Minnesota corn check-off dollars, self-funded by corn farmers themselves, are funding a wide range of research projects that directly affect local business and families, including the development of value-added products, the management of corn inputs, issues related to ethanol use, the evaluation of genetic traits, and the relationship between agricultural management practices and water quality.
ETHANOL INVESTMENTS
To promote opportunities for Minnesota’s corn farmers, Minnesota Corn invests in efforts to promote and increase usage of ethanol-blended fuels.
As part of its mission to increase profitability for Minnesota’s corn farmers, Minnesota Corn invests in multiple organizations that work to maintain and develop export markets.
BETTER FUEL INITIATIVE
Unleaded 88 is a fuel for gasoline-powered vehicles containing 15% ethanol. It gets its name from its octane rating of 88. Unleaded 88 is often referred to as E15 because of its 15% ethanol concentration.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approves of using Unleaded 88 in cars, trucks, and SUVs model year 2001 and newer. The fuel is available at more than 420 Minnesota stations, with more on the way, thanks to private-public grants that help retailers offset the costs of installing fuel equipment.
Unleaded 88 is less expensive than regular unleaded fuel. That price advantage becomes particularly noticeable as oil prices rise, which we all witnessed during recent gasoline price shocks. In 2022, Unleaded 88 sold in Minnesota averaged 17 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
The energy density of Unleaded 88 and regular unleaded are very similar, and it’s unlikely you’ll notice any difference in fuel economy. In fact, one study conducted by the University of California showed some vehicles achieve slightly better miles per gallon with Unleaded 88 than regular unleaded.
The fuel is the most thoroughly tested fuel in history, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. Before approving the fuel in 2011, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy rigorously tested the use of Unleaded 88 in 80 vehicles, accumulating more than 6 million miles while operating on the fuel. Go to mnfuels.com to learn more.
SUSTAINABILITY
Minnesota corn farmers have been focused on continued sustainability for decades, and the new Minnesota Corn Sustainability Report offers a look into the research, community connections, and investments that have laid the groundwork for a sustainable future in Minnesota corn farming.
“The Sustainability Report emphasizes Minnesota Corn’s goal of the state’s corn farmers being the most sustainable and environmentally friendly corn farmers in the United States,” said Minnesota Corn Executive Director Dr. Adam Birr. “And, it shows how we’ve invested in research and development of new uses to make that a reality.”
Birr explained that the definition of sustainability is not solely environmental for Minnesota corn farmers. “It’s a holistic approach to ensuring farming is sustainable for years to come through the aspects of People, Planet, Profit.”
The phrase “People, Planet, Profit” highlights farmer connections to local communities—both farm and non-farm—as well as supporting projects that continue to investigate and develop best management practices for sustainable corn farming, including nutrient efficiency, water quality, and new uses.
- People: Strengthen rural communities while enabling a safe and healthy quality of life for non-farmers and ensuring food security for communities worldwide.
- Planet: Responsibly manage and replenish finite resources used for farming while protecting and enhancing the environment that is impacted by farming practices.
- Profit: Provide a fair margin of profit for farmers while developing equitably priced goods to the non-farming public.
Learn how Minnesota Corn has worked in partnership with farmers, non-farmers, policymakers, and other groups in the Minnesota Corn Sustainability Report.
RESEARCH
Farmers Investing in their Future
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council (MCR&PC) are committed to funding independent corn research that seeks to enhance opportunities for Minnesota corn farmers by improving agricultural practices and creating new markets for what they produce.
Minnesota corn check-off dollars, self-funded by corn farmers themselves, are funding a wide range of research projects that directly affect local business and families, including the development of value-added products, the management of corn inputs, issues related to ethanol use, the evaluation of genetic traits, and the relationship between agricultural management practices and water quality.
MINNESOTA CORN RESEARCH & PROMOTION COUNCIL
In 1990, Minnesota’s corn farmers passed a statewide referendum that created the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council. This law provided for 1/2 cent per bushel at the first point of sale, to be collected and used for the promotion, communication and research of Minnesota corn. In 2009, Minnesota corn farmers passed a referendum conducted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to increase the state corn check-off rate from 1/2 cent to 1 cent per bushel. Go to https://www.mncorn.org to learn more.
