According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol refineries in Iowa produced a record 1.5 billion gallons of the corn-based renewable fuel during 2006, up 36% from the previous record of 1.1 billion set in 2005.

To achieve that mark, more than 550 million bushels of corn, or roughly 25% of Iowa’s 2005 harvest, were processed in Iowa’s refineries, the latest of which came on-line in December. As of December, there are 26 refineries in operation with an annual capacity of 1.7 billion gallons; expansion of existing facilities and construction of new plants are expected to add an additional 1.4 billion gallons in 2007.

According to the Renewable Fuels Association, … Iowa now produces about one-third of all of the US renewable fuels, and that is growing. 

Let’s hope there’s not too much rain in May, or not enough in July in Iowa - or their corn crop, and our motor fuel, will disappear.