks a day go through their 14 plants, they export their ethanol to BP and Exxon, they own a 70,000 Head Cattle Feed Lot in Kismet, KS and will have a new Nascar car on the track soon, that will be a big supporter of E-15.