NCBA Unpleased By Decision Against RFS Waiver

US - The cattle producers that make up the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) are disappointed with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision not to grant a waiver from the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).
calendar icon 8 August 2008
clock icon 1 minute read


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"Our industry has suffered a record of nearly $1.5 billion in cattle feeding losses between January and June of 2008"
Andy Groseta, NCBA President.

Andy Groseta, NCBA President, says that the organisation had hoped that the Administration would recognize the hardship cattle producers are facing with tight corn supplies and high prices for feed.

“Our industry has suffered a record of nearly $1.5 billion in cattle feeding losses between January and June of 2008, which we believe constitutes the severe economic impact necessary to prompt a waiver from the RFS mandate.

“With the ethanol mandate increasing from nine billion gallons in 2008 to 11.1 billion gallons in 2009, this situation will only worsen. The government is drastically increasing the demands on our corn supply in a time of record prices. Several million more planted corn acres will be needed in 2009 at a time when competition for acreage is already very tight.

“Governor Rick Perry of Texas provided exceptional leadership in requesting the waiver, and his efforts highlighted the plight of ranchers across the country. With the government mandating that large portions of our corn crop be used to create ethanol, it is our cattle producers who are feeling the biggest pinch. High demand and high prices for corn hurt America’s ranchers more than any other sector of the economy."

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