Press Contact: Monte Shaw

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In recognition of Iowa Swine Day on June 27, IRFA Highlights the Importance of Renewable Fuels to Iowa’s Swine Industry

JOHNSTON, IA – In preparation for Iowa Swine Day on June 27, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today reiterated how renewable fuels production is boosting the profitability of raising hogs in Iowa.

“On Iowa Swine Day, it’s important to remember that a strong renewable fuels industry means a strong hog industry here in Iowa,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “IRFA members have developed solid relationships with Iowa’s pork producers and the numbers show it.  Whether it’s purchasing choice white grease for biodiesel production or supplying affordable distillers grains for feed, Iowa renewable fuels and Iowa pork production have a symbiotic relationship.”

Ethanol production helps Iowa pork producers by providing an affordable, high protein feed called distillers grains (DDGS). In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ProExporter Network recently noted that Iowa hogs are the number one in-state consumer of DDGS, utilizing approximately 1.2 million tons of DDGS each year.  This represents 61% of in-state DDGS consumption. For more information, please click here.

Biodiesel production not only lowers the cost of soybean meal, it also increases the value of animal fats benefitting Iowa’s pork producers. In fact, a recent study by Cardno ENTRIX found that an Iowa hog producer realizes a $4 per head boost in profitability because of Iowa’s biodiesel industry.  In addition, an Iowa farmer raising both crops and hogs would see nearly a 20 percent increase in net income because of Iowa biodiesel production. For more information, please click here.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.7 billion gallons annually, with one wet mill and two cellulosic ethanol facilities currently under construction. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.