Energy, economics will have impact on farms

By Adam Tobias of the Daily Times staff
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 12:44 PM CDT

Representatives of Wisconsin's agricultural industry and state officials get an up-close look at the progress of Renew Energy's future ethanol plant in Jefferson Monday. Located on the site of the former Cargill and Ladish Malt facilities, the business will eventually turn one-eighth of the state's corn crop into biofuel after production begins in September. (JOHN HART/Daily Times)

State officials discussed budget issues and the future of agriculture in Wisconsin during a listening session held Monday at Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC in the township of Watertown.

The listening session was preceded by a tour of the Renew Energy ethanol plant in Jefferson with state Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen and Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Jim Kreuser, D-Kenosha, in attendance.

All three of the state officials said that biofuels and bioenergy could have a great impact on economics in the state.

Nilsestuen said that five year ago the state did not produce any gallons of ethanol but this year that number is expected to climb to 270 million gallons. He added that next year the state will produce more than 500 million gallons.

“The state of Wisconsin can play a key role in advancing biofuel technology and promoting it nationwide,” Jorgensen said. “I'm going to do everything I can to support it and, in turn, support our farmers.”

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“Wisconsin is probably as well positioned as almost any state in the country if we are smart about how we do our bio,” Nilsestuen added.

Jorgensen said that Gov. Jim Doyle's original plan would have allocated $30 million in renewable energy grants and loans but the proposal was removed by the Joint Finance Committee.

Kreuser said the Senate plans to add the $30 million back in the budget. He added the budget would probably not be finalized until Labor Day.

Jorgensen said that agriculture should not be partisan issue because it will help the state grow economically and it will create more jobs.

“It is so important that people don't see this as a partisan issue of one where we are going to divide out a year from November on this,” Nilsestuen added.

The state officials said they felt the $30 million is important to the future of biofuel production and Jorgensen added the Renew Energy ethanol plant could eventually employ up to 150 people.

“One of the best things about ethanol is that it supports Wisconsin's economic backbone - our farmers,” Nilsestuen said. “Not only is the plant going to provide a lot of jobs for folks in Jefferson County, it's also going to provide stable income for area corn growers.”

“What I am excited about when I talk about this is it's not just jobs, it's rural jobs,” Jorgensen added. “Family supporting rural jobs are going to come as a result so there are a lot of good things that you don't first see when you look at it because it is a lot of money.”

According to Nilsestuen, the Renew Energy plant could potentially take in one-eighth of all the corn that is produced in Wisconsin.

Jorgensen said construction on the plant should be completed in late summer or early fall. When it is up and running, the Renew Energy plant will be the largest in the state and will produce 130 million gallons of ethanol each year, he added. The plant is expected to have a $200 million impact on the region, Jorgensen said.

“As a lawmaker from Kenosha, it is important to get around the state and learn more about a rural industry that has potential statewide,” Kreuser said. “I'm impressed with the plant's possibilities.”

In order to produce as much biofuels as possible, Nilsestuen said it is vital to protect the farmland in the state. He added the state is losing 30,000 acres of farmland per year, which is 60 percent faster than 10 years ago.

Some of the dairy farmers at the listening session brought up concerns about being able to butcher a down cow. The farmers said they know their animals and that they should be able to eat the meat if the cows are healthy. The farmers said they would not sell the meat and that they should be able to eat it themselves.