GRAND ISLAND, NE – The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board hosted an event at Husker Harvest Days today recognizing the contributions of Nebraska farmers and agribusinesses to the nation’s biofuel industry. At the event, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed a declaration proclaiming September as Renewable Fuels Awareness Month in Nebraska.

“The renewable fuels sector has been a tremendous asset in furthering economic development, particularly in our rural communities,” Gov. Heineman said. “This industry has added strength to our agriculture industry, created job and education opportunities for our residents, and brought new investment to our rural areas. Nebraska’s role as a major producer of biofuels is also helping American drivers reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board noted that the proclamation is a reminder of the importance Nebraska plays in the renewable fuels sector, both as a production center and broad adopter of renewable fuels.

At the ceremony, Alan Tiemann, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, and Gregg Fujan, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board, expressed appreciation of the governor for his support of the renewable fuels industry in Nebraska.

“Having Governor Heineman sign the proclamation and reiterate his support for renewable fuels production and use in Nebraska is appreciated by corn and soybean farmers across the state,” said Tiemann, a farmer from Seward, Neb. “Nebraska is the second-largest ethanol producing state in the country, which means we’re helping fuel the country with a renewable, clean burning fuel. At the same time, those ethanol facilities are producing a high-quality feed for our livestock industry, further adding to the benefits of corn ethanol production.”

Tiemann added that ethanol production across the country is at an all time high and headed toward 10.5 billion gallons by year-end.

Fujan, a soybean farmer from Weston, Neb., noted that as farmers head out to harvest bumper crops this year, many will be fueling their equipment with soy biodiesel and vehicles with ethanol – so it makes sense for corn and soybean farmers to work together for Renewable Fuels Awareness Month. “We appreciate Governor Heineman’s leadership in promoting Nebraska’s growing biofuels industry and recognizing our efforts,” Fujan said.

“The soybean checkoff has invested more than $60 million into the research, development and promotion of soy biodiesel fuel over the past 12 years. This commitment has created one of the fastest growing alternative fuels in the country today and has created opportunities for a new industry right here in Nebraska,” Fujan said. “Because biodiesel is only made from the oil portion of the bean, soy biodiesel production and use continues the reliable and consistent supply of soybean meal that livestock producers depend on.”

The Nebraska Corn Board is a self-help program, funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers. Producers invest in the program at a rate of 1/4 of a cent per bushel of corn sold. Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research and education.

The nine-member farmer elected Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel soybean checkoff. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.