Ethanol
South Dakota is a leader in ethanol production with dozens of working ethanol plants that produce clean and renewable fuel for consumers in the state and around the country, and South Dakota Farmers Union advocates on behalf of ethanol producers
and the farmers that produce the feedstock. South Dakota is home to the largest ethanol producer in
the world, POET, which produces millions of gallons of ethanol every day in South Dakota and across the country. The ethanol industry supports hundreds of jobs in South Dakota, and has a major economic impact in the state. Ethanol increases the market for South Dakota raised corn which helps keep farmers profitable and keeps them in business.
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Ethanol Blender Pumps
South Dakota Farmers Union continues to lead the way in advocating for more ethanol blender pumps at retail outlets across the state. Ethanol blender pumps allow consumers to choose the ethanol blend that works best for them. Whether it’s E15, E30, E50, or E85, many blender pumps offer a wide range of ethanol blends for use in vehicles.
Cellulosic Ethanol
Cellulosic ethanol production is still in its infant stages, but many think it’s the future of the industry. Cellulosic ethanol is friendly to the environment and it’s renewable. It can be produced from several different feedstocks including non-food plant materials like agricultural wastes, dedicated energy crops like switchgrass, corn cobs, wood products and even algae. A cellulosic ethanol pilot plant at Scotland, South Dakota, owned by POET is developing new ways of making cellulosic ethanol.