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Minnesota corn farmer concerned as ethanol demand suffers

Reduced fuel demand and the associated slowdown in ethanol production has damaged a critical market for corn.

Jerry Demmer, who farms in southern Minnesota, calls the COVID-19 pandemic a terrible situation.

“And I get it, you know with people not driving (causing) a reduction in usage of gas and therefore a reduction in ethanol usage. But ethanol is such a vital contribution to using our corn.”

The corn and soybean grower from Clarks Grove tells Brownfield the struggles of the biofuels industry have sent shockwaves across rural America.

“And also making the byproducts (like) Dried Distillers Grains for the livestock industry. Plants shut down, some throttle back, and we can’t lose that industry.”

Ethanol demand has been improving as states ease stay-at-home orders, allowing more people to travel.

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